INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
For a number of years remote working has been on the rise, particularly as people have embraced the freedoms provided by technology to roam
across the globe whilst staying connected back home
how to keep a newly isolated workforce safe, engaged, and able to succeed in their roles
As we begin to tackle the challenges emerging each day, here are some tips to manage your teams effectively from day one:Communicate,
communicate, communicateCommunication should always be at the heart of your management strategy, but this takes on a particular importance
worthwhile communicating positives to your team wherever you can
usualOne of the biggest challenges to supporting a remote workforce can be the change in routine and lack of organisational structure
retain as much normality as possible
Where appropriate, regular meetings should go ahead as planned, and the day-to-day schedule kept largely the same.For those with 9 to 5
hours, retaining the usual working patterns and setting clear boundaries can help to ensure that employees know when they can switch off,
and feel less pressure to be constantly available and on the clock
practical.Offer increased flexibilityThat said, businesses will also need to adjust for the fact that people may have new commitments on
Remote working can allow managers to offer bespoke hours for those who need it, and this can be a huge weight off the shoulders of an
already stressed employee
For some people, flexible remote working actually plays to their strengths, with remote working participants in one US study reporting a 78%
The new challenges thrown up by remote working, along with added financial and emotional pressures are likely to result in reduced
Leaders must remember this when scheduling reviews and performance management during this time
The onus for success lies with both team members and managers, and leaders must reassure staff that they have their complete support for
with a coach or mentor to discuss next steps and increase confidence
However you choose to rate progress, taking a compassionate and measured approach will help you to get the best out of your staff and to
crucial to help staff who may be struggling with feelings of isolation and loneliness
A quick call instead of an email or instant message can help to alleviate these feelings, whilst reducing issues stemming from the lack of
social cues we rely on each day, such as tone of voice and body language
the end of every email sits a real person at a computer, with the same worries, fears, and emotional needs as us.Where possible, businesses
should encourage video calls over phone calls, and phone calls over instant messages
Digitalised HR resources, such as digital coaching and employee feedback solutions, can help manage employee well-being and mentoring
processes in difficult, or remote, situations
Tech products can be the answer to so many problems, but there is often no substitute for adding a human touch.The most important thing for
businesses to remember in this unprecedented context is that there is much more to life than the bottom line
Employees are people, with their own individual needs, concerns, and situations, and we must all remember to show kindness in our common
While remote working can feel impersonal and isolating, with the right kind of tailored and personalised approach we can make sure that
staff continue to feel supported, engaged, and able to go on with their jobs in a safe and considerate environment.Juliane Sterzl is Vice
President UK-I at CoachHub
