Most entrepreneurs are adjusting to the “new normal”, and the way they restructure their business to respond to the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic will determine whether they will sink or swim.
One of the main challenges that entrepreneurs face is the unprecedented shift to a remote working structure. Here are three tips for managing remote employees:
Continue meeting at set times
Many USA business improvement consulting firms will agree that many employees thrive on routine. Make your meeting schedules as regular and consistent as possible, mimicking what would have happened in the office.
Consistency is key. These meetings will make employees feel that they are important key players and contributors to the team. It makes them feel involved, valued, and heard. It sends a message that their work affects the company. Most importantly, a scheduled meeting provides stability and certainty in these uncertain times.
Aside from team meetings, it is also important to set aside time for one-on-one conferences with team members. Spending individual time with each employee and listening to their struggles and successes will let them know that you’re there for them – even if you’re not necessarily in the same room.
Recognize the importance of mental health
When meaningful person-to-person interaction is minimized, it can take a toll on one’s mental health. As an entrepreneur, it is crucial to recognize your employees’ need for a mental health break. You can organize virtual coffee breaks to allow for downtime or monthly birthday celebrations with games and special activities.
Employees also need a sense of connection to combat loneliness and feelings of isolation. Team leaders should maintain that sense of camaraderie and team spirit alive.
Offer flexibility
When people are working at home, there are more distractions. Your remote
employees are confronted with their kids, pets, partners, delivery people, and a myriad of other household concerns. It helps employees if their team leader
does not micromanage them and gives them the flexibility to deal with
unavoidable personal concerns during work hours.
Several USA business improvement consulting firms say that this adaptability enables team members to be more productive, more focused, and usually results in more quality work.
When it comes to communicating with your team, gone are the days when all you need is to stop them in the corridor or leave sticky notes on their desks. Your communication methods have to be flexible, too. You have to recognize that there are many ways to communicate with your remote team.
You also have to consider what method is appropriate based on the information that you want to convey. For example, if you want to give explicit instructions on an important process, then an email is more appropriate. If you want to generate ideas from members of the team, then a conference call or a video chat is more appropriate.
Business improvement consultant firms advise their clients to keep their employees motivated and challenged now that face-to-face is discouraged. In this strange time, the challenge is for us to create a positive work environment and lead a happy and productive team.
If you need help with managing remote employees, contact Portfolio Management Group today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
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