Managing remote employees can present a large array of challenges. Read on to learn more about some of the common challenges faced by remote employees and how they can be overcome.
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Lack of Face-to-face Supervision
Managers often fear that lack of close supervision will cause productivity to suffer. Managers worry that employees wont work as efficiently. On the other hand employees struggle with reduced access to support when needed. |
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Workers May Feel Socially Isolated Humans are social beings. A feeling of loneliness is one of the top complaints of remote employees. When there isn’t an opportunity to connect with their coworkers employees may feel isolated. This can lead to a loss in their sense of belonging and an increase in attrition for the company. |
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Technology Issues
Businesses often equip their offices with all the technology employees need to get the job done while they are on site and on the clock. However, the personal technology, internet connection and cell signal of employees may not be as dependable. |
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Distractions at Home
It can be extremely easy for employees to get sidetracked while surrounded by all the distractions at home and not needing to worry about a manager looking over their shoulder. |
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Added challenges to Access Information
Moving online isn’t as easy for the employee as many people may think. More often than not, there is added time and effort needed to locate information and get answers to even simple questions. This means that completing even the simplest of tasks may become a much bigger challenge for remote employees. |
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Poor Time Management
When employees don’t need to commute to work it may become difficult for them to separate work from their personal life. Employee’s may fear that their supervisors feel they aren’t working since they are at home and as a result will work into the night. Or employees may be more relaxed and start logging on late and become less productive. |
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Managing Expectations
We all have a lot going on especially considering current situations. Managers should focus on outcomes and not only the activity. Staff may not be able to maintain normal work hours. Try developing a remote employee work policy that sets guidelines for what’s expected and manages compliance. |
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Hold Regular Check-in Meetings
Communication is key in any work environment. Regular check-ins and meetings help to not only keep everyone up to date, but also ensure progress. This also gives managers an opportunity to provide feedback or help to find solutions to any challenge their team members are facing. |
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Offer Support & Encouragement
Remember that it is important that all employees are encouraged and receive recognition for their work. |
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Take Advantage of Technology
Technology plays a huge role in bridging the gap between all employees working remotely. |
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Connect on a Personal Level
Try virtual team building activities to build bonds and strengthen interpersonal relationships among team members. This is more important than ever considering many are staying home and practicing social distancing. |
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Resource the Team
It’s important to ensure that your employees have the technology they need to get the work done. Even, in this day and age one cannot assume that everyone has access to a reliable laptop, mobile device or a stable high-speed internet connection. |
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Encourage Employees to Set a Schedule
Setting a schedule helps manage stress and ensure a good work life balance while working remotely. |
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Be Responsive
Frustrations grow when it can take hours or days to get a response. It’s important that everyone does their best to ensure questions are answered in a timely manner. |
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