NCET Biz Tips: 5 Ways to Set Up Remote Employees for Success

by Kerri Meyer

Kerri Meyer

In 1998, I proposed something unheard of to my then-boss: let me work from home. Preparing for my son’s birth, I lined up in-home care for my newborn, created a home office, and secured the necessary technology, I carefully laid out my plan for how I could ensure results while creating a work-life integration for me. “Give me 3 months to prove this” I requested; and it worked. Twenty-two years later, I am still an advocate for the premise that you don’t have to be in an office in order to meet with success. 

The responsibility of thinking of new ways to support employees during challenging transitions to working from home is incumbent on every leader. More than 20 years ago, the transition for me was to that of a new mom. In 2021 for employees everywhere, it is in light of a global pandemic.

What are some ways that leaders can set up our employees to not only be successful, but to feel empowered to do the best work of their lives? Here are five tips to get you started.

1: Determine what skills (and technology) are needed for success.

Working remotely is not the same as working in the office, so first adjust your expectations. Collaboration, connection, relationship-building occur differently when people are not passing each other in the hallway or saying “yes” to an impromptu coffee break or lunch. Find new ways to engage, share ideas and create connection. Technology can assist in this, as can remote-specific exercises and activities.

2: Share successes early and often.

Part of increasing the effectiveness of anything is talking about what is working and highlighting small wins. Too often we focus on the problems and what is not working. Consider setting up a regularly occurring “check in” to discuss what is going well, what needs exist, and what action plans need to be created to keep momentum going.

3: Leverage technology for connection and accountability.

Many ways exist to maintain connection with people. From daily videos to instant messaging, we can check-in, share information, make people laugh and even celebrate special days using apps like Marco Polo, Slack, Basecamp, and the like.

When it comes to accountability it can be as simple as a shared document or as robust as task/goal management software. There are limitless ways to foster accountability for who’s doing what and by when. The key is making sure there is alignment on expectations and on what a good job looks like. There also needs to be follow through and communication when something goes awry.

4: Ask for and act on employee feedback.

While some employees flourish in a remote environment, others struggle. Skills and practices may be in place, but there may be circumstances that make it difficult to work at home (e.g., distance learning kids, distractions, suboptimal work conditions, etc.). Regular check-ins with employees are imperative. Open and honest dialogue about what support is needed, can make the difference between flourishing and floundering in a remote environment.

5: Add remote work/flexibility to your recruiting strategy and benefits package.

“Nearly a third of workers have sought out a new job because their current workplace didn’t offer flexible work opportunities, such as remote work or flexible scheduling, according to new research.” (SHRM.org) Making remote work an option for employees not only helps your organization attract talent but serves as a desirable benefit for current employees, increasing loyalty as well. In a 2019 survey of 7,300 workers 80% said they would be more loyal to their current employers if they had more flexible work options.

Interested in learning more? Join us on February 17 as we discuss practical strategies for being a great virtual leader.  NCET is a member-supported nonprofit organization that produces educational and networking events to help people explore business and technology. More info https://ncet.org/biz-cafe-overcoming-virtual-leadership-barriers/

Kerri Meyer, Leadership Consultant, founded Sync Learning (www.synclearning.net) to offer leadership and learning programs that reveal insights, deliver impact, and measure results.