(Newswire.net — July 12, 2020) — The COVID-19 pandemic made working at home a reality for more Americans than ever before. Not every employee required to stay home was ready for that responsibility. Many employers and business managers were suddenly forced to motivate a team separated by miles from each other. The transition from office to home was not easy for everyone, and it can still seem like a struggle to keep everyone on task and efficient.
#1. Keep Communication Open
The loss of the daily gossip at the water cooler or discussions in the lunchroom can affect how close everyone feels with their colleagues. Make certain to provide chat opportunities for staff. Consider setting up a discussion board where employees can log on and discuss ideas, collaborate on projects, or even make personal announcements. Keep communication easy with supervisors as well through video chats when needed and always provide fast follow-ups on messages and emails.
#2. Include Some Perks
Businesses under the strain of falling revenues due to the recent lockdown may not have the financial strength to offer cash bonuses or substantial raises. Instead, look for affordable but personal perks to brighten the day. Pay for home delivery of lunches to the team once a month. Send virtual gift cards for use with online retailers. Give accolades and awards to those that continue to achieve their goals within the company.
#3. Set Clear Goals
At-home work does not always take place from 9-5 because not everyone can meet those standards. Many people have children at home and are needed by them for educational help or other duties. Allow flexibility in the hours that work can take place but continue to set deadlines with clear expectations of what the deadline includes. Discuss these issues during video conferencing and supply everyone with written guidelines as well. Get daily updates through text or email to make certain everyone stays focused and on time.
Goals do not only help with receiving work faster. Goal-setting can also help people who begin to suffer from depression due to their isolation. Therapists use goals as a motivation to encourage people to push themselves a little more than they otherwise might when depression begins. Experts do say that setting small, achievable goals works better for those feeling defeated than larger goals that may add to their stress. Consider a reduction in expected output for a time if a team seems to enter a slump.
#4. Get Some Motivation
Now is the perfect opportunity to discover the power of virtual broadcasts from motivational speakers. Virtual seminars can teach, inspire, and entertain. The break from everyday tasks can help everyone to relax and reestablish personal goals. Sharing the experience allows everyone to feel a little more connected and have a topic for group discussions.
#5. Keep it Short
At-home workers do not need to see or hear from their employer for eight hours straight. Keep all video conferences for work discussions on-topic and only schedule them as needed. Leave chat boards available 24/7 so people can comment as they are able, rather than scheduling discussions to take place at a specific time.
#6. Upgrade Their Technology
Employees who did all their work at the office may not have the equipment needed to perform at the top of their abilities. Employers should take on at least some of the financial responsibility of ensuring everyone has what they need to do their work comfortably and efficiently. Make certain everyone has the software and bandwidth to video conference, file share, and perform whatever work they need to complete.
Remote working has many benefits like more family time and no commuting. Unfortunately, many people discover that the work-from-home jobs they always wanted, were not necessarily the best mix for their personality. Not everyone has the self-motivation, or the quiet space needed to work at their peak efficiency. A boss cannot fix everything, but they do have a lot of tools at their disposal to make the situation easier.