For all the benefits that remote working can offer employers and employees (a surge in productivity, better work-life balance, reducing the need for office space), it can be an isolating experience for the homeworker, especially if the business operates with a team who works from the office.
Because remote working is generally seen as a perk, as a business owner, it’s easy to fall into a “leave them to it” trap. However, ensuring your remote workers feel part of your team is important. In this post, 1st Formations explores 5 different ways you can keep your remote workers engaged. Let’s get started.
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Daily check-in
Take the time once a day to say hello to your remote workers via your business’s chosen instant messenger tool (a video call might be a bit full-on).
If you do this at 9 am, it will look like you’re checking up on them, so instead, give it a few hours and then send them a quick message to see how they’re getting on and ask if they have any questions about the task(s) they’re working on.
It might sound overbearing, but if they were in the office, you’d no doubt say, “Hi,” – so why treat your remote workers differently?
As well as this daily message, you should arrange a regular (monthly, for example) formal discussion where you can discuss anything else you need to.
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Schedule collaboration days
Sometimes it can feel like you have two different workforces. Those who come into the office and those who work remotely.
Encourage your homeworkers to visit the office for dedicated collaboration days, whereby all team members step away from their day-to-day tasks to tackle specific challenges within the business.
For example, you could host an “innovation day” to focus on scoping out a brand-new service from the bottom up or a “tear it up and start again day” where you improve on an existing service.
Remote working can be remarkably advantageous for small businesses, but sometimes nothing beats getting people together in a room.
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Embrace the rights tools
Using the right software is vital if your team is spread out. Fortunately, business owners are now spoilt for choice regarding the different collaboration platforms available to them.
First, you need to find the right piece of productivity software for your emails, instant messages, video chat, and documents. The big names here are Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. Make your choice and then roll it out across your business, being sure to run training programs if necessary.
Then you should investigate project software, such as Trello and Slack, that will allow your team to collaborate efficiently and act as a hub for all documentation and other resources associated with a project.
Finally, consider introducing an intranet to act as a virtual noticeboard for your business, where you can post information relating to products and services, new starters, and anything else that previously required the dreaded all-office email.
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Never forget to invite remote workers
Remember to include your remote workers on the invite list if you are arranging a meeting, the summer party, a team-building activity, or any other event.
Intentionally or not, excluding these people will never go down well, ultimately leading to resentment.
However low-key something may seem, if possible, try and include your remote workers.
Having an ad hoc meeting about a project? Invite home-working staff who can contribute. Is someone leaving? Host an online farewell catch-up where remote workers can drop in to say goodbye. Got a new starter? Don’t forget to arrange an introductory meeting with the work-from-homers.
The key is to be as inclusive as possible.
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Consider your communications
Paranoia can be a common feeling for homeworkers. When physical interactions are limited, it can be all too easy to overanalyze an email, instant message, or video call.
While you certainly shouldn’t give remote workers preferential treatment over their in-office colleagues, you should take a little more time to think about how you interact with them.
Be sure to provide positive feedback when appropriate, but when criticism is required, deliver it in a way that won’t make an employee question the stability of their role.
If you suspect a team member is anxious, provide them a platform to discuss this.
So, there you have it.
Follow the 5 tips listed in this post, and you’ll go a long way in ensuring that your remote workers remain a productive and engaged set of employees. We hope you have found this post helpful.
1st Formations provide a range of services designed to help small business owners start, run and grow. Visit their website for information on how they can help you on your business adventure.
