Retaining Your Remote Workforce
| |Remote work was enabled by the invention of the Internet and several technological developments that followed. Now, thanks to the pandemic, it seems like remote workers will make up the teams of the future. Companies must adapt to the new reality of the working world. If your company already has remote workers or is transitioning into a remote workforce due to the pandemic, here are some tips to help you retain this talent.
Home Office Benefits
One of the most important benefits remote workers look for is the funding of the home office setup. This ranges from financing the purchase of a good computer and a fast Internet connection to a complete renovation of the office space at home. Many companies even provide ergonomic furniture to help workers work comfortably.
Depending on their profession, the company may offer the employee other tech in addition to the computer. Just because the employee is based remotely doesn’t mean the company doesn’t have to worry about where the employee works. A lack of dedicated office space at home can lead to poor performance, so make sure to offer home office aid to keep your remote team happy.
Furthermore, many remote workers choose a nomadic lifestyle and appreciate when companies offer coworking space benefits. Coworking spaces are like “offices” where people can work. These spaces provide an Internet connection and an environment of collaboration similar to a cafe, with each person working on their own projects. There are many places like this around the world, and they are very common among digital nomads.
Avoiding Isolation
Remote workers can spend a lot of time working from home, and, because they operate online, may lack human interaction. Without realizing it, they can become isolated, which can impact their performance and mental health. To avoid this, companies can organize in-person activities to keep employees happy.
These activities can be anything from frequent team retreats, weekend barbeques, or Friday nights out. The idea is to create events that allow workers to interact in person, get to know each other, and form deeper bonds. By doing this, the company encourages interactions and sets an example. After a few of these parties, workers will probably start meeting outside of work on their own.
Use Instant Messaging Tools
Many employees become frustrated when the team suffers from poor communication. With remote teams, this is even more true. Companies should use instant messaging solutions to facilitate communication. Some of these solutions include email, Skype, Zoom and Slack, but there are many, many more!
In addition, video calls can also significantly improve communication. Seeing who you are speaking to will make you more likely to communicate ideas efficiently.
Initiate Online Activities
Working remotely can become a dull activity if employees can’t chat with coworkers and allow themselves to be distracted now and then. And keep in mind that bored workers tend to be less productive. To avoid this, you can try to make work more enjoyable by organizing weekly activities that aren’t work-related.
Examples of these activities include mandatory chat sessions between groups of three or four coworkers or book clubs in which workers discuss what they read that week. The important thing is that it isn’t work-related; the idea is to temporarily distract them from work.
Set Up A Standard Onboarding Process
Some studies have shown that around 20 percent of employee turnover occurs in the first 45 days, so having a good onboarding process is vital. By standardizing the training process for new employees, your team knows exactly what to do with new members; otherwise, your company will waste money when the new employee spends weeks going around in circles because no one is guiding them.
This is essential when it comes to remote work as the employee doesn’t have the option of shadowing a coworker to learn from them. With a good onboarding experience, remote workers are more likely to stay and recommend the company to their network.
Wellbeing Benefits
Many companies nowadays also include wellbeing benefits. The younger generations care more about health, fitness and wellness. For remote workers, who spend a lot of time working indoors, scheduling a time to exercise, meditate and relax becomes a necessity.
Make sure to offer your remote employees gym memberships, massage and therapy sessions, and other physical and outdoor activities. The idea is to help them remain physically and mentally healthy.
Praise Employees’ Dedication and Achievements
Acknowledging their efforts is an important part of making your employees feel appreciated, especially when done in front of the whole team. However, this can be harder to do when the team is remote. Companies must find ways of expressing their appreciation for employees—without this acknowledgment, employees are less likely to put forth a good effort.
An option is to discuss employees’ achievements and dedication to the company in monthly company emails or mention high-performing workers in team meetings. You can also reward employees with bonuses or salary increases.
Offer Learning Opportunities
Just because a person likes to work remotely doesn’t mean they don’t want career development opportunities. Companies should offer mentorship programs, online courses, bootcamps, and other learning opportunities that help employees further their careers. Employees are more likely to stay in a company where they feel they can grow professionally.
Conclusion
Having a remote team can be both beneficial and challenging. No matter how difficult, it is essential to retain good talent. You can offer competitive benefits, such as wellness programs, and provide financial assistance to help workers set up their home office. You can also create a culture that promotes good communication and collaboration.