If your company employs remote workers, you face unique challenges keeping them engaged with the rest of the team. Fortunately, many of the motivational methods used in the office also can be used with remote workers.
1. Provide a Communication Platform
Because remote workers need to be included in team projects and company news, provide a platform for effective communication. When employees remain informed about company issues, they remember they are part of a larger organization and play a vital role in its success. Remote employees also feel like valued members of the business when their colleagues and manager regularly keep in contact with them.
2. Recognize Results
Since remote workers are often more productive than office workers, provide recognition for their accomplishments. Ensure the recognition is highly visible to co-workers, so they know the contributions being made on a regular basis. The company website and online collaboration tools make recognizing remote workers simple.
3. Clarify goals
By clarifying goals, remote workers know what your expectations are and whether they are being met. Provide remote workers with clear direction on company objectives and paths for reaching them. Give regular feedback on progress, so remote workers can resolve issues, remain on task and improve performance.
4. Emphasize Production
As long as deadlines are being met, focus more on what remote workers are producing than when it is being produced. Since remote workers know how to organize their time for maximum results, it is more important they understand workflows and keep up accordingly. Benchmarking success based on results builds both trust and long-term employee happiness.
5. Get to Know Remote Workers
Show a personal interest in your remote workers. For example, meet with them individually to learn about their family, friends, hobbies and other interests. Also, find out what their career goals are, what fuels their passion and how you can help them succeed. On a regular basis, offer words of congratulations or support as their circumstances change.
6. Schedule Regular Check-Ins
Establish a regular check-in system with remote workers. Keep in mind potential differences in work schedules, personalities and time zones. Discuss times when remote workers generally can answer phone calls, emails and other messages, so you can touch base. Talk about their successes, obstacles, issues and concerns each week. Provide the resources and support necessary for your remote workers to succeed. If possible, have them come to the office at least once a quarter to participate in meetings, spend time with colleagues, and increase camaraderie.
7. Invest in Professional Development
Provide remote workers with ongoing professional development opportunities. Encourage them to enhance their skill set and reach career goals. Remote workers can participate in webinars, seminars, conferences and trade shows. They gain insight into the industry, stay current on developments and trends, and become even more valued members of your organization.
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