Useful Tips on How to Motivate a Remote Employee
With modern workforce, as a result of technology as well as the increasing ease of communication over a long distance doesn't even need to be together in one place. Once you have a good internet connection as well as a computer, one can work for anyone from anywhere. Nowadays, people leave miles away from their employers, provided they have the significant tools that are needed.
Remote employees are becoming popular nowadays with employers. Employees can actually avoid moving as well as commuting for work, hence balancing their work and it's always attractive when the drive to work uses very few seconds and your workmates are your cats.
There is an added advantage to this. For instance, remote employees mark down the number of heads per office and also increase space. However, having remote employees has a disadvantage. Some of these employees do not get the required motivation they needed from their bosses. Motivation is important for it can make an employee want to work effortlessly the way it is needed.
For employers, there are some useful tips on how to motivate a remote employee that are discussed below:
1. Communication
Communication is important in our day-day lives. As we communicate with one another, we are able to air our views and opinions regarding different issues. Employers do not have to communicate with their employees only when receiving the orders they had placed. There are many ways in which this can be done. For example, using a video conferencing tool like ezTalks Meetings or Skype, etc.
Employers need to know whether employees understand a task or whether they have the necessary tools required for a given task or at times if they are happy. This can even create a friendly relationship between the two. Having a friendly conversation once in a while will make employee run every task smoothly as it is required.
2. Applause when it is required
The minute you praise someone for a job well done, they will be motivated to do well next time so as to receive the same. However, this does not mean you scold your employee when a job is not done as you expected. All you have to do is correct him/her as it is required.
At times, employees may feel unappreciated so it's necessary to comment them once in a while. If you can’t comment on how work has been done, do you think these employees will put much effort next time? No. Just a phone call or a text can really work well as well.
3. Make them feel they are part of a team
Remote workers or employees sometimes feel isolated and alone and that they are not part of any team or any entity. Web-conferencing is a software in which staff are able to interact once in a while about the business. This fosters a sense of being wanted. If workers have no sense of the business they are working for or a feeling that they are not part of it, it is easy for motivation to ebb away.
4. Give opportunities for professional development
Although remote employees do not work in the office, they should also benefit from activities such as development programs and training which will be sponsored by the business. Through training, they are able to learn more concerning the business. This will improve their skills and knowledge.
5. Set goals and measure performance
All employees, including the remote ones, should be made aware of a company's objectives. This way, they will be able to know how their efforts will be used to achieve this. For example, employers can ask their employees what they can do to support a sales project. This will make them feel that their efforts are also needed and wanted.
6. Do not call for unnecessary meetings now and then
Nothing opposes potency and motivation more than sitting through a basic meeting and have to feel like nothing was skillful. Employers should be choosy about these web-conferencing meetings and they should be sure they are necessary. Employers should send an agenda to every person and on what he/she is supposed to look at.
This way, in every meeting they will be aware of what is needed of them. They will have worked efficiently. They won’t just sit and stare wondering what is needed of them.
7. Build trust
Again, nothing kills motivation quickly than an employee seeing that they are being micromanaged. It is excellent to give your remote employees a clear assignment and give them the freedom to get things done. If an employer keeps on checking now and then, he/she will kill an employer’s motivation. Learn to trust them and let them know you do.
Conclusion
All employees whether remote or are set in the workplace are among any business' key assets. It is worthwhile to keep them motivated at all times. When there are training or programs, give them a chance for it is the employer who will benefit from their enhanced skills. Motivation should be an ongoing thing. We all perform best with habitual input and feedback.