Today’s business world is nothing like the business world of old. The internet has changed everything, from how we connect with customers and suppliers, how we market our company, and where and when we work. It’s also allowed us to employ people who don’t only live in a different city from ours, but sometimes a different country altogether. This has allowed companies to find the best talent for the job, regardless of where they’re based. It has, however, also changed the game when it comes to managing employees, and not all of it is easy. Below, we offer some useful tips on how to get the best from your employees, even if you’ve never met them.
Share the Legwork
Just as with any traditional company, you shouldn’t assume a position of being above your employees. If you have an employee who works on the other side of the world, then it’s not always their responsibility to be online when it suits you. If you live in New York and have an Australian employee, then it might be the middle of the night when you need to speak to them. Keep this in mind, and share the responsibility when it comes to connecting with one another. If that means late night phone calls, then so be it.
Constant Contact
You’ll have to trust your remote workers to get their work done with minimal supervision, but you’ll have to stay in contact throughout the day to ensure that everyone’s on the same page. This is where technology can come in. Some services will allow you to make free international calls and there are also apps that will let you message one another throughout the day. Aside from helping your company, it’ll help your employee if they’re able to get a hold of you when they have questions.
Don’t Make It All About Work
You might rarely see your employees in the flesh, but that doesn’t mean they’re not real people. They have their own lives going on, and you should make an extra effort to get to know them on this level. If you’re only talking about work whenever you speak with them, then you won’t be engaging with them in a way that all employees need. You don’t have to go over the top: simply setting aside five minutes of the conversation aside from personal chat is all it takes.
Don’t Forget the Perks
All employees want to receive perks from time to time; it’s no different from remote workers. Keep them sweet by making sure they’re able to share in the success of the company. Nothing will pick up an employee more than some company swag arriving at their front door.
Arrange Meetups
You’ll be able to do most of your work remotely, but it’s also a good to arrange meetups so the company can get together face to face. This will enable your employee to feel closer to the company, and will also help foster personal relationships that can fuel better worker productivity.
Photo: Claudioscot