It’s been two years since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, translating to two years of unconventional work setups.
For instance, it’s become more commonplace to have a hybrid work model. Or even have entire teams working remotely.
If you’re a manager, how do you manage your remote employees?
Doing so presents unique challenges, especially when managing remote employees.
With these challenges in mind, I’ve compiled a list of tips to help any manager work effectively with their remote employees. (And who knows, if you’re working remotely, you might find some benefit to this, as well.)
Set Clear Expectations
Make sure your employees know what to expect from you and the organization. For instance:
- What hours are they expected to work and/or be available online?
- How often should they touch base with you?
- How will you keep track of their progress?
Setting your expectations upfront will sidestep more significant problems down the line.
Facilitate Open and Honest Communication
This should be a rule when working with any employee, but especially those whom you don’t see in person regularly. Communication is the only way to ensure everything is running smoothly with your remote employees. Just as you should be able to tell them if they’re not meeting work expectations, they should be able to tell you if they’re struggling.
Schedule Consistent Check-ins
One way to facilitate this communication is to have consistent check-ins with your remote workers. Whether weekly or monthly, five minutes or an hour, create a time to talk and ensure all expectations are being met.
Respect Their Boundaries
Perhaps your office has given workers the choice to remain at home or come back to the office. Regardless of what you’ve decided, respect the decision of other employees to continue working from home. You can still manage a productive team with or without being in the office; it just might require some modifications.
The pandemic may have upended much of life as we know it, but it’s also given us the chance to change the way things have always been done, hopefully for the better.
The learning curve for managing remote employees may be steep, but the payoff will be worth it.
Talk with you soon.
Sydney
