Remote workers need all the motivation they can get, whenever they take up tasks for one client or more. That responsibility of motivating the team falls on management, since they eventually have to compensate remote workers for their time. So, if you’re a business owner or entrepreneur, you might be wondering, “How do I keep my team motivated when working remotely?”
To answer this question, look to these 5 tips! By implementing these tips, you’ll be on your way to being a motivating figure in the remote work environment. So, let’s jump right in!
Establish A Daily Routine For Remote Employees
“First, you must have your remote workers develop a daily routine for themselves,” says Joe Sega, a content marketer at 1Day2write and Writemyx. “A routine lets them know how to start their workday, and how to finish it. The purpose of establishing a routine is to help them in the zone and relax while they work. In turn, they can balance their days for productivity, and days to have off.”
Online tools like Google Calendar can help your remote workforce set up their personal and work schedules with ease. As they utilize such tools, they’ll make the necessary adjustments to create a daily routine that they can follow.
Trust Your Remote Employees
Whatever you do: DO NOT micromanage your remote workers, because that’s what kills motivation for them to work. Instead, let your remote team have clear task descriptions, along with the liberty to get things done. And, if you SHOULD check in with your employees, then do occasional check-ins via video chat or other kind of conferencing.
Set Realistic Goals For Them
When you set achievable goals for your remote workforce, you’re showing that you care about them, when it comes to producing good work. Setting realistic goals prevents workers from overworking themselves, and they can complete daily tasks and projects on time.
When setting goals, keep the following questions in mind:
- How much has your team been able to do in just one day?
- Are the remote projects the same as before?
- How complex are your remote workers’ projects?
- Are there any challenges to such projects? Why or why not?
Show Appreciation
“All employees want to feel valued in the company,” says Alice Paige, a business writer at Brit student and Next coursework. “Therefore, employee recognition is key to motivation, even when done virtually.”
Here are some good ideas on how to show your virtual appreciation:
- Send an online gift card
- Give a glowing recommendation via LinkedIn
- Feature them on your blog’s employee showcase
- Host a virtual employee recognition event via videoconferencing.
Have A Laugh
Finally, laugh. A little humor every so often can establish goodwill on your team and keep communication open. Instead of having your workforce stress about making a good impression, tell a joke or two, or even tell a fun story. Just remember: Stay professional.
Conclusion
Working from home can be stressful sometimes for remote workers. However, you – management – can change all that. As long as you motivate your workers, and keep in mind these 5 tips, you’ll find an effective approach to keep the motivation going.
