30
Mar 2020
HOW TO MANAGE EMPLOYEES WHILE WORKING REMOTELY?

Working from home, few months down the line, was not considered a priority. But due to this sudden and imposed shutdown, all corporate sectors have settled for working remotely. Also, it is quite evident that after the pandemic ends, work from home is soon going to become a Trend. We understand that currently, most of the employers are dealing with the unease of managing a completely remote staff. Hence, for this time and for the long run, it is essential that you learn to efficiently manage your remotely-working employees.

Here are the tips to manage your remotely working staff:

1. Video-Based Communication

Communicate with them on a regular basis. Do make sure you interact on a video conference at least once a week. This is important as it solves a lot of misunderstanding that could otherwise occur due to miscommunication over texted conversation. Do remember that the time zones differ and what you can do is take advantage of the communication channels for business management. Following are the examples of the same-

Communications:

  1. Skype
  2. ZOOM
  3. Slack
  4. Google Hangouts, etc

Task & Project Management:

  1. Jira
  2. Trello
  3. Gitlab
  4. Asana
  5. Basecamp, etc

2. Remain Approachable

People feel important when they are responded promptly. They should know they can look up to someone for seeking advice at the times they feel clueless or doubtful. Be prompt in replying your employees, so that they can approach you before making any mistakes.

3. Set Guidelines

Set up certain guidelines to be followed by your employees while working remotely. Deploy usage of Task Management Channels such as Asana for a regular updating of the tasks assigned along with their due date. Make EOD submissions mandatory. Set deadlines to reply official mails. Include Team-Shared docs. for assignments within the team.

4. Create A Communication Strategy

Some employees require a list of processes and some only need a brief to the work. Interact with them to know what kind of inputs nurtures their productivity while working in isolation. Then make a list of employees subjective to their required type of insight. Approach the employees according to that list.

5. Use Technology To Support, Connect, Bond

Use collaboration tools for celebrating birthdays and official milestones (for example- work anniversaries), as well as for celebrating formal accomplishments and reorganisations. Show them your support for their success and make sure to helpfully address them for achieving their goals. Engage with them in conversations at personal- level, in order to make it easier for them to jell.

6. Convey Your Expectations

Every individual has a different definition of efficiency. Let them know clearly what you expect from them. If they are aware, they can give in their require efforts accordingly- in order to get the job done smooth and better.

7. Discuss Your Decisions

While working remotely, the real problem that arises is the elucidation of the decisions made by different people, differently. This leads to wrong actions. Therefore, discussing the cause, enforcement procedure, and outcomes of a decision with your team, leads to a clarity and ease of enactment. This way, the employees also can provide their inputs, leading them to efficiency.

There are numerous world-famous companies that already provide remote working option to their employees. Have a look –

Work from Home

GitLab

A DevOps platform most businesses are using to manage their workflow.

Zapier

An app that integrates more than 1,500 apps to automate workflows.

Hotjar

Analytics software that helps users understand their website’s audience.

GitHub

A developing platform to host and review code &work with over 36 million developers.

Trello

Forecasting and analytics tool for growing businesses.

Amazon

Online shopping, streaming, and subscription service.

Cisco

IT, cybersecurity, and network infrastructure company.

Glassdoor

Employer review and job posting website.