Managing Remote Workers Toolkit: Everything That You’re Going to Need

The number of people working remotely is on the rise. According to research, almost 5 million Americans are currently working remotely full or half time. Globally, about 16% of companies are hiring remotely exclusively.

This trend is only going to continue as more and more businesses realize the benefits of having a remote workforce. You may be thinking about hiring remote workers or already have a remote team. It’s essential to be prepared for the challenges that come with managing remote teams.

That’s why we’ve put together this managing remote workers toolkit. This toolkit will find everything you need on how to manage remote workers effectively.

Establish Rules of Engagement

When we’re working side-by-side with our colleagues, it’s easy to develop a set of unspoken rules about how and when to communicate.

When everyone is working remotely, these rules become harder to establish and enforce. That’s why it’s important to be explicit about your communication expectations.

Some questions you might want to consider include:

• How often should employees check their email?
• Should they respond to all emails immediately or only during certain hours?
• What is the protocol for responding to after-hours or weekend emails?
• For video chats, should employees be available at all times?
• Should they use video chat for all communication?

These are a few examples — the rules you establish will depend on the needs of your team and the nature of your work. The important thing is to make sure that everyone is on the same page and that there is a clear understanding of the expectations for communication.

Provide Different Communications Options

Not all employees prefer to communicate in the same way. Some might feel more comfortable communicating via text, while others might prefer email or video chat. As a manager, it’s essential to provide different communications options for your team.

This way, they can choose the method of communication that works best for them. It’s also crucial to over-communicate when you’re managing remote workers. This way, there are no misunderstandings or miscommunications.

When in doubt, err on the side of sending too many updates rather than too few. When you need visual details, consider using video chat or screen sharing instead of relying on email or text. This is a vital aspect of this managing remote workers toolkit.

Structure Daily Check-Ins

One way to provide support and ensure that employees are on track is to schedule regular check-ins.

These can be done via video conferencing, phone calls, or even chat. Daily check-ins are most effective when brief (15 minutes or less) and focused on specific tasks or goals.

Set a regular time and schedule for the check-in, and stick to it as much as possible. This will help employees know when to expect the check-in and be prepared for it. Keep the focus on specific tasks or goals to ensure that employees are on track and making progress.

Avoid getting sidetracked into unrelated topics. If an employee brings up a topic unrelated to the task at hand, gently redirect them back to the task at hand.

Also, end on a positive note by thanking the employee for their work and letting them know that you appreciate their efforts.

Provide Employees Opportunities for Remote Social Interactions

Employees working remotely doesn’t mean they can’t socialize. Managers need to provide opportunities for social interactions, both formal and informal, since these can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness and improve employee morale.

One way to do this is to schedule regular virtual coffee breaks or happy hours using a video conferencing tool like Zoom, Skype, or Google Hangouts.

These can be scheduled as weekly or monthly events and can be optional or mandatory. You can also use these occasions to catch up with employees one-on-one or to hold informal group discussions about work-related topics.

You can also create opportunities for employees to interact with each other outside of work hours. This can be done by setting up a private social media group for your team or organizing company-sponsored events or outings, either virtually or in person.

These events can be anything from a team-building exercise to a simple happy hour and can go a long way toward helping employees feel connected to each other. Encourage social interactions by creating opportunities for employees to work together on projects as well.

Encourage and Facilitate Communication

This means being proactive about setting up regular check-ins, using video conferencing for meetings whenever possible, and encouraging employees to use messaging apps or chat software for quick questions or updates.

It’s also important to be clear and concise in your communication. When you’re not face-to-face with employees, it can be easy for things to get lost in translation. So when you’re sending an email or leaving a voicemail, make sure that you’re being clear about what you need from the employee.

Things have only become more complicated in recent months and years due to the rise of truly-international operations. Using an employer of record service like Remote to get rid of all the legal and logistical complexities, any modern company can hire workers all around the world — and while that’s great, it introduces the need to factor in additional complications such as time differences and language barriers. Make an effort to be sensitive to cultural diversities and ensure that every team member, no matter their location, is looped in.

Finally, don’t forget to communicate your appreciation. A simple thank you goes a long way to show employees that you value their work, even when they’re not in the office.

Use an Employee Monitoring Software

If you have remote employees, it’s important to use employee monitoring software. This type of software can help you track employee productivity. You can see which employees are working on which projects, and even monitor employee computer usage.

There are a number of different employee monitoring software programs available. Be sure to do your research to find one that’s right for your business. Once you’ve selected a program, let the employees know why you’re using it and what you expect from them.

Don’t use the software to micromanage employees. Instead, use it as a tool to help you identify any potential problems so that you can address them more effectively.

Managing Remote Workers Toolkit: The Only Toolkit You Need

The bottom line is that managing a remote team doesn’t have to be complicated. With this managing remote workers toolkit, you can successfully manage your team, no matter where they’re located. Furthermore, having employee monitoring software is one thing you can’t afford to overlook.

It’ll make things easier because you can tell who’s working and who’s slacking. That said, if you loved this post and found it informative, we have so much more prepared just for you on our blog.