7 Ways Your Business Can Support Remote Workers This Winter
Boost the effectiveness of your remote workers today
In Partnership with Gamma
According to reports, only 9% of people in the UK worked remotely before the pandemic. Now, two-thirds of UK adults have become remote workers, at least part of the time.
Companies across the board have had to pivot to facilitate remote employees. Remote working is proven to enhance productivity by more than 20% in some cases. However, it’s still imperative that managers provide remote workers with the support they need. Otherwise, projects can suffer, morale can drop, and employee engagement can deteriorate.
Fortunately, there are various impactful ways businesses can assist remote workers.
Are you keen to find out how you can help your offsite workers be as productive as possible? Keep reading to find out the 7 top ways you can support your remote employees.
1. Communicate frequently with offsite workers
One of the most effective ways you can support remote workers is through frequent communication. By checking in regularly and ensuring all team members are kept in the loop, you can avoid various issues.
Frequent communication ensures everyone is on the same page and know what they are meant to be doing and when. It also keeps remote employees on track and accountable.
Good communication is always essential, but even more so with offsite employees. Without clear and frequent communication, projects can stall, deadlines can slide, and tension can develop. Keep in mind, though, this does not mean you should be breathing down remote workers’ necks… Don’t micromanage and avoid checking in constantly to monitor how much a remote employee has gotten done.
Instead, make remote workers aware that you are checking in to ensure they are okay and to be a source of support and assistance.
Lastly, make sure you don’t only rely on email and text-based communication. This can easily lead to misunderstandings. Instead, make a point to schedule phone calls and team video meetings.
2. Leverage the right technology to keep remote employees connected
Besides communicating frequently, you also need to implement the right technology and tools so that employees can stay connected.
For instance, if your business has yet to use collaboration software such as Microsoft Teams, now is the time. Microsoft Teams enables remote workers to communicate, share files, meet, create workflows, and more.
If you are already using MS Teams, you can enhance its functionality through Microsoft Teams Direct Routing. Direct Routing allows you to enjoy free calls and receive calls that are external to your business.
Besides this, you also want to look into subsidising remote employees’ internet and mobile services. If employees are struggling with connectivity issues, this can be a significant stumbling block.
If you would like help setting your remote workers up with the right tools and connectivity solutions, we offer remote working services. These combine voice, connectivity, and mobile services into unified communications for your business.
3. Facilitate emotional and social support
Another area where you can support remote workers is on an emotional and social level.
One study revealed that 46% of remote workers experienced loneliness during 2020, with younger workers the worst affected.
Loneliness can impact one’s productivity, energy levels, and creative problem-solving. Keeping your remote employees connected socially (especially in the lead up to Christmas) makes it a priority to incorporate virtual hangouts and social activities. This could be things like:
To help your remote workers maintain a positive headspace, you can also make a point of sharing uplifting articles, podcasts, mental health practices, and self-care tips.
4. Allow for a level of flexibility for remote workers
One of the benefits of working in an office is that fewer people can bother you. It’s a dedicated area for working, with reduced sources of interruptions.
Our homes, however, are not generally like this. If your remote employees live with family, roommate, spouses, or have children, this can impact their workspace.
If you want to support your offsite employees, a considerate way to do this is to give them a little extra flexibility in their day. This could look like letting them set meeting times with you rather than vice versa or being open to them working afternoons and nights.
5. Set clear goals
Although it’s essential to allow for flexibility, it’s also vital that you set clear goals. That way, remote workers know what needs to happen and by when.
If you have set clear goals for your remote employees, this will allow them to be more effective. What’s more, working towards common goals is also unifying and great for employee engagement.
6. Share encouragement and remote working best practices
Working from home for prolonged periods of time can be challenging, especially if one’s not used to it. Fortunately, there are many resources and tips for helping remote workers stay productive and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Support your remote workers by sharing these resources with them. This could be via a weekly email or daily posts reminding remote employees to do things like drinking water, stretching their legs, or eating a healthy meal.
7. Recognise the achievements of remote workers
Lastly, ensure that you recognise the achievements of remote workers. It can be easy for remote employees to feel disconnected and that their work is not seen.
As often as you can, fire up morale by commending your team on the work they have done and celebrating progress.
