For most of us, social distancing regulations are still in full effect, which means we are seeing an increasing number of office employees working from home. So how can your organization help its workforce maintain productivity and engagement during the ups and downs of COVID-19?
When it comes to working remotely, many have already had to learn how to adapt the hard way. But that doesn’t mean you can’t implement strategies for managing your remote workforce. With a little bit of planning and communication, you, too, can ease the transition from office to work-from-home life.
Here are some ideas to help you manage your remote workforce during the lockdown:
1. The Check-In
A global health pandemic is sure to take its toll on everyone. As a manager, you should be looking out for your employee’s best interests. Not only will it keep them sane and healthy, but a happy employee will give their best effort at work. If your workers seem fatigued, stressed, panicked, sad, or all of the above, check-in with them regularly. They may or may not express concern to you directly, but you will likely pick up on observed cues. These can be signs of mental or physical distress and should be addressed. Ask your senior management about how best to navigate these sensitive topics with employees. It might not be easy, but it is necessary.
2. Equip Your Virtual Workspace
To give you the most efficient output, your employees should feel empowered to do their work. Ensure that your virtual workspace gives them the infrastructure they need to do things effectively. Everyone should be able to share files, communicate with ease, and have the necessary materials available to them. Beyond that, cultivate a collaborative atmosphere with video conferencing solutions and chat platforms like Slack to mimic the connectivity of a physical office. For this to work, everyone needs to be on the same wavelength, and know how to use the solutions you’ve put in place. Proper training is a part of equipping your employees well.
3. Be A Leader with a Vision
When we’re jolted out of our routine, established roles and assigned tasks start to blur. Once carefully calibrated processes and goals may become unfocused. To get things done, make sure that everyone knows where they stand and what your expectations are. Your workers might feel thrown out of sync, so it’s important to lead clearly and decisively to get things back on track.
4. Be Innovative
The current climate is changing the way we work, but we can also allow it to change the way we think. Where we lack normalcy, let innovation take its place. Encourage thinking outside of the box. Whether that’s in work processes or ideas, innovations that improve the workplace can and should be shared, even in this seemingly risk-averse time.
Since it may be challenging for your teams to adjust to this new way of working and living, compassionate, encouraging, and supportive leadership is more critical than ever. Give your employees the tools for success, and your business will thrive.
To learn more about how we support you during this global crisis, reach out today.