Now many employees are leaving en masse for remote work, and so are managers. A logical question arises - how to effectively manage remote employees who recently worked in the office, and even while being away from the office?
To reduce the effect of a sudden transition to a remote work format and accelerate the adaptation of employees to new conditions, it is recommended to do the following:
- Trust. The bad news is, you'll have to learn to trust your employees. Why bad? Because 9 out of 10 times we usually don't trust our employees. Don't expect them to work effectively at the same level - it is guaranteed to fall. Reconcile yourself, you can’t control everyone.
- Planning and control system. I really hope that it has already been implemented and used effectively in your company, otherwise how can controllability and management efficiency be monitored? If not, then the coronavirus gives your company the opportunity to become even better - to implement a system that allows you to set tasks for employees and monitor their implementation. If you can’t afford control tools, create an Excel file in Google Docs and write all the tasks there, and employees will be able to see these tasks and mark completed tasks.
- Communications. This is not about email, it is necessary to provide ALL employees with instant communication tools (mostly they are free), this could be Slack, Microsoft Teams, Skype, Telegram, etc. Mandatory conditions are: indication of an employee’s presence in the system and the ability to write a quick message to each other or to a group. Mobile and IP phones are useful, but can seriously distract an employee from work, while instant messengers are not annoying. Try it, you will like it so much that you will use these tools even after returning to the offices.
- Video conferencing tools. Periodically connect with employees one-on-one or organize group meetings to maintain direct contact. But don't overdo it so as not to stress your employees. Remember: although they are de jure at work, de facto they are at home, in the home and with home inhabitants and problems. Many companies offer free video services (Microsoft, Google) during the fight against coronavirus, or use free Skype, Jitsi.
- Rules. Set strict rules and enforce them fanatically. People should feel that they are not on vacation, but at work, albeit in a lighter mode. This could be some reports, lists of employees and their health status. If an employee needs to leave on business, he must also ask the manager for time off. And so on - the law continues to apply, despite the fact that everyone is working remotely.
What other advice can you give to those organizing remote work?