Although not everyone works remotely, the numbers of remote workers have skyrocketed in the past year. It’s a great option for many companies, allowing them to cut costs in many areas while offering unique flexibility to their employees. Understanding the needs of your remote employees increases employee productivity and helps you, as the manager, see how remote working affects your company. Here’s what employees want their companies to understand about remote working:
Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance is a common goal, no matter the career. For remote employees, this balance takes on new meaning.
Working from home provides flexibility, time with family, and a casual, relaxed atmosphere. However, there is still a balancing act. Time with family means interruptions, flexibility requires incredible self-discipline to stay on top of tasks, and the relaxed atmosphere is unmotivating at times. Still, many remote employees feel the positives outweigh any negatives and continue to choose the remote option.
As an employer, it’s your job to understand you are helping your employees find that work-life balance by allowing them the flexibility of remote work. It’s also your job to understand that while at home, schedules may change a bit, and that’s seldom a problem as long as the job is well done. Work together with employees for compromise and balance for everyone.
Employees Question How They’re Doing
While in the office, surrounded by fellow employees, it’s easier for personnel to know how they’re doing. While at home, stuck behind a laptop, they may wonder if they’re making an impact at work.
As an employer, take some time to consider what you can do to encourage remote employees. The original way the office did this may need tweaking if times have changed. Help your remote workers feel connected to the company, and in turn, those employees will remain productive and loyal.
Remote Employees Enjoy Flexibility
Remain flexible as remote work and schedules are ironed out. The greatest benefit for remote employees is their flexibility. If they were given a choice and chose remote, that was most likely a big reason for it. As long as their job is still getting done, and done quite well, consider loosening up on old ideas of rigid schedules. Work with remote employees to come up with realistic agreements—don’t be afraid of change.
Understanding the needs of your remote employees creates an atmosphere of belonging and enjoyment while working for everyone involved, no matter where they are located. Stay connected with your remote employees and put yourself in their shoes when considering their needs, and the company will thrive.
