Working from home can be challenging for both managers and employees, especially if they are used to collaborating in person. How do you keep your team motivated, engaged, and productive when they are working remotely? Here are some tips to help you foster a positive and supportive work culture from a distance.
One of the keys to motivating your team is to set clear and realistic goals that align with your vision and strategy. Make sure your team knows what is expected of them, how their work contributes to the bigger picture, and how they will be measured and rewarded. Use SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound) criteria to define your goals and communicate them regularly and consistently. Provide feedback and recognition for your team's achievements and celebrate their successes.
Another way to motivate your team is to encourage communication and collaboration among them. Use various tools and platforms to facilitate regular check-ins, updates, brainstorming, and problem-solving. Create a sense of belonging and camaraderie by hosting virtual social events, such as coffee breaks, happy hours, or games. Encourage your team to share their ideas, opinions, challenges, and feedback with each other and with you. Listen actively and empathetically to your team and show your support and appreciation.
Working from home can also offer your team more autonomy and flexibility to manage their own work and schedule. Motivate your team by giving them more ownership and responsibility over their tasks and projects. Trust your team to deliver quality work without micromanaging or controlling them. Allow your team to choose when and how they work best, as long as they meet their deadlines and goals. Respect your team's boundaries and preferences and avoid interrupting or overloading them with unnecessary meetings or emails.
Working from home can also be an opportunity for your team to learn new skills and develop their careers. Motivate your team by providing them with access to relevant resources, courses, webinars, podcasts, or mentors. Encourage your team to pursue their interests and passions and apply their learning to their work. Create a culture of continuous learning and improvement by asking your team to share their insights, feedback, and best practices with each other. Recognize and reward your team's efforts and achievements in learning and development.
I’m an advocate of the Japanese Kaizen philosophy ( Continuous Improvement ), hence, I have always encouraged out-of-the-box thinking as possibilities. In more ways than one, prior to the onset of projects, brainstorming is a creative and crucial checkpoint to gauge alliances and collaborations as the playbook is developed by team members, engaging all in their respective accountabilities. As a leader, one keeps the ball rolling with everyone fulfilling their respective roles in the same page.
Working from home can also pose some challenges and concerns for your team, such as isolation, distraction, stress, or burnout. Motivate your team by addressing these issues and providing them with adequate support and resources. Check in with your team regularly and ask them how they are feeling and coping. Acknowledge and validate their emotions and concerns and offer your help and guidance. Provide your team with tips and tools to manage their time, energy, and well-being. Encourage your team to take breaks, exercise, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
The People Department ( HR ) must take lead in encouraging hiring managers and department managers to “hire character and train skills” as this is the foundation of a corporate culture. The choices of characters are infinite yet critically focused attitude towards the corporate brand.