As we all know, the COVID-19 pandemic forced companies to send their employees home to work virtually and since then remote working has been on the rise in the past two years. This new normal setup made us realize the advantages of virtual work. Remote working has increased productivity and engagement significantly. Moreover, many companies like Volar Media House are providing flexible work options, attracting top talents, helping businesses land while retaining a competitive workforce.
Benefits of remote working
Work-life balance: Remote working gives better work-life balance as the workers can start and end their day as they choose to lead to strong outcomes.
Job opportunities not limited to the geographic location: You can have access to a broader range of job opportunities not restricted to geographic location.
No wasting time in commuting: Remote working ditch the commute time thus improving mental and physical health
The flip side of remote working
Remote working is here to stay but managing a remote workforce is not always easy. No matter where they are working, keeping employees engaged is of utmost importance. If you are going through this struggle then we have your back. We have come up with a list of creative strategies helping you to engage remote employees covering three elements: communication, participation, and appreciation.
- Communicate through technology
For an effective communication channel with remote employees, connect them through Zoom, GoToMeeting, or Slack, so that everyone is on the same page. For seamless work, motivate them to use the cloud for file sharing and setting video conferences for face-to-face communication. Although email and chats are good ways to keep in touch face-to-face communication gives the office environment a feel.
- Constructive feedback
Constructive feedback helps remote employees to stay focused and more engaged at work as they feel more valued.
- Employee recognition
To make them feel a part of a team, leverage online recognition platforms in real-time. Employee recognition is the top driving for employee engagement.
- Set up a tracking system
Set up an employee-friendly goal-setting tracking system to let everyone access company goals, progress updates, and new projects. Remote employees won’t feel left out of the loop and disconnected.
- Additional training support
Additional training and communication support including information on login credentials, document access, training on processes and technology, tools, and equipment to new remote employees throughout their onboarding.
- Communal workspaces
Communal workspaces with the customized designated area with branding, refreshments, and equipment help remote workers to connect.
- Real responsibilities:
Assigning responsibilities to remote workers makes them feel valued guaranteeing more communication and opportunities to contribute outside of their main role.
- Extracurricular Activities
Whether an internal social network for people to share experiences or to connect outside the nine-to-five, setting up extracurricular activities increases engagement during the workweek. Optimal engagement keeps employees focused and productive while staying less stressed.
- Flexibility
Except for team meetings and collaborative sessions, flexible timing like in Volar Media House gives employees autonomy on how to work the rest of the time which eventually helps to develop a working cycle that works best for them.
- Rewarding remote employees
Apart from giving them a chance to talk directly with the C-suite, home office equipment and subsidized broadband connections give the organizations to show remote teams they understand their challenges.