Remote employees require careful handling. More often than not, they’re driven self-starters with a knack for getting work done from anywhere – even the beach, on occasion. These individuals typically use a variety of devices and depending on location, may be working at different times. How to manage a mobile workforce, with so many variables?
Provide a Consistent, Fair Atmosphere
Inconsistency leads to frustration and lost productivity. While it is true that the digital workplace is transitory by nature, modern micro apps create consistency by enhancing workflow with a single interface that allows access from anywhere. Ensuring that employees have the necessary tools for the job is essential to businesses of all types, particularly when those tools are technological ones. Digital consistency should be prioritized, as it sets workers up for success rather than leading to difficulties and frustration. Give workers what they need, provide the necessary guidance, and they’ll respond by doing their best.
There’s more: Even though your workplace might not be a big brick and mortar building, it’s important to establish policies and set procedures. Creating an atmosphere with fair, well-defined guidelines, goals, rewards, and consequences goes a long way toward eliminating confusion caused by inconsistency. Employees who are aware of policies and potential outcomes are both confident and accountable. Better yet, when there is a focus on consistency, your company’s human assets aren’t distracted by constant changes. The ability to focus leads to greater productivity and enhances proficiency.
Build Employee Engagement
No matter where your employees work, they’ll be far more productive when they’re highly engaged. Findings from a report compiled by Business2Community illustrate the importance of engagement and employee satisfaction: Companies who take steps to keep their employees engaged outperform their competitors by an incredible 202 percent and enjoyed 147 percent more in per-share earnings. Gallup reports that the number of engaged employees worldwide is woefully low: Just 13 percent of the planet’s employees feel a sense of engagement. In the US, about 30% of employees are engaged. Clearly, there’s room for improvement, and it pays to take steps toward ensuring good employee morale.
One of the best ways to build engagement is to remember that your mobile workforce is made up of human beings and that as humans, interaction is highly motivating. It can be tough to engage in ways commonly seen in traditional workplace settings since in-person meetings happen rarely, if ever. Chat casually when you can. Learn about your people as individuals and share a few nuggets about yourself, too. Even a few minutes per week goes a long way toward creating an essential human connection. Additionally, consider checking in with tools such as the Employee Net Promoter System, which essentially keeps your finger on employees’ engagement pulse, receives feedback, and work toward improvement. And, when someone does a great job, be sure to say so – preferably in a public way! Everyone appreciates accolades.
Avoid Overload
Stressed, overloaded employees are far less productive than those who enjoy a steady workflow that feels manageable. According to a survey by Cornerstone OnDemand, employees who feel pressure caused by overload suffer from a drop in productivity. The same survey shows that about 68% of full-time employees in the US are suffering the effects of overload, translating to lost productivity for businesses. Set achievable goals, and your remote workers will strive to achieve them.
Be Accessible
How accessible are you? Technical issues aside, managing a mobile workforce may lead to an unintentional lack of approachability. Foster cordial professional connections with team members, even if it requires a little time and effort – and without those connections, your company could suffer. When employees feel that you are accessible, they are more likely to share potentially damaging issues with you rather than attempting to cover them up.
Accessibility can increase employee motivation, and communication can enhance confidence. When most interactions are pleasant and when positive feedback is provided on a consistent basis, remote employees feel empowered to do their best. Asking open-ended questions and simply mentioning that you’re available as needed are two simple ways to build respect and reduce the potential for conflict while simultaneously enhancing enthusiasm and productivity.
Don’t Fall for the Micromanagement Trap
Despite the distance between you and the people you’re managing, it can be easy to forget that your mobile workforce is a well-trained, finely-tuned machine made up of creative individuals who do their best work when they feel free to operate as independently as possible. Micromanaging disempowers employees and restricts growth, and it is one of the most common ways leaders fail. Treat your team to some breathing room instead of pushing, and you’ll be amazed at the positive response you receive.
Remember that Performance Often Trumps Presence
Unless everyone works in the same time zone and heavy customer service work is involved, try to focus on employee performance rather than worrying about which hours they are working. Flexibility is one of the most appealing aspects of working remotely, and employees – especially those with lots of remote work experience – have habits that enhance productivity. So long as defined goals are being met, you have nothing to worry about!
Managing a mobile workforce comes with unique challenges and rewards. By keeping your remote workers well-informed, communicating, and giving them the tools they need, you keep your company on a steady track toward greater profitability – and you may very well enjoy yourself in the process.
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