In today’s evolving work landscape, supporting remote workers is crucial for fostering productivity, engagement, and overall success.

Benefits of Having Remote Workers

• Alleviate the pressure of coming into the office sick, reducing the number of sick days needed
• Quickly address emergency issues outside of typical working hours
• Less time spent on commuting, more time to work
• Increase employee satisfaction, productivity, and retention
• Reduce costs associated with office space and utilities
• Having a decentralized team will keep your business adaptable and resilient in case of natural disasters or emergencies
• Expand talent pool
• Access to global markets

Understand the Disconnect

A common struggle for remote workers is feeling disconnected from in-person teams or meetings. Consider the in-office benefits that remote workers are missing out from such as free snacks, lunches, and group activities. Setting clear expectations and ensuring remote workers feel visible and appreciated will promote a positive work environment.

Any negative impact of remote work is usually because healthy boundaries are not set by the company, or the worker struggles to prioritize their life outside of work.

Have Clear Communication Channels

Establish effective communication channels to bridge the physical distance. Utilize tools such as video conferencing, instant messaging, and project management platforms to facilitate seamless communication.

Encourage regular check-ins, team meetings, and one-on-one discussions to keep remote workers connected and informed.

Get Feedback

Ask for anonymous feedback or ideas on how remote workers can feel more included, and what you can do to support them in the context of being more motivated or productive. Remote workers are sure to appreciate a company that goes the extra mile to provide them with support.

Here are some ideas to support remote workers for success in their work and workplace:

• Have everyone join a meeting through separate devices
• Plan remote activities for team bonding
• Schedule one-on-one meetings within the team
• Treating them to lunch at a place near their location
• Show appreciation and acknowledgement for their contributions

Provide Necessary Resources

Equip remote workers with the necessary tools and resources to perform their tasks efficiently. This includes access to software, hardware, and secure network connections. Offer training and support for remote-specific tools and technologies to ensure employees can maximize their productivity.

Define Clear Expectations

Set clear expectations for remote workers regarding goals, deadlines, and performance metrics. Clearly communicate deliverables, timelines, and quality standards to ensure everyone is aligned. Regularly provide feedback and recognize achievements to maintain motivation and engagement.

Educate Other Employees

By having an open conversation about how to support their coworkers, you establish a welcoming and supportive environment. This will help other workers to be more mindful of including remote workers. Go beyond the sentiment of support by also providing practical tips and ideas for them to take action.

Benefits for Remote Workers

Understanding the incentives of remote work will help you make decisions to keep your workforce happy and productive.

• Save time and money by skipping the commute
• Have more flexibility to coordinate personal appointments
• Avoid catching or spreading germs
• Quicker to access lunch or make at home
• Personalize work environment
• Babysitting at home instead of spending money on daycare
• Allows women to deal with the pain and inconveniences of a period while they work
• New mothers can breastfeed from the comfort of their home
• Caring for pets

If you have concerns as an employer about how some of these benefits may hinder workers from doing their best work, make sure to address and communicate any potential issues. Allow employees to speak openly about their concerns or needed accommodations. Supporting your employee’s holistically while setting guardrails in place will lead to more productivity in the long run.