
A Global Workplace Analytics survey revealed that at least 50% of the global workforce work remotely. Further, 80-90% of the surveyed employees said they would prefer to work remotely for a few days in the week.
Considering the increased competition for finding suitable employees, several companies are now aiming for remote workforce management for better productivity. Without the limitations of recruiting only from the local talent pool, companies can leverage foreign talent and significantly lessen the operational costs at the same time.
Will it hinder productivity? What problems will arise while managing remote employees? These are a few questions that concern the Employers and Team Leads. This blog discusses five proven ways to ensure effective remote workforce management.
Fact: According to MerchantSavvy, 85% of over 15,000 global businesses affirmed that increased location flexibility leads to a rise in productivity.
Be intentional
You interact with your local team every day. You either meet them in the halls, have lunch with them, or hang out together at the office. Your local team is always around you and can easily contact you if needed. On the other hand, imagine you set up a remote team thousands of miles away from you. Your remote employees cannot stop by at your desk or meet you every day. And that’s where being intentional can be very effective. Being intentional: What does it mean? Simply put, it means making your remote team feel like they belong to the Company. Even if it takes extra effort, ensure that your remote team doesn’t feel that they’re unlike the local team. Fact: According to LinkedIn, 59% of the workers said they would feel like they belong to the Organization if their accomplishments are recognized. When an employee (local or remote) is appreciated for their work, their productivity and morale increases. Little efforts like replying to them as quickly as possible, creating virtual spaces for interacting, or always remembering and celebrating birthdays & work anniversaries may seem unimportant but can be very gratifying. Make each team meeting an intentional opportunity to interact with your remote team and discover new ways to contribute to healthy collaboration.Create a communication strategy
Improper Communication owing to geographical distance is a thing of the past now. Thanks to the rapid technological developments in the communications sector, connecting with someone across the World is just a matter of seconds. However, studies have revealed that 60-90% of communication can be nonverbal. Therefore, it’s easier to get on the wrong page when operating with remote teams. They aren’t physically present and may misunderstand your voice’s tone. This makes it imperative to build a robust communication strategy. Here are some tips that you can implement:- Try to interact with your remote team at least once a day, even for just a few minutes.
- Use multiple platforms to communicate. Instant messaging platforms like Slack work well for quick texts and updates. On the other hand, video-conferencing platforms like Skype can be used for presentations, brainstorming sessions, and review meetings. Pick your channels wisely.
- Plan weekly or bi-monthly calls with your team. Use this time to discuss the workflows, blockers, and project highlights. Such frequent & planned discussions would translate to better managing remote workers.