Following the COVID-19 outbreak, companies are adopting work-from-home policies. The purpose of these policies is to help stop the spread of COVID-19. However, understanding the challenges associated with working remotely can be helpful to companies that are implementing these policies. One of the challenges is that remote workforce can feel isolated both socially and informatively. This would then affect their productivity.
Communication will, however, be essential to maintain good spirits in your remote workforce. When you create a corporate culture online, your remote workforce will not feel isolated. Especially now that many companies are transitioning to a remote working environment, maintaining a positive culture online will help their employees remain productive. But how do you boost morale and ensure your employees feel empowered?
You can enhance your remote workforce morale through team-inclusion. There are, however, various ways that can help you maintain morale in of your employees who are working in a remote environment. Some of those ways are as follows.
1. Staying connected.
Employees should know that their managers and leaders are always available when they need any assistance. To remain connected, however, you need to spend time with your staff virtually. Unlike voice calls, video calls would be great when you have remote staff.
Since employees can see the body language, as well as facial expressions of their managers in video calls, they feel connected, comfortable, and reassured. During the virtual connection, it should not be simply about targets and deadlines. It is also important that you show certain interests away from work. This way you will build and maintain relationships with your employees and even show you care about them. This would greatly boost their morale.
2. Recognize your staff.
There will be a boost in your morale if someone is recognizing and appreciating what you do. Unlike when there is no one who is appreciating you, recognition in a remote working environment would boost your productivity. Therefore, ensure that you always recognize the good job done by your staff.
Your employees should also know that they contribute to the main company’s goal. This would be telling them they are valuable and they matter. When you recognize the work of your remote workforce, you keep their morale high. This will also improve their productivity.
3. Show you care.
While observing social distancing it should not cause dissipation. While such things like birthdays may not be the same, virtual celebrations can be done. This way, they will know you care about them.