How to Manage Employees Who Work from Home Efficiently

Having meetings virtually is an aspect that has converted into a basic necessity for many companies to survive in this present moment. However, as reality kicks in, it has been proven by quite a number that it definitely is not as simple as how we expect it to be, true what they say, easier said than done.

Not left with much option, instead of sitting down pointing fingers to one another with what’s happening, let’s run through tips on how to efficiently manage employees working from home, together.

1.      Clear and Concise Communication

By engaging regularly, perhaps by having a daily or at the most weekly check-ins, which definitely would be awkward at first, but as time pass-by would be something they look forward to, for they would feel that they are cared for, not just in terms of career wise, but also as a person behind the screens.

Once they are aware that the organization are concerned of their well-being, they would be comfortable enough to open up if not much, even a little, slowly but surely, with the things that are bothering them, and both the employee and the supervisor are able to take it from there, which would be a win-win situation, as compared to just being kept in the dark and in an ongoing circle of playing the guessing game.

Once the personal connection has been instilled, indirectly remote employees will also share how they are currently doing professionally, which would be a perfect example of killing 2 birds with 1 stone, but in a humane manner. By being able to track their progress professionally, planning can be done in a more thorough and realistic manner, on what tasks suits who more.

2.    Set Clear Expectations Early

Once regular communication has been instilled, further steps can be taken to ensure all is at par and as expected. It is highly recommended to set clear expectations in the early stage so that all parties know what has to be done to reach the expected goals.

At the same time, by having this set at an early stage, it will also assist employees in their direction, as it is widely known, working from home can either cause a person to be more productive, or astray due to the surroundings each person is facing on a daily basis.

In the situation where an employee has lost track of the direction of the expectation, due to the regular communication, other team members or even the supervisor can assist in getting him/her back on track.

3.     Treat All Employees Differently

By clearly identifying the background as well as understanding the character of each of the employee, it will help in identifying the most suitable method to approach them, as well as what drives them to their motivation.

In a scenario where an employee is influenced by recognition which will boost their self-esteem, then the best way to show an employee that their work is indeed value adding to the organization’s vision and mission is to celebrate success and increase their recognition. By doing so, we will be able to see how the employee will strive to do even better as their motivation needs is indeed fulfilled.

On another hand, if the employee is the low-key type who prefers their work to be kept discreet and for congratulations to be sent through a one-to-one kind of way, then indeed the best way to go about with this employee would be for it to be of a more personal touch and not make it into a scene, as they would call it.

4.     Trust Your Employees 

Trust is something that has to be earned, and definitely not broken. Same goes with working from home. True, by being separated physically, supervisors who are so used to checking their employees from time to time might find it tough with this current arrangement. But trust me when I say, now is really not the best time to micromanage, indeed, resist the urge to do so.

True, they have the tendency to lose track and not be up to par, which is why, it all goes back to communicating on a regular basis. What needs to be done in this current time would be to focus on outputs not processes. Now is indeed the time to learn to let go, definitely not entirely, but the main focus would be to stay focused on the goals and not activities.

The best way to not be stressed out about this as long as the output is achieved, it is fine. Do not overthink, and stay focused on the goals, not activities. Once this is achieved, and employees understand that they are indeed trusted in a way that they are comfortable with, most of the time, it will likely not be abused.

Conclusion

Point of fact, there are plenty more, but these I believe are truly crucial points in ensuring all is handled smoothly. After-all, happy employees make happy customer. Indeed, at the end of the day, we are all in this as one.