Reduced productivity when working remotely has always been a huge concern for employers, SEO’s and managers. In this ever changing world, thanks especially to Covid, working remotely is here to stay and the numbers will, more than likely, remain on the increase.
This has thrust managers into a remote management situation, which requires a different set of skills than face to face management. This could create a lack of self-confidence in their management abilities, which will certainly be picked up on by staff. Perhaps remote management training will be beneficial for those managers.
A company new to remote working will, and should expect initial teething problems which must be nipped in the bud as quickly as possible to avoid such problems becoming a habit.
Marie Fraser is a clinical hypnotherapist and certified life coach. Her practice focuses on relationships, especially with oneself, communication and relationship break-up. There are several strategies managers can put into place to ensure that productivity remains unhindered as advised by Marie.
Protocol
Lay out the company’s comprehensive remote working protocol which should set out what is and what is not expected of both the company and the remote worker. This protocol should form part of the contract of employment so as to avoid any misunderstanding or miscommunication. It also ensures that everyone is treated equally.
Explain the reasons for such a comprehensive document is to ensure full understanding of remote working, equality for all and avoiding confusion. It should be stated that the protocol is not about a lack of trust.
Communicate
Communication is key in all relationships. The root of all conflict in many relationships is miscommunication and/or misunderstanding. This can range from minor to toxic misunderstandings, which cause stress, frustration, turmoil and even worse, not feeling heard or understood. Operating a virtual open door policy where remote workers can access help, guidance and advice will allow them to feel supported, connected, appreciated and less isolated.
Regular weekly/daily monitoring/catch-up/appraisal meetings will give both manager and remote worker an insight as to progress, problems, and productivity. Set an agenda for these meetings, request input from remote workers to ensure the meetings are timely and all issues are dealt with.
A lot of work is needed to keep lines of communication open and if managers take responsibility for ensuring they are, remote workers will feel heard and appreciated which pays dividends. Set out and communicate clearly to remote workers the managers’ expectations. When working on the same page confusion and misunderstanding will be avoided and clarity and cohesion maintained.
Flexibility
Life gets in the way for everyone. Perhaps there’s a day when the remote worker has a doctor’s/dentist’s/other appointment or perhaps a family matter has arisen and they need a couple of hours off to deal with that. This happens whether working remotely or not. Should this cause a disruption or delay then ask the remote worker whether it would be possible to finish the when they return following the appointment. If not, re-allocate the work to another member of staff.
Patience
Initially remote working can take some getting used to for both parties, especially the remote worker. Setting aside space in their home, installing the necessary equipment, the initial disconnect of say ‘working’ from their dining room table for example or that feeling of isolation. The temptation to multi-task, ie put the laundry on whilst a document is printing.
Regular social gatherings
Whether that’s weekly, fortnightly or monthly. It’s important that regular social gatherings are encouraged, even virtually if face to face is not possible.
Working remotely is very isolating and humans are social animals. Along with the basic needs of food and shelter they also have a basic need for connection, to belong to a group and form relationships.
Social connection helps regulate emotions, improves self-esteem and empathy as well as lowering anxiety and depression. Neglecting the human need to connect puts their health at risk.
Remote working is a whole new way of being and takes some time to get used to. Different personalities will react in different ways, but so long as these strategies are adopted, a fairly smooth transition to remote working can be assumed
