Managing Remote Workers During Trying Times

While remote work schedules and virtual employees have been growing in popularity, the recent coronavirus outbreak has forced the hand of many employers, releasing traditional office-bound employees into the unknown world of remote work whether or not they were prepared for it. While these times are uncertain, there are several items to keep in mind while managing disparate teams. Firstly, encouraging engagement is key. Remote workers can easily feel isolated and it’s much more difficult to collaborate with someone who isn’t physically present. Invest in collaboration tools and train employees how to use them. Communication will be key right now, and managers should be doing everything they can to break down barriers. They should also be concerning themselves with how culture will be built and maintained while workforces are distributed. Consider how employees will feel connected, not only with each other using collaboration tools but with the company itself. Make sure that messaging is on-brand and that employees feel like they are part of something bigger than themselves. Isolation is a serious concern right now, and managers need to be thoughtfully considering ways to stave it off in their teams in the near- and long-terms.