Employers that allow remote workers make an extra $2,000 profit per annum per remote worker, according to Stanford Business. As the typical small business has an average of 10 employees, you can make a lot of money. But to ensure remote working benefits your employees and your organization, you need to put rules and procedures in place.
Here’s what you need to do to manage your remote team successfully.
Be flexible
More than 90% of workers say flexibility is important. Remote working is the ideal time to be as flexible as possible. The main aim of your business should be to keep your employees happy. Realistically, as long as your workers work all the hours expected of them, and complete their work to a good standard, it shouldn’t matter what time of day or night they do it. If you’re flexible, you’ll find your employees are more likely to be flexible to meet your needs too. For example, if you need to hold a team meeting, you can ask that all employees must attend regardless of when they prefer to put in their hours.
Expect a good working environment
To be productive and work to their best, remote workers need to work from a desk and comfortable chair. However, 45% of remote workers say they regularly work from the couch. Two-thirds also say they occasionally work from bed. These locations are unprofessional and distracting. The area needed for remote working should be somewhere accessible and convenient, such as under the stairs. It’s also possible to put up a room divider to separate a room. This dedicated working space is essential as it helps workers to get into a working mindset so they can get on with their jobs. As an employer, it’s important you set expectations about your workers’ home working conditions. Provide as many resources as you can, including an ergonomic chair, foot stall, and keyboard. An in-home visit to carry out a health and safety assessment is a good time to check the setup is as recommended.
Encourage communication
There’s no denying that remote working has created communication boundaries over the past two years. One study found that remote workers spent 25% less time collaborating with different teams and were slower to make new connections. Part of your job must involve keeping the line of communication open between you and your employees, as well as between colleagues. People have different communication preferences so find out what each of your workers prefers and stay in touch with them that way. When it comes to promoting collaboration, hold regular coffee mornings where you all join a Zoom meeting and have a general chat and catchup. Setting up a fun chat channel is also a good way for people to get to know each other. It’s also a good place for workers to go to when they’re feeling stressed or finding working alone a little difficult.
Employers have a big responsibility in managing remote teams successfully. You haven’t got to do it all alone though as these tips will help you get the best out of your home workers.
