Ways You Can Improve Remote Employee Engagement Today

Remote employees have become essential for the success of companies around the globe. As companies settle into this idea as the new normal, employers are seeing the value of virtual work.

Remote workers tend to be productive, independent, and happier employees. Companies that offer remote opportunities are attracting top talent. 

Managing a remote workforce is challenging. How do you keep your employees engaged, no matter their location? We have some ideas that may help.

Here are some strategies for promoting remote employee engagement.

Stay Connected

Working remotely can be isolating. That’s why it’s essential to keep your employees connected through technology. Tools like Slack, Zoom, Asana, and GoToMeeting can help.

These channels help streamline communication between team members, keeping everyone informed and on the same page. Encourage your team to use these instant messaging tools on a regular basis.

Video conferencing is another helpful tool for a virtual team. Although email and digital chats are great, face-to-face communication is sometimes necessary.

Using various team technologies can help your remote staff feel like they’re part of the team. It’s a great way to promote relationships between the in-house staff and remote team members.

Foster Social Interaction

Most remote workers enjoy the freedom their jobs provide, but the main drawback to remote employment is loneliness. There’s no one to talk to, go to lunch with, or meet after work.

You can foster team connections with virtual chats, social hours, and virtual team building. Make sure every new remote worker has a mentor.

This gives new hires some support as they settle into the job and meet other team members. If possible, try to plan a retreat or some opportunity to get your remote team together once or twice a year.

This gives everyone a chance to enjoy themselves, bond as a group, and strengthen relationships among the team.

Encourage Feedback

If you’re planning to go remote, your employees are an essential part of your company’s success. You want them invested in the continued growth of your business.

This can be tricky when they feel distant or removed from everyday action. Let them know their voice matters and that you’re interested in their input.

Employees who feel valued are more likely to be engaged in their work and the good of the company. Keep an open line of communication with your remote staff. 

Ask for and listen to their feedback. Even in a remote work environment, an open-door policy will help you retain top talent and encourage team participation.

Show Them You Care

All employees want to feel like they are needed and respected in the workplace. Build relationships with your employees.

Know where your employees live. Ask about their families and children. Find out what they love to do away from work.

Encourage them to develop balance in their lives and healthy boundaries regarding assignments, schedules, and performance expectations. Like any other employee, a remote employee needs a healthy work-life balance.

Stress the importance of physical and mental health. Make sure they know who to talk to if they feel overwhelmed or stressed about the job.

Show your employees that you care and promote a healthy work culture to help prevent burnout and retain your best workers.

Recognize Employee Contributions

Remote workers tend to be independent, dedicated individuals. They may put in more work than a typical in-house employee.

The downside is they often feel removed from the company. One thing you can do to foster connections is to make employee recognition a top priority.

Reach out to your remote employees and let them know you appreciate their contributions. Use an online platform to comment and shine a light on their accomplishments.

Employee recognition is a huge incentive for workers to continue striving to do their best. Consistent recognition from management and co-workers helps employees feel more valued, appreciated, and connected.

Support New Employees

Remote employees need support when starting a new position. This is especially true if it’s their first time working remotely.

Make sure they’re getting the training and resources they need to feel secure in the position. Create comprehensive onboarding procedures and inform them of the job’s demands, expectations, and evaluation procedures.

Allow them flexibility in setting up their work schedule and make sure they have a mentor they can turn to for support. Introduce them to the team.  

Provide the necessary technology they need to do their jobs and communicate with team members. New hires should have access to:

• Necessary login credentials and technology
• Thorough training in technology and job processes
• Tools, resources, and equipment to succeed on the job

Be Flexible

One of the benefits of working remotely is the flexibility it offers. Although it’s a good idea to have set times for meetings, collaborative sessions, and training, give your employees some autonomy regarding their work schedules.

Trust them to do their jobs. Hold them accountable but allow them to develop a work cycle that fits their needs. This helps build trust between employers and employees and promotes a healthier work-life balance.

Improve Remote Employee Engagement 

The popularity of remote work has increased in the last few years, and it’s here to stay. More and more, business owners and employees are seeing the value of remote work.

The key is to increase remote employee engagement and retain top talent for years to come. When your employees feel valued and appreciated, they’re more likely to work hard for the success of your company.

At Bradford Jacobs, we believe in building a better working world for you and your employees. Whatever success means to you, we are committed to helping you achieve it.

If you’re hoping to increase your remote workforce or expand your company internationally, we can help.

Contact Bradford Jacobs today to get started.