Trust in Remote Work
Drastic shifts in workspace expectations and company cultures from the COVID-19 pandemic have necessitated reliance on virtual meetings. Organizations have pivoted to leveraging technology more than ever and now, flexible work environments are seemingly here to stay! The way leaders choose to navigate flexible work environments will either increase or decrease trust in their leadership and the performance of their business.
Today, nearly 7 out of 10 Americans say they are more productive working remotely than in an office setting. Even managers believe they are more productive at home (72%)!
WHAT WOULD MOST HELP YOU SUCCEED IN A VIRTUAL WORK ENVIRONMENT?
*Data specific to the United States
The tension for employers and employees alike is determining how to maintain alignment, accountability, and connection with hybrid and virtual environments. Employees want to be trusted not micromanaged, yet leaders have a responsibility for maintaining performance standards and increasing bottom-line results. So how can you navigate this tension and create a high-trust culture for remote work?
HERE ARE 4 TIPS FOR TEAMS TO SUCCEED IN FLEXIBLE WORK ENVIRONMENTS:
1.????PRIORITIZE CLARITY
Most of us think we are clear, when in reality, we are not. Set clear systems and expectations for virtual meetings. Establishing availability requirements, dress recommendations, and video on/off expectations are just a few ways you can help alleviate some of the stress that comes from taking meetings from home. When an organization is clear with expectations and policies, it eliminates employees’ guesswork and increases a sense of psychological safety.
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2.????INCREASE COMPASSION
Mutually acknowledge the challenges of remote work. Employees can practice empathy for their leader’s need for accountability and employers can extend opportunities for their people to show trustworthiness with measurable results.
3.????BE PURPOSEFUL WITH CONNECTION
The more people know each other, the more likely they are to support and protect one another! Continue building connection, even remotely, by asking intentional questions and listening well.
4.????STAY CONSISTENT
Communicate consistently and be proactive with sharing ongoing updates from the leader to the team and vice-versa. As a leader, you can increase alignment and cultural consistency by frequently communicating the mission, vision, and values of your organization. During weekly meetings, consider reviewing who your company is and what you are about!
Extending and earning trust will continue to be the critical factor for maximizing productivity in remote work. The data found the #1 factor for an employee’s successful remote work in the United States is the ability to trust in their employer!
Create the foundation for ongoing trust, despite your hybrid or virtual work environment, by putting the Pillars of Trust into practice. Start with Clarity, Compassion, Connection, and Consistency to build or strengthen a high-trust, virtual culture!
Learn more tips and ways to increase trust in the workplace by downloading the 2022 Trust Outlook, a Global Research Study, today!
With a focus on businesses trying to reach their first $1M, I bring the clarity that builds confident teams you can trust. When there's trust, everyone can focus on their strengths.
2 年Work from home should only happen if clear expectations and benchmarks have been set. There can be freedom within a framework as long as performance is monitored.
Leadership Development/Training Facilitator/Workplace Trust and Integrity Builder
2 年Great points, David!! Trust is essential in today's virtual and hybrid work environment. Not only is clarity essential when communicating expectations on how the virtual environment will operate, but performance expectations need to be communicated clearly and often. Employees need to be able to trust their leadership, leadership must trust their employees and team members must be able to trust each other to be productive and perform their respective roles. As validated by your research, where there is this trust, productivity will increase - whether virtual or in the office. It all begins with trust.