Although people couldn’t dream of working remotely 10 years ago, nowadays countless companies employ at least one remote employee. Big corporations and enterprises have entire remote worker teams, whose presence at the office is unnecessary. PR managers, HR experts, copywriters, journalists, photographers, bloggers, accountants are among the professions created or adapted for remote work, which is such a large pool it can be endlessly expanded. Let’s rather discuss the proper staff motivation ideas so that remote workers can be cost-effective and productive.
Initially, it seems that employee motivation is not the easiest task to tackle when it comes to remote employees, as we’re usually dealing with freedom-loving, independent and perhaps a bit fussy people. By following our worker motivation advice, you will become adept at motivating and managing personnel, even if these personnel work a thousand miles away from your office.
First and probably the most important advice: Stay in contact
We live in the era of social networks, Skype conferences, and endless business communications. On one hand, being constantly reachable via social networks and various messengers, or having Skype calls once a week might seem tough or time-demanding. On the other hand, if you maintain contact with remote staff members, these workers can ask questions whenever they want. This helps prevent mistakes that could lead to significant financial loss for the company. Don't waste excessive hours on calls; merely be online or establish a fixed time when you'll be available for employees. For example, set a time from 1 PM to 2 PM on Mondays and Wednesdays to chat with a particular worker.
Second, yet equally important advice: Give clear and precise instructions
Initially, the remote working process appears quite simple: you provide an employee with basic information about your company, explain certain work specifics, assign a task, and oversee its execution. However, articulating the task properly and precisely is even more crucial. You shouldn’t assume that a remote worker who doesn’t understand their task will ask a lot of follow-up questions. Most employees won’t delve into this and will work based on their own understanding. Not all employees are willing to redo their work if you are dissatisfied with their task execution. Therefore, managing remote employees should involve delivering crystal clear and precise tasks. This will foster a fruitful and long-lasting partnership. By explaining everything clearly from the start, you won’t lose valuable time and money when someone makes a mistake.
Third equally important advice: Offer bonuses
Financial motivation is classic, but unfortunately, it's unavoidable as a tried-and-true staff motivation idea. Everyone enjoys getting paid, and they love bonuses even more. That’s why, if you see an employee completing their work on time, taking initiative, being polite, hardworking and occasionally putting in overtime, don’t be tight-fisted. Implement a system of small bonuses or pay out large sums every quarter or semi-annually. This way, workers will be motivated and will perform their work both promptly and cheerfully.
Fourth advice: Unique gifts
This method is best for employers who are truly passionate about their business and value each individual involved in it. When you know a remote employee for years and they perform their work diligently, they deserve to be treated with respect and even friendliness. That's why you can enhance worker motivation with unique interesting gifts. For instance, if you know an employee well and are aware that they are a big rugby enthusiast, you can purchase rugby match tickets for their birthday or as a gift at the end of a quarter. When there is a married woman working in your company who spends too much time on your projects, give her two cinema or theatre tickets, allowing her to enjoy a lovely evening with her husband. Although remote employees are far away, they are still a crucial part of your team and should be treated without bias or not encouraged just like regular office workers.
Fifth vital advice: Trust
An experienced CEO certainly needs to be involved in managing remote employees and keeping an eye on things, but they shouldn’t forget about trust. Of course, if you’ve never hired remote staff before, you might find it challenging to adjust to certain aspects of the process as well as learning to trust and empower workers. While managing remote employees, you can’t monitor every action they take, how much time they spend behind their computers, how often they visit the kitchen or get distracted by phone calls, yet you must learn to trust them. When you hire an employee for remote work, you need to ascertain how responsible, focused, qualified and capable they are in setting their priorities. Experienced top managers will easily discern a slacker from a hard-working expert to add to their team.
Sixth advice: Implement deadlines
When assigning a task to an employee, it’s crucial to set a deadline and inform them about the consequences of failing to meet submission terms. If you don’t set up deadlines, an employee may become lazier and pursue their interests instead of focusing on their tasks. Consequently, the work will be completed at the last minute and rather haphazardly.
Seventh advice: Positive attitude
Sadly, it’s quite challenging to find a job where you will be appreciated, respected, and your opinion valued. That’s why nowadays, a good attitude towards employees is as valuable as gold. Many people trade their office work for remote work because they are tired of shameless exploitation by employers and the bickering collective that resembles a nest of vipers. CEOs with a remote workforce must strive to treat them with respect. Enquire about their day, whether everything is okay with their families, and what the weather is like in their countries and cities. It is important not to make these conversations too intrusive or overly familiar.
Friends, we hope that you find these tips beneficial for working with remote employees and that they will assist you in building long-lasting and productive relationships with them. Remember that you are accountable for how well the workflow is organised in your company. Only the most experienced, talented, focused, and progressive employers will elevate their businesses to the top.
