Remote working has become increasingly popular in recent years, as more employers and employees recognize the advantages of managing and being managed from a distance. With the right strategies and support, managers can unlock the benefits of remote working and ensure their remote employees remain productive and connected.

Setting Clear Expectations

Having clear expectations is key to any successful work relationship, but it’s especially important for remote working. Managers should communicate their expectations for remote employees in detail, including what is expected of them in terms of communication, availability, and productivity. It’s also important to discuss how employees should communicate their needs and how often they should check in with the manager.

Managers should also give remote employees a realistic idea of how long tasks should take, how their work will be evaluated, and how much feedback they should expect. Establishing a clear set of expectations helps remote employees stay on track and encourages them to ask for help when needed.

Providing the Right Tools

In order to ensure remote employees have the support they need to be successful, managers should provide them with the right tools. This can include a project management system to track tasks and progress, a video conferencing platform for team meetings, and a messaging system for quick conversations.

Managers should also make sure that remote employees have access to the same resources as their in-office counterparts. This includes things like software tools, training opportunities, and access to relevant research and industry news.

Encouraging Collaboration

Managers should make sure that their remote employees stay connected with the rest of their team. This can be done through regular team meetings, one-on-one check-ins, and virtual happy hours.

Creating an online workspace where team members can collaborate on projects and share resources can also help remote employees stay connected to the team. Managers should make sure that the workspace is easy to use and encourages collaboration.

Providing Career Development Opportunities

Managers should make sure that their remote employees have the same opportunities for career advancement as their in-office counterparts. This can include things like training courses, mentorship programs, and professional development resources.

Managers should also make sure that remote employees are aware of any legal considerations related to remote work, such as tax implications and labor laws.

Encouraging Work-Life Balance

Working remotely can be both rewarding and challenging. It’s important for managers to encourage their remote employees to practice self-care and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Managers should encourage their remote employees to take regular breaks, set boundaries between work and home life, and create a workspace that is comfortable and conducive to productivity. Managers should also provide resources to their remote employees to help them manage stress and keep their mental and physical health in check.

Conclusion

Managers play a key role in ensuring the success of their remote employees. By setting clear expectations, providing the right tools, encouraging collaboration, offering career development opportunities, and promoting work-life balance, managers can unlock the benefits of remote working and help their remote employees thrive.