The digital age is driving major transformation in the workplace. Today, high-performing organizations operate more like empowered networks than traditional corporate hierarchies. And through all this change a new class of employee has emerged: the remote worker.
Communication is both the biggest obstacle and solution to keeping a remote team “on the same page.” Therefore, it is essential to establish clear communication guidelines from the very beginning.
Expectations should be set for things like response time, who to include in what communication, and when you are expected to be available. Finally, there should be clarity around the regular meetings and scheduled check-ins, including what information each team member is expected to contribute. Off site workers are at risk of feeling disconnected from the organization’s goals and objectives. Knowing how to measure goals and productivity is important for any manager-employee relationship, however it’s even more important when the employee is remote and more likely to be insulated.
It is also the manager's responsibility to communicate and share their remote team members successes with the broader team to help inspire and motivate remote workers. In-person meetings are still important to building a rapport and strengthening relationships. In-person meetings also force you to be present in the conversation. When possible, travel and spend time together. If there is a particularly long distance or travel is not a viable option, use video chat technology like Google Hangouts to check in virtually as much as possible.
One downside to being remote is that you miss serendipitous interactions in the office. You do not need to pre-schedule every meeting, just pick up the phone. Encourage the type of collaboration where everyone feels comfortable picking up the phone to ask a question, as opposed to simply relying on email and written forms of communication. Make it known that if a remote employee reaches out via phone, they get a call back. Responsiveness is key. This new workforce represents a treasure trove of talent, promising future growth for employers challenged by a shortage of skills and increasing pressure to compete with global rivals. For employers of virtually all sizes and across nearly every industry, tapping into the strategic reservoir of remote workers is among both the biggest challenges and greatest opportunities of our day.
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