Due to the coronavirus outbreak, many companies are shifting to remote working, so it is important for managers to be equipped with the proper tools as they move over to a distributed workforce.
The first thing remote team leaders need to do is to establish three things: What are normal working hours? How long will it take to get back to each other? How will we notify each other when we are unavailable?
Communication is key when dealing with the remote workforce. This can be achieved by establishing specific times to get together, such as during one-on-one meetings, a weekly action review and an end-of-the-day check-in to keep everyone in the loop on what you accomplished that day.
Putting emphasis on video conferencing tools is another way to strengthen communication between colleagues during these times. Using video-first practices encourages people to participate in meetings from a professional location and use and observe non-verbal communication.
Remember to continue building relationships on a more personal level as it can improve employee engagement. This can be accomplished by using the first few minutes of meetings to catch up, create an online chat channel to discuss more watercooler topics, and recognize workers for their efforts and achievement.
Investing in some technology and tools may be necessary to make the most out of remote working. This can include high-speed Wi-Fi, a monitor for workers’ laptop, an ergonomic chair and other tools that help replicate a sense of professionalism from home.
