IT employees around the world have been working from home for nearly a year now, and remote work is expected to become the new normal for many. But, leaders and managers need to stop applying did in-person practices directly to the virtual workplace, says Elizabeth Freedman, executive advisor and consultant at executive coaching and assessment firm Bates Communications.
There is a growing need for IT leaders to optimize the work-from-home proposition and rethink the remote work environment for it to be successful in the long run.
Related:
OpenText won’t reopen half its offices after pandemic, amid restructuring and work-from-home success – The Globe and Mail
Here are eight remote management best practices, according to The Enterprisers Project:
- Limit meetings: Do a meeting audit and see what should stay or go to ensure uninterrupted workflow for employees.
- Create remote-optimized HR practices: Ensure you are not using the same methods to manage remote workers and office-based workers. “You must have recognition, compensation, and career planning for remote employees (that are) on par with office-based employees,” says Cynthia Spraggs, chief executive officer of virtual work consultancy Virtira and author of How To Work From Home.
- Ensure productive online conversations: There is a need for leaders and managers to get really good on video and ensure productive conversations to best engage audiences and put the message across in an effective way.
- Invest in keeping it short: Too much social chatter or long-winded explanations can crush an interaction, says Spraggs. Those prone to this error should be instructed to keep it short and sweet.
- Create space: People should be encouraged to speak, at the same time, and tell how they are feeling. Leaders and managers should also reveal a little of themselves to their employees so they feel comfortable.
- Train staff on collaboration tools: It’s time to invest in the right collaboration tools and training. This will increase meeting and work productivity by improving virtual collaborations.
- Avoid burnout: Leaders and managers must pay attention to time management and make sure they have time for strategic planning and long-term thinking.
- Encourage employee input and feedback: Get input on what the team is doing and how you can help to improve their remote work experiences.