Remote employees are becoming a more and more popular way for businesses to save money on labor costs. With all of the technological advances, it is easier than ever to hire remote workers that can do just as good of a job as an in-office employee.
The downside is that it may be difficult for these remote employees to feel engaged with their work and company if they don’t have any meaningful interactions with those around them. Here are five tips you can implement today, so your remote employees feel connected.
Take The Time To Invest In Your Remote Employees.
Even if you’ll never meet them, it’s still important for them to feel like they’re a valuable part of the company and that their thoughts are valued by someone who is invested in what they have to say. They also need opportunities for growth and improvement, as well as get feedback on how they’re doing at work.
Engage Remote Employees through Video Conferencing
Consider setting up Skype meetings or calls with key leadership members from other departments. Thus remote workers can get updates about what is going on behind the scenes. This will give them more context about why certain decisions were made. which makes it easier for everyone involved because people understand where frequent changes come from. It helps prevent resentment from building up over mistakes because there was no closure on the situation, to begin with.
It may not feel like it, but you do have a lot of power. Make sure your remote employees are aware that they can still make suggestions or ask questions about how things work in the office. You’ll be amazed at what happens when you let them know their voice matters.
Engaging remote employees through video conferencing, phone calls, and text messaging. These are all ways to stay connected with your employees who may be in another time zone or on the other side of the world.
Create an Online Forum
The forum can be for everyone to post and comment on articles related to company strategy. Then both people from inside and outside of the company can get involved. This will help increase engagement because there is something for everybody. Whether someone has been out of college for two weeks or twenty years, having this type of space where people can share ideas makes sense for all different levels of experience.
Not every remote employee is an introvert. Make sure that they have the opportunity to attend events if you’re holding them in person. Being able to get together with other members of your team and share ideas face-to-face will make a huge difference for some people, so don’t disregard this option.
Give Your Remote Employees Opportunity for Growth and Improvement
You can’t just focus on the remote employee’s engagement with their work. They also need to be engaged at home. One way you can do this is by making sure that they have opportunities for growth and improvement. Let them give feedback on how they’re doing at work and be accountable. You can motivate them by recognizing their efforts with medals, engraved crystal awards, and accolades.
Create policies for work /life balance
Creating policies for work/life balance and working remotely is not just an option but a necessity. Besides, it should be with no repercussions when used appropriately. This opens up opportunities for those who might have otherwise been unable to continue employment due to family commitments, chronic illness, and others. This will make them feel more connected as they share company values internally while balancing other aspects of life outside of work.
Conclusion
Always remember, engaged, happy, and productive people are the key to a successful company. If you want these things for your staff while they work remotely, it’s important you get creative about how to make sure your workforce is feeling included no matter where they choose to do their work.
Remote employees need engagement outside of their work too. This may be in the form of an article posted online where people can comment and contribute ideas or by attending events if you hold them in person (in addition to communicating via Skype meetings).
The above tips will help you keep your remote employees engaged and the result will be successful.
