How to Keep Your Remote Staff Productive

With more and more companies shifting to remote work, we recognize that managing a team that works primarily from home presents both opportunities and challenges. Here are a few tips for helping your team be more productive and successful while working outside the office.

Provide the right tools

First things first: make sure your staff have what they need to do their jobs effectively. This includes everything from phones and laptops to secure access to company databases. Use project management tools to keep everyone on track, and provide messaging apps that complement email and allow for video as well as text chat. Your employees will also need the support of your company’s help desk or IT department to address any problems with connectivity. And it is vital to ensure every member of your team understands the importance of maintaining company security protocols off campus.

Set professional expectations

Just because your team is now working remotely, it’s not a reason to let go of professional standards. Encourage your employees to stick to their usual morning routines even if they don’t have to commute. While it’s OK to dress more comfortably in the home office, clothing choices should still be professional enough to conduct business on a video call. A dress shirt or embroidered work polo shirts with your company logo is even better since it promotes your brand. Hopefully it goes without saying that even though your employees will only be seen from the waist up, pants—not sweatpants, pajama bottoms or raggedy shorts—are essential. Punctuality is still important as well. With no need to travel to the office or find seating, there’s no reason to be late to an online meeting. Encourage your team to call in a few minutes ahead of time, and you may find you finish early.

Establish a routine

Just as each employee will find a daily schedule or process that works for them, make sure you share your routine with your team. Regular group check-ins and one-on-one communication help keep everyone on task. You might suggest everybody check in first thing in the morning to share their agenda for the day—and you should share yours too.

Over-communicate

With a remote team, there’s no such thing as too much communication. Provide clear expectations and deadlines for each project. Ask your employees regularly if they need help or have any problems getting ahold of important contacts. If your team is only communicating via email, text or voice calls, be aware that you won’t be able to read body language. To avoid misunderstanding or conflict, it’s important for everyone to assume good intentions whenever they are communicating with their coworkers.

Create face-to-face time

One of the biggest challenges for remote workers is the lack of face-to-face interaction. In addition to email and voice calls, use video regularly. Your team will appreciate seeing you and their co-workers. And, if you or your staff have remote video calls with clients, don’t forget to wear logo apparel. Even if you’re working from home, you still need to make a positive impression for your brand.

Don’t forget to reward your team

While you might not be able to congratulate your staff for a great job in person, you can still show your appreciation. Send everyone a branded company work shirt or a jacket embroidered with your logo so they can feel comfortable and look part of the team. Your employees will also like promotional products displaying your brand logo. Reward them with practical gifts like mugs, water bottles or canvas totes they can use beyond the workday. You may even want to put together a care package for each team member, including branded apparel and gifts along with personal touches like a gift card or their favorite snack.

Lead by example

Finally, the best way to ensure your team stays productive while working from home is to set a good example. Live up to the expectations you set for your team. Make sure your employees know that your virtual office door is always open. Be responsive and responsible, and you will find your team not only meets goals, but truly thrives in the brave new world of remote work.