As a business owner, one of your main goals is to ensure that work is completed in the most effective and efficient way possible. Often, this means considering alternative ways of working, such as having employees work remotely. While this approach can bring significant savings on office and technology costs, it also requires effective management strategies.
Traditionally, many business owners relied on the amount of time their employees spent at their desks to gauge productivity. However, when managing a remote team, there are several additional areas that need to be considered.
First and foremost, clear communication is essential. As a leader, communicating effectively with all team members can be challenging, especially when they are working remotely and have different schedules. Regardless, offering constructive feedback and potentially even demoting employees requires a high level of emotional intelligence to navigate such conversations with sensitivity.
Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available to improve communication skills, from online courses to business development trainings – even a relevant degree. Going Merry scholarships can help cover some of the costs of pursuing higher education.
In addition to effective communication, understanding the unique challenges remote employees face is also key. For example, remote workers may struggle with a lack of interaction and team bonding, which can impede the establishment of a strong company culture. To address this issue, collaboration and engagement tools can be implemented to encourage interaction and teamwork.
Additionally, working remotely can be challenging for employees in terms of maintaining focus and avoiding distractions. As a business owner, you can help by encouraging them to set aside designated workspaces and block out any potential interruptions, such as household chores or other responsibilities.
To foster development and monitor progress, regular check-ins with remote employees are crucial. These can take the form of scheduled weekly, daily, or biweekly phone or video calls, where you can discuss any challenges they may be facing and any potential professional development opportunities.
Finally, ensuring remote workers have the right tools and technology to complete their work effectively is essential. Providing access to web conferencing software, productivity apps, and other relevant software or tools can help sustain successful remote work.
Overall, while managing a remote team can require some extra time and consideration, putting in place these strategies will lead to productive, motivated employees and a successful business.