Distance has invaded our lives in large doses over the past year. The pandemic has instantly brought us social distancing, remote services, remote entertainment, relaxation, study, dining, and even work.
They say that everything new is a well-forgotten old, and it's true. We quickly recalled the work-from-home style that existed before the industrial revolution and adapted it to the new reality, although this adjustment took several stages.
Remote working in the new reality initially resembled a vacation between four walls, then permanent work from home, and finally took on a specific form in each organization, and more or less everything fell into place.
In the first half of last year, the majority of employees were very positive about working remotely, but after a few months, even people who had never complained about being away from home for long periods of time and felt most comfortable at home began to complain about working remotely.
Throughout this period, one of the main tasks of the management team of companies has become motivating employees, properly organizing the team, and effectively managing remotely. Adjusting to a remote schedule has proven to be exceptionally easy, especially for large technology companies, and this has brought quite a positive financial and productive effect to the company. As a result, successful “remote specialists” have made working from home a long-term norm. While other companies, due to their specifics or subjective opinions, have not been able to effectively adjust to a remote regime, and the new reality still remains a challenge for them.
What should company managers consider when working remotely, and what are the so-called "golden tips"?
1. Raise it. To employees Trust Quality !
For many managers, the "blind" trust of employees and the lack of knowledge about what an employee is doing during working hours has become a new experience and challenge.
Keep in mind that remote work is only effective if you have a high level of trust in your employees. Evaluate their performance only based on the work they do and don't worry about what the employee does for the full 8 hours. This, in turn, will increase the sense of responsibility of employees and they will be more attentive to each task.
2. Provide Correct Communication !
Remote work is, of course, unthinkable without technical proficiency. Therefore, provide each of your employees with appropriate technical equipment and simple communication channels and tools so that there are no barriers to work.
You can continue written communication using existing communication tools, such as email, and for meetings and discussions, use Zoom, MS Teams, etc.
3. Set Structured Work Time And Schedule !
Ensure that team members' remote working hours match, ensuring they work synchronously and simultaneously so that results are achieved quickly and efficiently.
4. Ask Employees Specific Tasks And Control Their Performance
Accurately categorize and define who has what role and responsibilities and in what time the assigned task must be completed. Use so-called management programs, which are abundantly available on the Internet. Such as Google drive, Todoist, Basecamp, etc.
5. Give To the team Social Interaction Opportunity !
Engage the team remotely. Give team members the opportunity to talk about non-work topics. For example, before the meeting, bring up a general topic of interest to everyone and involve the team in the conversation.
Set aside a budget so that your team can meet periodically in a non-work environment, such as a cafe or outdoor space. If that’s not possible, organize a virtual meeting night. The remote dining experience mentioned above can help with this.
6. Declare Employees Emotional Support !
The new reality is causing stress and negative emotions in many people. That's why it's important to listen to your employees and express your emotional support. Ask them often how they're feeling and how they're adjusting to the new reality. Be sure to listen carefully.
Make the most of your emotional intelligence, which will help you better understand and manage your own and others' emotions.
