HAVE A COMMUNICATION PLAN
Like any other relationship, whether personal or professional, it is essential to have a successful strategy for communication within the team. A lack of communication can make it hard for a manager to recognize performance and engagement right off the bat. To avoid any miscommunication or presumptions, it is important to schedule daily meetings and use an appropriate application that is suitable for the type of industry. This way, both managers and employees will feel connected and feel confident to communicate effectively. Take into account the languages your employees speak. Sometimes, having written documents can resolve any language barriers, since workers can fall back onto them presuming any uncertainty.
SET TEAM EXPECTATIONS AND GOALS
Provide a daily schedule that identifies the person’s to-do list for the day. Dedicated one-on-one meetings to discuss individual expectations and then organize a group meeting to sum up the jobs for the work day as a team. Specify a time to touch-base again. Moreover, clarify how each role affects the other roles and make aware the company’s objectives. Once the objectives are clear, establish the priorities and methods for reaching the target goals and set deadlines. Being too lenient with deadlines leaves plenty of room for procrastination. Remember—no pain, no gain.
USE MULTIPLE MEANS OF COMMUNICATION TO STAY IN TOUCH
Technology is a key component in managing a team remotely. You can use shared online databases purposely for collaborative work, discussions and proposals. As for daily updates, questions and general information—E-mail is the way to go. If there is an urgency or a given timeframe, then instant messaging or the telephone can come in handy. For more sensitive matters, or any situation that requires more attention, videoconferencing by using applications like Zoom; can prevent any downfalls. These multiple channels not only permit the aforementioned points, but also leave room for relevant feedback at any given moment.
LEAVE ROOM FOR BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS
One of the most crucial points in developing engaged employees is to foster relationships within the company. Especially during a time like this, it is hard to wrap your head around the current problem. It is normal to feel anxious or stressed during times like these. Checking-in on your employees and making sure they are feeling okay is a great way to keep them motivated and productive. After all, it’s the little things that make a big difference. Another suggestion is to organize virtual group gatherings. Often, companies host events such as; in-person happy hours, so why not have one virtually! Having a support group like that and creating a feeling of a sense of community will definitely help employees feel valued and will overall lift the morale of the group, generating better performance.
BE INVOLVED
Be an example and be transparent with your team. Use your initiative and imagination to get your team involved in the company by getting feedback from your employees on what works and what doesn’t. Rethink and re-exam what changes should be made, regarding your employees and yourself.
https://eod.ucar.edu/sites/default/files/July%20Sheet%203%20-%20Managing%20Remote%20Employees.pdf
How Montreal employers are handling the COVID-19 outbreak
