Your team has been working remotely for a while now, and it seems like it will continue this way for quite some time. Overall, things are going well, but there’s room for improvement.
Initially, you were in a rush to get everyone up and running from home, but now you’re ready to formalize new policies to give employees a sense of structure. Use these tips to be the leader your team needs right now, as they adjust to working remotely for the foreseeable future.
Provide Support for an Optimal Remote Setup
Most of your employees probably don’t have a dedicated office space at home. It likely wasn’t a big deal to work from the kitchen table or the couch, but after a while, it got old. Some people might not also have the fastest internet connection, which can make communication frustrating for everyone.
If you have the budget, give your employees a bonus to help them create a comfortable, dedicated space to work from home. This will boost morale and help them be more productive.
Establish Ground Rules
Your employees are dealing with a variety of issues at home — i.e., trying to work while watching their young children — so it’s great to relax the rules a bit if you can. However, it’s important to get everyone on the same page about things like expected work hours, mandatory meetings, and taking time off to ensure productivity doesn’t take a hit.
Set Standards for Communication
Technology has made it relatively easy for remote teams to stay connected, so make your expectations clear. For example, you might require people to stay logged into chat during work hours and respond to emails within 24 hours. This is important because a lapse in communication can cause all kinds of issues that will cost your company serious time and money.
Keep Team Spirit Alive
Team bonding doesn’t stop being important just because your employees are working remotely. Foster a sense of team from afar by holding virtual events like happy hours, contests, and lunch and learns. Shared activities will encourage people to connect and help them remember that while they’re working remotely, they’re certainly not alone.
Hold Regular One-on-One Meetings
Stay involved with each of your employees by continuing to hold regular one-on-one meetings with them. This is likely more important than ever because people can’t just stop into your office with questions, comments or concerns. Having a designated time on the calendar to check in with you will make them feel valued and supported.
If you need a little help hiring remotely, PrideStaff Dallas has you covered. Contact us today to find out what we can do for your team!
