Assembling your post-pandemic work from home team, you can take steps to increase your team’s ability to succeed and shine by proactively taking steps that will enhance your connection and productivity.
Use Common Tools
Remote working is different from working in the office but you can help to create cohesiveness among your members by using common tools to tie them together.
For instance, you will need common communication tools, like WhatsApp, Messenger, or Google Chat.
You will need a common area to share files, such as Google Drive or Dropbox
Decide to agree to use a common video conferencing platform, like Zoom or Skype
Shareable whiteboard, something like Miro or Stormboard
Project management tools, like Trello or Asana
And something to accumulate poll data, like SurveyMonkey.
It is up to you, as the team leader, to set up an effective telecommuting environment that will ensure your team’s success. Focus on results and do not let your attention be sidetracked by obsessing about what your team members might be doing while they are reportedly on-the-clock. For all you know, they could be naked or getting drunk while off-camera. You must let go of worrying about what is happening while they are working from home and focus on the results. But do
Set Boundaries
It is reasonable to set boundaries and expectations. As the leader you can establish what you would like the work from home environment will look like. Make it clear what you expect, and the results that you expect from the remote working staff. Then, just assume that compliance is taking place unless you notice someone’s performance numbers declining, then you can address the situation and see if you and your team can help the faltering team member to increase their performance.
Do Not Spy on Your Employees
These days, we have all the tracking and surveillance software and hardware that we could ever need to monitor employees’ activities while on-the-clock. Just because we can, does not mean we should. Plus, making your employees feel like they are being spied on does not build employee confidence or a sense of loyalty, which reduces Human Resource expenses by increasing employee retention in the long run.
Get Regular Reports
Only you can know what type and frequency of reports would be appropriate for your remote staff. Try not to make it too complicated or drawn-out, and possibly allow for each team member to find their own style of reporting and use whatever is comfortable for them.
Create Your Remote Team Culture
Create online experiences that bring your team members together. Host competitions, virtual talent shows, celebrate birthdays and special occasions, just like you might in the office to build relationships among your team members. Be supportive, and fun. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.
Additional Support
Think about providing resources for your telecommuters, such as coaching and mental health services. Consider adding a Life Coach to your team who can help support and invigorate the lives of other team members and watch your performance numbers increase with each passing day.
When people are working from home for extended periods of time, it causes stress-related issues they would not otherwise be exposed to. A regular mental health check-in may be appropriate to help avoid complications or loss of performance due to any lurking mental health issues.