4 Tips for Managing Remote Employees

With Covid-19 concerns making daily headlines, CEOs are finding themselves faced with determining how to keep their employees safe as well as productive. That’s why many companies are now offering employees the option to work remotely or to do a hybrid/flexible option, during the pandemic. But the challenge arises for many leaders, how do you inspire and connect with your teams in a remote environment?

When it comes to this ‘new normal’ here are four strategies that CEO Mastermind groups highly recommend using:

1. Set very clear and concrete expectations. Because everyone is in a virtual space and most communication may be through email, it is important to be clear in what is expected. Leaders should make it a priority to check in often with their employees as a way to build community and to address any work-related roadblocks that arise. This includes clearly defining deadlines, the purpose or intended outcome of each task, and the scope of work required to ensure everyone remains on the same page. Also be mindful of setting unrealistic expectations, especially when it comes to sending after-hours texts, phone calls, and emails.

2. Make yourself available as much as possible. While there is a balance between too much communication and not enough; in a remote environment, many leaders find that it’s better to err on the side of too much. Employees want to know that they are valued, that you can be responsive to questions, and that you are aware of the challenging time they’re working in. Leaders should aim to schedule weekly check-ins with each employee and with team leaders. This can be a great time to get feedback or updates on key projects, deadlines, successes, failures, struggles as well as just checking in around their personal hobbies and interests.

3. Take advantage of technology. One of the benefits of living through the current pandemic is that our society is rich with ways to use technology to support our remote work efforts. Research ways to use technology to connect, collaborate, and communicate. There are great tools to facilitate whiteboarding, brainstorming, collaborating, and reflecting. Some options that have been helpful are: Microsoft Teams, Google Docs, Mural, Miro, and Parabol. Even finding ways to connect through social media or hosting virtual happy hours or networking opportunities can give employees time and virtual space to connect with you and their coworkers.

4. Focus on outcomes, not activity. In this new landscape and with many of your employees having to juggle working from home with also managing virtual learning for their children, it’s important not to focus on solely “time worked”. Be open to the fact that some employees may be able to deliver superior work in less time, while others may need more time to meet expectations. It’s a balancing act for you, as the leader, as well as for your teams. Instead of focusing on activity or hours worked, focus on the outcomes and measure your team accordingly. If you find that they are consistently missing deadlines or the work quality is suffering, then it is time to address what may be causing the issue. Allowing employees to work a flexible schedule is important when working remotely. Trust your team to get the job done and celebrate those successes.  

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