In recent times, many companies have had to make adjustments to accommodate employees working from home instead of keeping them in a traditional office setting.
While having employees working from home can be beneficial, this presents unique challenges for those in management. It can be more difficult to keep tabs on how workers are using their time, and this may change your methods of communication. However, there are ways to navigate these challenges successfully. Here are 3 tips for managing work-from-home employees.
1.) Identify specific tasks and expectations for a given time.
Setting goals with specific tasks you expect employees to accomplish during their work hours can help them to stay on track.
To help your employees keep track of their tasks, as well as what other members of their team are doing, consider using an online organization tool such as Trello, (which has a free version and is easy to use.) On Trello, there are ways to share boards with coworkers and managers, so everyone is aware of what each person has done.
2.) Set check-in times to communicate with employees.
Regular communication is vital to keep everyone in the loop and on track with things they need to do. If you set regular and consistent check-in times, you’ll be less likely to play phone tag with your employees.
Some businesses also use video-conferencing tools such as Zoom. This allows them to actually see and chat with employees, have virtual meetings, and people may even choose to do some of their work while connected with their team.
3.) Understand challenges employees face, and be flexible.
While it’s important to help your employees manage their time and responsibilities, you also want to show empathy toward their circumstances.
Some work-from-home employees may have a more difficult time keeping their office schedule at home, especially if they also have children or a spouse home with them. They may ask to work at different times than they did in the office, and if possible, try to be flexible and accommodate them.
If certain hours offer less distractions for an employee, they’ll be more productive during the time they’re working.
So those are 3 tips for managing work-from-home employees. By planning specific tasks and expectations, communicating at regular, predictable times, and showing consideration for your employees’ personal circumstances, you and your workers can be successful working in a home environment.
