Since the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work has risen in popularity. Most companies are working to adapt to the new normal, while others are considering the advantages of virtual work for their employees. And it’s easy to see why.
Remote workers tend to be more productive and engaged. And companies that offer remote or flexible work options stand a higher chance of attracting top talent. But how do you ensure your remote employees are successful and engaged in a remote environment? Read on to read our expert advice on remote employee engagement.
Understanding remote employee engagement
It’s no secret that remote work is here to stay — at least for most organizations. But Harvard Business Review studies show that 62% of employees believe working remotely positively impacts engagement. Yet only 5% of respondents reported that they would stay at their company long-term. So what accounts for the drop in retaining employees?
While companies offer remote work, they don’t necessarily provide enough to keep employees engaged. Companies that develop a strategic approach and long-term commitment to their employees find that they retain them longer.
Four tips to keep remote employees engaged
Here are four tips to keep remote employees engaged:
1. Stay connected through technology.
You can keep your remote employees connected through communication channels and the strategic use of technology. Tools like Zoom, Asana, and Slack work to streamline communication and project management between teams to ensure everyone is on the same page. You can also provide a cloud for file sharing and to increase work efforts between team members.
Video conferencing and digital chats are great ways for employees to keep in touch and help team members connect and feel more present.
2. Show employees your company cares.
Building meaningful relationships and creating balance with your remote employees is essential. Managers should respect their employees’ time by setting healthy boundaries around schedules, assignments, and performance expectations. Be sure to learn about the following:
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Their family and personal hobbies
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Stress and mental or emotional health
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Their workload to help them avoid burnout
3. Ask for and listen to feedback from your employees.
Communicate with your employees and foster an environment where they feel comfortable giving feedback. If you take action (or don’t take action) on their feedback, let them know they’ve been heard and that their opinions are valued. Employees who feel valued are happier and more engaged at work.
4. Recognize employee contributions.
Remote workers generally put in more hours than employees who work in-office. But they may not feel part of the team. One solution to this is making employee recognition a priority. Foster an environment where employees are given recognition for their achievements and the things they are working on.
Schedule a consultation with Socius Strategies to learn about remote employee engagement to drive transformation.
Socius Strategies brings a collaborative approach to HR support. We empower transformation at the individual and organizational levels. Our consulting services focus on supporting diversity, equality, inclusion, and belonging in leadership and throughout all levels of a company. When people feel able to bring their whole selves to work, team performance improves. Our goal for everyone we work with is to help them generate sustainable growth now and in the future.
We support the human aspects of business, the places where you find limitless potential to meet the challenges of the future and command a more significant market share. Want to set and achieve new goals for your organization? Reach out to schedule a consultation to learn about impactful remote employee engagement.