All jokes aside, no-one could prepare or plan for 2020 and there are still things that are challenging to navigate. One of them is how do you manage remote workers?
The simple answer is to trust they will continue to perform as before. But for many business owners and managers, it’s not that simple. So what do you do?
Here are 5 Tips for managing remote workers and the first one starts with you.
Tip 1 – How Are You Going?
Are you as productive as you were at the same time last year? Are you working ridiculous hours because you can’t differentiate between work and leisure? Or are you experiencing technical issues which are frustrating your efforts?
Before you start tackling the complexities of managing a remote team, take some time to check how you are going and use the next 4 tips to help you, and your team.
Tip 2 – Measuring Performance
Presenteeism – that’s showing up for work but doing very little – can be easier for staff to hide onsite, than when working remotely. That’s because, if we see someone sitting at their computer, we assume they are working. But with remote working, you can see their output, so now is a great time to set clear, measurable performance expectations. If you’re not sure where to start, we can help you.
Tip 3 – Technological Support
Internet speeds, equipment, work environment all affect productivity and few of us expected to be working from home this late in the year. It could be time to check in with staff to see if they need help from you to update their internet plan, home equipment or workspace. You will need policies to cover you should the employee resign etc. For help, get in touch with us.
Tip 4 – Is Everyone On The Same Page
With COVID-19, change is happening quickly and often. In fact, things have happened so fast, it can be difficult to remember where we thought we would be in March, June or even September.
If change is happening this fast, it’s highly likely some team members haven’t been informed of what’s now expected. That means they may be working at performance levels or following goals that are no longer relevant. To ensure your whole organisation is kept in the loop and heading in the same direction, good communication systems need to be implemented. Let us know if you need guidance on how to do this.
Tip 5 – Schedules, Balance And ‘To-Do’ Lists
Technology allowed us to work during the commute so workdays were already extended. But now that many of us are working from home, striking a balance between work and leisure is even harder. For everyone’s mental health – yours and your staff – you need to set parameters.
Make sure you communicate your expectations on what time you expect staff to begin work and finish work each workday. Remind your team of how long their lunch break is and make sure they stick to it. Also encourage them (and yourself) to take regular breaks of 5-10 minutes to stretch, look away from the screen, grab a glass of water etc.
For direction, whether it’s weekly or daily, ask everyone to write a list of work tasks or projects they intend to complete. Ensure it’s realistic and in-line with both individual and business goals. Then review results together to identify successes and areas that need greater attention.
Business Is Learning On The Run
This year continues to throw up new challenges which mean we are all learning as we go. But when it comes to managing your people, you don’t have to do it alone. At End2End Business Solutions, we help business owners manage, monitor and motivate their staff.
If you’d like a helping hand, get in touch. Call 02 8977 4002.