Nowadays, working remotely is a trend that's rising among organizations of all kinds. Offering flexible hours, employees could choose to either work from home or do their work in cafes or the outdoors so long as they have their computers. Just as working in the office has its challenges, employers will also face certain problems when their employees work remotely. These are some of the tips to manage a remote work team.
1. Choose the tasks to assign
Employees these days could do their jobs - admin, accounting, IT, design, and whatnot - almost anywhere as long as they have a computer and good Internet connection. Employers should make use of this convenience, and assign tasks to the employees within their scope.
2. Teach the newbie employees
When a first-timer enters the team of remote workers, it is crucial to have them understand their job scopes and the processes they will go through. Employers could introduce these newbies on their organization's vision and plans, and even explain more about their career path within the company.
3. Look for employees with added value
Good employees, or specifically freelancers, always bring more than agreed to the table. They are proactive in solving problems, provide suggestions and have genuine interest in the growth of the organization. Employers can usually sense whether these employees have added value on their profiles or from positive comments of their previous employers.
4. Encourage the team spirit
When an employee truly feels he's part of a team, he will be more engaged with his colleagues. Employers could let the colleagues interact and see their dynamics play out with games or let them naturally bond when they chitchat. So long as the employees can connect through the same channel, like an agreed social networking app to report work or ask for opinions, the chance to build the team spirit will always be there.
5. Prepare a safe space to innovate
Rather than spoon-feeding remote workers on the exact steps to complete a task, it is better to tell them the reason and exact goals they have to achieve. Work can always be improved, and with freelancers, they will always find the best ways to do that which suit their working style. Employers should leave some space for these employers to experiment so that they can learn from their mistakes.
6. Make a habit to give good feedback
Giving good feedback has the power to motivate employees and maintain their good performance. When it comes to giving feedback, employers must consider the proper moment, the proper channel and the proper manner to do so.
7. Look for backup and guarantees
When working with remote partners or employees, it is crucial to have backup for the investments that the employers will make. Making the clients and remote employees feel safe and comfortable should be a priority. Clients will feel safe when they know their requests are managed by skillful employees. In return, remote employees will feel comfortable knowing that their efforts will be paid off after their projects are completed.
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