After two years of working from home, the remote workforce is here to stay. In terms of hours, location, and schedule, a flexible workspace is no longer a nice to have; with many employees and potential employees, it is an expectation. As a result, business leaders must look at every area of their business differently than they have in the past to figure out how to offer their team members the gift of having some of their time back.
The good news about remote working is that companies have discovered that employees can be more productive than they thought. Employees enjoy the extra time and less aggravation from not having to make the daily commute. However, having a portion of your team members on-site and others working remotely is changing workplace culture. It’s not necessarily a bad thing – it’s just different.
Of course, specific jobs cannot be handled remotely – manufacturing shop floor, retail, restaurant, hospitality, etc. However, even within those organizations, there are ways to add flexibility and give your employees some of their time back. Perhaps you can look at a staggered schedule, a four-day workweek, or better yet – ASK your employees what would be most helpful to them while still being able to get their jobs done.
Here are three things leaders can do to make sure they are continuing to reap the benefits of a work-from-home team while not losing touch with their people.
- Prioritize Two-Way Communication. Managers need to check in with their employees regularly. They also need to listen to any concerns or struggles employees are facing. By reminding people that they are not alone, managers can decrease the feelings of isolation.
- Set Expectations for Work/Life Balance. When employees feel that they must be “on” 24/7, it can lead to stress and burnout. Instead, encourage employees to work their regular hours and set physical boundaries to their best abilities.
- Recognize Good Work. Finally, take the time to acknowledge and incentivize your employees’ productivity and dedication. The more valued employees feel, the more value they will bring to their work.
When employees understand that even though you may not be in the office together, you’re all working toward a common goal, you’ll increase engagement and increase your retention rates.
