In recent years, many companies have started to allow their employees to work remotely. Having the chance to work virtually gives people a better work/life balance, and it also increases productivity because your employees are happier. However, there are several unique challenges that come with hiring remote workers. Here are three tips to help you build a productive company with remote employees.
1. Practice Clear Communication
Because you do not see remote employees in person every day, it is essential to find a way to communicate with them effectively. Some companies choose to communicate with their workers via e-mail, well others prefer video calls. There is no one right way to communicate with your remote employees, but you need to practice clear, consistent communication. Look into the cost of VoIP calls to see if it fits your budget and learn how they can benefit your communication standards.
2. Have Realistic Standards
When people work in an office, it is acceptable to expect them to complete all of their work during traditional business hours. When employees work remotely, however, they may need more flexibility in their schedules. They may find that they can easily complete the majority of their assignments late in the afternoon or at night once their kids go to bed rather than early in the morning. As long as they are completing their assigned tasks, you should be realistic about when they do their work. There is no reason to require them to stick to a traditional business schedule if they are getting the work done in a timely manner.
3. Create a Positive Company Culture
Employees are more likely to stay with a company long-term if they feel as if they are part of a team. They want to feel valued and appreciated for the work they put into making the business a success. You may feel as if the company culture doesn’t matter if you have a team of remote employees, but you want to ensure they feel like part of your team. Focus on implementing team-building exercises and creating a positive company culture that your workers are proud to be part of.
Allowing your employees to work remotely can be beneficial for your business, but you must take a few steps to ensure that the endeavor is successful. Use these three tips to make sure your company stays productive even when your employees are not in the office.