How to Make Remote Employees Feel Like They’re at the Office
Posted March 30th, 2017
Hiring remote employees has become more commonplace, and it offers companies the chance to access top talent they may otherwise miss. But making remote employees feel like they are part of the office is a challenge. Often, engagement is a challenge when the workers don’t physically report in and making sure they are properly managed requires additional effort.
If you are working to make sure your remote employees feel like they are truly part of the team, with access to all of the direction and support your other workers receive, here are some tips to get you started.
Focus on Collaboration
One of the biggest methods for helping your remote employees feel like part of the office is to facilitate collaboration. While the physical barrier may be somewhat unavoidable, there are online tools that can make communicating with the team feel more natural. Messenger programs can help remote workers reach coworkers quickly, and video conferencing can give them the face-to-face interaction they need to feel like a cohesive part of the team. Combine these with traditional offerings like email and phone calls, and you have a well-rounded approach to communication that can help bridge the gap.
Consider Co-Working Spaces
A benefit of employment remote employees often miss out on are the social aspects of the job. While not all members of a team will become friends, having the opportunity to be around people can help them feel like part of something larger than themselves.
If you have multiple remote employees in a particular area, consider investing in a space where they can occasionally get together. This helps encourage a social aspect that is found in more traditional employment opportunities while still letting them have the freedom associated with being a remote worker. Similarly, if you individual workers that live near locations other than the one that holds their team, see if they can use a workspace on a regular schedule to promote interaction with other employees even if they don’t work in the same department.
For remote workers that aren’t near other employees, consider arranging for them to have access to a co-working space that is open to workers from any company. Then, they at least have a chance to be around other people, enjoying some social interaction, even if they aren’t employed by the same business.
Be Available
Since remote employees don’t have the same level of access to management as other employees, it is important to make yourself intentionally available to them on a regular basis. Whether you want to schedule regular check-in meetings or simply prioritize their calls or messages, letting them know you are there to support and guide them can alleviate some of the stress that can come from being predominately self-directed. Even if they don’t exercise the option often, simply knowing they can ensure they feel like a valuable part of the team.
If you are looking for new employees to join your team, either in your office or remotely, Bayside Solutions can help you find the right talent for your vacant positions. Contact us today to see how our services can help with all of your hiring needs.
