The whole world is under the spell of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). In one week, the outbreak of this terrible virus has become an all-encompassing global crisis. The result: an unprecedented social and business upheaval. The way to work has changed dramatically overnight. We are barely allowed out on the streets, and for many organizations this means temporarily closing their office doors and having employees work from home. All of this is causing tremendous upheaval. And while employee engagement has always been important, it is now more important than ever. We'd love to help you become the best remote manager you can be. With these 5 tips, you'll make sure employees stay engaged and productive when you don't see them every day.
1. Focus on goals and provide clarity
Just because you no longer see each other daily in this day and age doesn't mean that goals should be pushed aside. As a manager, keep focusing on the goals of employees and how you can achieve them together. In addition, it is important to create clarity as a manager. These are uncertain times and even though almost no one knows where we stand, it is important that you keep providing employees with information. What is expected of them? Stay in touch, share work progress and discuss goals. This prevents employees from working in islands. In addition, it is important that you as a manager share and discuss all the information you have (from the organization) about the measures around the Coronavirus. This way it is clear what the expectations are between you (manager) and the employee.
2. Ownership
Ownership comes from trust and skill. And that's what employees want: ownership. Craftsmanship means putting the right people in the right place so they can perform optimally. Trust has to do with daring to let go as a manager. As a manager, it is important to set some team standards. So how often do you talk to each other? When do you do this? How do you do this, by phone or via Skype, for example? At Treams, for example, we check in via Google Hangouts as soon as we start work and check out as soon as we stop. Having made these arrangements, release employees and give them ownership of their part. When employees have the trust and ownership, they will be more driven and achieve their goals faster.
E-book: job satisfaction
What factors contribute to job happiness? And what does work happiness have to do with employee growth and development? Can you measure happiness at work? You can read this and much more in this e-book!
3. Keep coaching
Really good managers are also good coaches. They listen to employees' wants and needs, support them in their work, have a focus on achieving goals together, and give employees continuous feedback so that they get a little better every day. In these days of the Coronavirus, this is more important than ever. Even though you don't see employees physically every day, keep talking to them every day and coach them on what is going well and what can be improved.
4. Rating
This way of working can also be stressful for employees. For many, it is different than usual and that is not always easy. More than ever, your team members need to feel that you care about them and that they are indispensable. Send a compliment, nice email, fun GIF (we are huge fans of those at Treams) or ask your employees how they are doing. Thank them for their flexibility and hard work.
5. Support this way of working with good tools.
It is impossible to imagine our society without technology. And especially in times of the Coronavirus, where we are chained to our homes, we are all experiencing the benefits of all technological advancements. To make this way of working a success, technology is an absolute must. Make sure this way of working is supported with good tools. For example, use tools to communicate with each other, plan, record time, request and give feedback , and gain insight into your employees ' goals and progress.