As many organizations are adapting to newly remote teams, leaders are challenged with addressing the challenges of the remote environment. Remote work remains a relevant topic for employers, and it will continue post-coronavirus. Many managers find themselves tasked with effectively leading remote employees and helping their teams adapt to the virtual workplace.
Challenges of Managing Remote Employees
Remote employees face unique challenges. While numerous studies show that remote employees can achieve levels of productivity that are the same as or higher than their non-remote peers, obstacles do exist. According to the Harvard Business Review, common challenges remote workers face may include:
- Reduced motivation
- Lack of face-to-face interaction
- Social isolation
- Limited or lack of access to necessary information
- Distractions within their home
Many employees can overcome these challenges, and often even thrive when working remotely. However, you may find this won’t easily be the case for all. Managers can focus on identifying issues their team members may be having, and create a plan to address them.
Identifying Employees Who Are Struggling to Work Remotely
When physically present, leaders often can identify an instance of when an employee’s performance or well-being seems to suffer. In the remote environment, there are cues leaders can look for, and topics to consider:
- What if a high performer’s motivation disappears? When an employee who is known to be an eager, high-performing team member has a sudden drop in productivity or is struggling to meet deadlines, consider whether there has been a recent change:
- Has there been an organizational change?
- Has there been a change in their personal life?
- Has their workload or responsibilities changed?
A decrease in performance could be due to a variety of reasons—these may be some clues for managers to use when uncovering an unforeseen issue one of their team members may be encountering.
- Has remote work uncovered areas of your organization that need immediate attention? A remote work environment can bring issues to light, such as a process that could use improvement. Consider whether an employee’s struggles may be part of a broader structural, leadership or organizational issue.
While some issues may be unavoidable, leaders can be proactive by establishing clear expectations and accountability for each employee. As problems are encountered, be prepared to not only support employees in need but also evaluate and change structural issues.
Managing Employees Who Are Struggling in the Remote Environment
Managers can take steps to help employees. Considerations include:
- Schedule one-on-one check-ins with each team member—By gauging how each employee is doing, leaders can evaluate how to meet the unique needs of each employee. Asking open-ended questions can allow employees to speak their minds. Leaders should focus on being good listeners and providing appropriate support.
- Offer empathy, but avoid lowering expectations—Ensure that each employee knows they are a critical member of the team. Acknowledge their current struggles and create a plan to get back on track.
- Challenge employees to make an impact—Consider how workload adjustments—including assignments that include problem-solving or experimentation may reengage an employee who, though talented, is struggling in the current environment.
- Meet individual needs, but don’t show favoritism—It can be a fine line between supporting individual needs and avoiding perceived favoritism that may cause others on your team to feel remorse. Consider how establishing team policies and expectations might benefit the whole group.
- Offer support—A decrease in performance can be a failure of both the employee and leadership. Take accountability in the situation and offer solutions for how the employee can be better supported.
Remember, each employee is unique. Some employees may adapt well to a remote environment, while others may need individual support to achieve a high level of performance and personal well-being.
Empower Success in the Remote Workplace
Every business is different, so there isn’t one right way to best lead remote employees. Create practices and set expectations that work best for your team.
