While a remote workforce can provide a number of benefits for employers, including reduced costs and increased productivity, it also has inherent challenges, and overcoming them has become a top priority for many employers.
Communication is Key: 4 tips to Effectively Manage a Remote Workforce
- Standards for communication, availability, and accessibility should be established during the on-boarding process for every employee so expectations are clear and miscommunication is prevented.
- Schedule regular team meetings as well as one-on-one meetings. Team meetings provide employers as well as employees with opportunities to share information, exchange ideas, and discuss objectives, and one-on-one meetings can give employers opportunities to strengthen the bond with their employees. Occasional on-site team meetings provide face-to-face time, which can help remote employees build relationships.
- Use collaboration tools such as Slack to unify all team communications in one place, and easily search content.
- Implement video conferencing applications like Skype or Zoom, which allow for screen sharing that can be used for feedback and coaching as well as to increase engagement.