It is imperative for managers to always stay in touch with their remote team members. In times of shelter-in-place rules, more contact—not less is needed to not only be available with work issues, but to check on their emotional and physical well-being. This is an effective way to manage team members that are working from home due to the Coronavirus. It’s also important to know their family situation. Are they under more stress from having school-aged kids at home? Are they caring for and elderly family member who is living with them temporarily until things return to the “new normal?”
Stay Connected with Communication Apps
As a manager or part of a team, you can can take advantage of the communication features offered by task management software. This can include or collaboration software like Slack. The Slack app is a cloud-based collaboration software suite. Originally founded in 2009 as a chat tool for a now-defunct gaming technology, it goes way beyond the capabilities of messaging. Although technology is an effective method to keep in touch, nothing replaces a good old fashioned voice conversation. This is perhaps the most effective way to manage teams that are working from home.
Voice can communicate empathy and care which builds connection to the employee who is working from home all-day. It doesn’t have to be frequent as texting, apps and email will make up the large bulk of communication. I would suggest at least a once a week conversation and depending on their role, bumping it up more. Effective management of team members means understanding.
Check In Often
Remember to never leave your remote employees on their own without checking in as they might feel left out. Instead, organize a meeting or a team huddle by using video conferencing tools. Make it mandatory for all team members to be present and encourage them to give their inputs during the virtual meeting.
Most teams have been trained to perform synchronous work and are placed in the same office. They are accustomed to similar working conditions and have the same working schedule. Unfortunately, when you are in a quarantine state and working from home, you will have to complete asynchronous work and embrace flexibility. This means that you will have to reduce your expectations and give your team members some time to adjust and adapt.
To read additional information about getting the needs me of your employees, either at home or at the office, read getting employees needs met.
Also, learn more about how coaching executives and teams can be beneficial to your business and your bottom line.