In 2020 many companies faced the task of taking their workforces remote due to the pandemic. The change was abrupt, swift, and caught employers off guard leaving them to quickly create and implement new structures, plans, and policies in order to manage newly minted remote employees.
The early days of the transition presented challenges with the internet, communication, and supervision (just to name a few) causing high levels of stress for all staff levels. As a fun way to relieve the strain, the employer/employee virtual happy hour was born.
Flash forward to 2022. With the heyday of the digital cocktail party becoming a distant memory, employers now recognize that they must find creative ways to attract and keep exceptional remote employees. Similarly, remote employees’ expectations have surpassed virtual mixers to keep them happy. They want to feel seen, heard, and valued by their employer.
Here are a few ideas for employers to consider:
1) Enthusiastically express appreciation. A handwritten “Thank You” note, including a gift card, tells remote employees that their work is respected and valued.
2) Respect their time. Eliminate unnecessary meetings. Give extra time off. Bottom line, find useful ways to say, “You are an important asset to our company and we’re glad you’re on our team”.
3) Reduce interruptions throughout the day. Constant direct messages (pinging) can quickly become an additional stressor for remote employees and negatively impact productivity.
4) Allow extra breaks and avoid micromanaging. For a variety of reasons, employers keep a close watchful eye on their employees’ online activity. Routine self-care breaks are still necessary and should be encouraged rather than scrutinized.
5) Promote mental health. Because some remote workers may feel isolated, consider offering confidential assistance from mental health professionals.
Let’s be clear, the hybrid company (consisting of employees who have a remote and brick and mortar office) will become more dominate as time progresses. If companies fail to plan to attract and keep proficient “hybrid” employees, they should prepare to lose them to competitors.
Keep in mind that a lack of employee engagement will adversely affect morale, productivity, customer satisfaction, revenue, and profits.
In the comments below, tell us how you plan to attract and keep your remote employees.
Make it a great day!
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