Remote working offers an array of benefits to modern employee. These include the ability to create their own schedules, which enhances their work-life balance. In addition, they get to save on time and money that goes into commuting, among other benefits. That is why the modern employee will consider a remote opportunity more than a starting salary.
If the modern employer is to gain advantage in winning top talents from anywhere on the globe, then hiring remote teams should be something to consider. Managing remote teams, however, has its own set of challenges. Foremost is being able to incorporate remote employees with the rest of the company workforce. If a company fails in doing this, remote employees are at a risk of feeling left out, which can be detrimental to their productivity.
Here are 5 ways that you can successfully incorporate remote workers.
1. Share important files promptly
Working remotely means that your remote employees will from time to time need to work on files that are located in the physical office. Failing to send them what they need will not only make them feel left out, but can also delay the delivery of some projects.
Ensure that your remote workers have all the files that they need in a timely manner. If you have to send large files, you can do so efficiently using RAR files. RAR allows you to compress large files for efficiency and easier file transfer.
2. Instant communication
Just like in a traditional office, communication with remote workers needs to be instant. It can be frustrating waiting for a response for hours on end. That is why companies need to move from traditional email communication and adopt the use of modern communication tools. A good example is Slack which allows instant messaging between teams and the ability to categorize messages in channels. You can create a channel for each department and an additional channel for non-work related conversations. The ability to chat with colleagues about an upcoming football match can go a long way in making remote workers feel like a part of the larger team.
3. Extend company traditions online
If your on-premises employees enjoy certain company traditions, improvise a way of taking the same online. For instance, if your team celebrates each other’s birthdays in the office, you can start a post on social media to celebrate a remote worker’s birthday. You can then encourage the rest of the team to send their birthday wishes. In addition, order a cake to be delivered to his or her remote location.
4. Video meetings
Company meetings are the norm in the workplace. This is the time that teams get to brainstorm, discuss important business information as well as air their grievances and observations on matters affecting the organization.
Remote employees need to benefit from such meetings as well. Ensure that you incorporate them in meetings through video conferencing. Make use of video conferencing tools such as Skype or Zoom for the very important face-to-face interactions. To foster stronger relationships, be sure to allow a session where people share their personal life.
5. Recognize performance
When you share a location with your employees, recognizing them for jobs well done is as simple as calling an impromptu gathering to announce the employee of the month. It is also easy to stop someone in the hallway to give him or her a pat on the back.
On the other hand, remote workers lack such privileges. You can make your remote employees feel as part of the team by considering their projects when choosing the outstanding worker of the month. They will be as happy to see their name hanging on the board just like those working in the office. In addition, don’t let their good work go unnoticed. Ensure that you send them a message telling them that they did well. Recognize them during the weekly meetings so that others can have a chance to congratulate them.
Conclusion
A company records better results when everyone on the team works on the same page. It might be a challenge when team members work from different locations, but organizations must then employ the necessary effort to ensure that everyone feels a part of the team. The above points are just a starting point for your inspiration.
