Working from home is likely a thing that’s here to stay. More and more companies of all sizes and industries have discovered a virtual workforce can be just as — if not more — effective. Companies who can best manage remote employees or teams will be primed for the long haul. Here are five ways to support your remote team and future-proof your success!
Communication is Key
Setting up periodic virtual check-ins or conference calls is essential to keep remote teams and employees engaged. This is particularly true for teams that rely on the collaborative process to do their best work. No one is looking to add more meetings, but shorter, more frequent, goal-oriented meetings can help employees be more productive and feel more connected, and can often replace longer, less-frequent “catch-all” meetings.
Surveys are Great Get-To-Know-You Tools
It’s tough being the new employee at any company. Those challenges are magnified for employees joining a new team or company that’s working mostly remote. Send an introductory questionnaire that can be shared across teams to help remote employees can be sent to all employees. It’ll not only break the ice, so to speak, but can also reveal skillsets and talents that may otherwise go unused.
Create a “Home Office” Catalog or Company Store
Some high-quality, company-branded office supplies are a generous and practical touch to improve your remote employee’s work from home experience. Branded work-from-home essentials have the feeling of a gift with the additional benefit of making your remote team more effective by providing them with tools they need to do their their jobs.
Ask for Feedback
Why only ask for feedback when an employee is on their way out the door? For a better sampling and trend-spotting, ask all employees and teams for regular feedback on anything and everything. Not sure how to start? Begin simply with short survey, or a prompt seeking answers to a question management is currently struggling with.
It’s Always the Right Time to Say “Thanks!”
Gratitude never goes out of style. And let’s be honest, does anyone tire of being appreciated? A job well done, a benchmark hit, a sales goal surpassed, a work anniversary… the reasons for recognizing employee and team efforts is practically endless. From “thank you” notes, to awards, prizes, to company apparel and incentive items, The Dunstan Group can make your team look and feel like winners every day.
