What do you say to a working environment with a comfy sofa, a hot steaming cup of coffee, and a box of Pringles? "Howdy, my dear, I'll be right there!” Are we right, or are we right (*wink)!
XPS/Unsplash | The pandemic has changed how people work. From a desk and chair to a comfy sofa, everything has shifted to the home
Since the beginning of the pandemic, the remote work culture has taken over the world. It has proved that with knowledge and access to high-tech devices, anyone can earn a good sum of money from the comfort of their homes. However, no one can turn a blind eye towards its drawbacks, and that’s especially true for managers.
Many managers struggle to motivate and manage their remote workforce as productively as they’d like with virtual connections. And naturally, that impacts the delivery cycles regardless of how slightly. If you too face this issue when dealing with your remote workforce, worry not. We have a few tips to make your job easier.
Make full use of your resources, aka technology
After dogs, if anyone is worthy enough of being man's best friend, it's technology. From delivering food to our doorsteps to making learning easier, technology has helped us in ways we can't imagine. Today, it’s an elixir to people who know how to use it. As a manager, you can use it to stay connected with your employees. You can talk to them about the issues they're facing, how they're coping with work, what changes they’d like to see, or any other topic.
Visuals/Unsplash | Managers can make use of technology to stay connected with their remote workforce
Change your methods, not your team
It’s always tough to bring together different kinds of people under one roof, but isn't that what makes you a leader? You should know that people won't always understand things and situations. They won't always work on time, or follow the rules, but you have to build a bond and convince them to work in conjunction with your vision. You have to allow them to speak and share their ideas too. That's the only way they'll feel included and respected.
Take care of employee expectations and mental health
Last year was tough for everyone. The transition from offices to homes wasn't easy. People had to get acquainted with the environment and learn to work with their family members moving around. As such, it’s natural for them to sometimes feel frustrated or get emotional. If this happens, instead of coming down hard on them, you have to pacify them.
You have to tell them that it's just a phase, which will pass. As for employee expectations, at times living in a comfortable environment might make them sluggish or less productive. They'll ask you to reduce the burden on them, but remember you too have commitments. Try delegating the work in such a way that none of the employees feel exhausted.
Create a healthy environment
Like we said earlier, employees are already going through a lot. They might not always be welcoming to work, but you'll have to give them space and a healthy environment. When we say healthy, we mean a flexible yet productive environment that gives room to people to grow and introspect.
Jimmy Dean/Unsplash | As a manager, it’s important to realize that employees are also going through a lot and thus need some empathy and personal space
Now that you know how to handle your team, we’re hoping you will show the world some great skills in the future. Well, best of luck with your endeavors!
