According to Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace 2022 Report, business units with engaged workers have 23% higher profits compared with their disengaged counterparts.
Remote work has become the norm for many companies, but with it comes the challenge of keeping remote employees engaged and connected to the company culture. It can be tough for managers to keep their remote team members motivated and invested in their work, but it’s not impossible!
What is remote employee engagement?
Remote employee engagement refers to the level of connection and involvement that remote employees have with their work, colleagues, and the company. It encompasses the emotional, psychological, and behavioral aspects of employees, and measures how invested they are in their work and the success of the company.
Think of it like a big virtual hug for your remote workers. It’s making sure they feel appreciated, supported, and like they’re part of the team, no matter where they’re working from. And the best part? When your remote workers are happy and engaged, they’re more likely to be productive and creative, which is great for your company!
Why is it important?
Remote employee engagement is important for several reasons:
- Improved productivity: Engaged employees are more motivated and productive, resulting in higher quality work and better results for the company.
- Increased job satisfaction: Engaged employees are more likely to be satisfied with their work, which can lead to lower turnover rates and increased loyalty to the company.
- Better company culture: A positive and engaged remote workforce can help to create a strong and supportive company culture, even in a remote work environment.
- Improved morale: Engaged employees have a positive outlook on their work and their contributions, leading to better morale and a more positive work environment.
- Better communication and collaboration: Engaged employees are more likely to communicate effectively and collaborate with their colleagues, leading to better teamwork and more efficient problem solving.
Five strategies to create positive and productive work environment
In this blog post, we’ll go over five strategies that will help you create a positive and productive work environment for your remote team.
Communication:
Communication is a key aspect of remote employee engagement and is crucial for keeping your remote team members connected, informed, and motivated. Here are a few examples and methods to improve communication in your remote team:
- Regular check-ins: Schedule regular virtual meetings with your team members, either one-on-one or in a group setting. This will give everyone the opportunity to catch up, discuss any challenges they’re facing, and stay in the loop on what’s happening in the company.
- Virtual coffee breaks: Encourage your team to take virtual coffee or lunch breaks together. It’s a great way for everyone to catch up and bond, even from a distance.
- Open communication: Encourage open and honest communication between team members and across departments. Make sure everyone feels heard and valued by creating a safe and supportive environment for discussion.
- Transparency: Be transparent about company goals, plans, and challenges. Share information and updates with your team on a regular basis so everyone is on the same page.
- Collaboration tools: Utilise collaboration tools like instant messaging, project management software, and virtual meeting platforms to make communication and collaboration easier for your team
According to the 2022 State of Remote Work Report by Insightful, a majority of 51% of remote managers support the utilization of asynchronous communication.
Flexibility
Flexibility is another important aspect of remote employee engagement, as it allows employees to balance their work and personal responsibilities in a way that works best for them. Here’s an example of how to incorporate flexibility into your remote work strategy:
- Flexible schedules: Allow your team members to choose the hours they work, as long as they meet their deadlines and responsibilities. This can help them better balance their work and personal commitments, leading to improved engagement and job satisfaction.
- Work from anywhere: Give your team the option to work from anywhere they choose, whether it’s from home, a co-working space, or even while traveling. This can help to increase their sense of autonomy and control over their work environment.
- Time off: Encourage your team to take time off when they need it, whether it’s for a personal or medical issue, or simply to recharge. Allowing them to step away from work and return refreshed can lead to increased engagement and productivity when they return.
Professional Development
The results of a study indicate that career development has a significant effect on employee experience and motivation, with 94% of employees agreeing that support for learning and development would cause them to remain at a company for an extended period.
Professional development is like giving your remote employees a roadmap to success! It’s all about providing opportunities for growth and learning, which can keep them motivated and engaged in their work. So, let’s dive into a few ways to support professional development for your remote team:
- Training and workshops: Give your remote team members the chance to learn new skills and stay up-to-date on industry trends by hosting virtual training sessions and workshops.
- Mentorship programs: Connect your remote employees with experienced mentors who can offer guidance and support as they grow in their careers.
- Cross-functional opportunities: Encourage your remote team members to take on new challenges and responsibilities, either within their current role or by working on projects in other departments. This can help keep their work interesting and provide opportunities for growth and advancement.
- Professional certifications: Support your remote team’s professional growth by providing financial support or paid time off for them to obtain professional certifications in their field.
Collaboration
Collaboration is key for keeping remote employees engaged and connected, even when they’re working from different locations. Organize virtual team-building activities, like online games or trivia contests, to help your remote employees bond and feel connected to one another.
Assign group projects or cross-functional teams to give them the opportunity to work together and build strong relationships. Encourage regular virtual check-ins, like team meetings or one-on-ones, to keep everyone informed and connected.
And don’t forget to utilize collaborative tools, such as project management software or instant messaging apps, to make it easy for your team to work together and feel connected even when they’re physically apart.
Recognition and Rewards
According to a study, 66% of employees stated that they would “likely leave their job” if they did not feel appreciated.
A little recognition and reward can go a long way in keeping your remote team motivated. Make sure to give shoutouts during virtual meetings, provide bonuses, or publicly recognize their achievements. It’s a small gesture that can make a big impact on their morale.
By following these five strategies, you’ll be able to create a supportive and engaging work environment for your remote team. They’ll feel valued and motivated, and in turn, be more productive and satisfied with their work. So give these strategies a try, and watch your remote team thrive!
In conclusion, keeping a remote team engaged and happy is essential for their productivity, creativity, and overall well-being. Implementing strategies such as clear communication, regular check-ins, virtual team building activities, flexible scheduling, and recognition and appreciation can make a significant difference in maintaining a positive and productive work environment.
If you’re interested in learning more about how to keep your remote team engaged and happy, be sure to check out Learn Infinity‘s blog section for more informative and fun articles.
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