Remote work has become more common across many industries. Working from home or other remote alternatives offers employees more flexibility, autonomy, and better work-life balance. However, managing remote workers and ensuring high employee engagement comes with some challenges. By implementing the following strategies, supervisors can ensure their remote workers are engaged and motivated.
Prioritize Communication
Communication between supervisors, employees, and team members is key. Ensure you discuss work-from-home expectations before the employee starts their position. Supervisors should also implement additional practices including the following:
- Schedule regular meetings with remote workers for the first two to three months to ensure they adapt well to their new position.
- Schedule regular check-ins with remote workers (individually and as a team) to touch base on project progress and updates.
- Create a calendar so employees are aware when someone is away from work.
- Ensure easy access to online training resources.
- Make an effort to call colleagues on the phone or use video conferencing rather than relying on email and messages.
- Tone-check emails and messages to ensure there is no miscommunication.
- Promote virtual team building through virtual social events so employees can socialize and strengthen team bonds (e.g., virtual happy hour)
Implement the Best Technological Practices
- Use a shared drive and keep all relevant job information in one place. Ensure there are samples and instruction materials on using the shared drive and all other technology, as needed.
- Invest in the most up-to-date communication tools.
- Consider team management and project systems to improve productivity.
- Ensure remote workers are set-up with a remote VPN and the ability to sign documents electronically.
- Ensure remote workers, supervisors, and teams are comfortable using video calling, instant messaging, and screen sharing.
- Consider using an employee engagement platform to track employee satisfaction, collect feedback, and measure workplace motivation.
Build a Strong Remote-Work Environment
The best strategies for enhancing employee engagement in remote work environments require a strong foundation. As a supervisor, you are responsible for ensuring a productive work-from-home environment.
- Make sure that workplace flexibilities are applied fairly and equally among all staff.
- Clearly outline the job description, duties, and responsibilities.
- Review employees' requests for remote work or other alternative work arrangements.
- Ensure employees complete any required workplace flexibility training before starting their positions.
- Ensure employees in telework and remote work status receive the same benefits and opportunities (work assignments, awards and recognition, development opportunities, etc.) as in-office employees.
If you’re looking for ways to improve work-from-home employee engagement, check out our Apps and Modules page. QuickSeries apps come equipped with a full range of practical features. Users can customize their app by choosing the modules necessary for their business and goals.