Managing a remote team requires a new playbook

Why it is important to keep remote employees motivated

1. Increased productivity

   : One of the main advantages of having highly engaged staff members is that it helps enhance their efficiency levels significantly. When workers are motivated, they automatically feel inclined to put in their best efforts and contribute more, thus increasing their productivity. 



2. Reduced absenteeism

   : Motivated employees are committed to their company’s mission and care about its success. They are likely to be more inclined to be willing to work, rather than staying absent. Research says highly engaged workplaces are 41% less likely to stay off of work.



3. Lower employee turnover

   : Motivated employees are more efficient and productive, and therefore, more satisfied with their current employer. This sense of satisfaction reduces their desire to look for a job elsewhere. 

Top 4 signs that remote employees aren't motivated

1. They stop pitching in

   : When an employee feels motivated, they will speak up, in the form of new ideas or questions. They will also be excited to learn and be willing to come up with solutions to problems. But if they are not feeling fulfilled, there will be a drop in communication; they will typically follow orders or communication will just be one way. 



2. They are more reactive than proactive

   : When staff members feel dissatisfied, they struggle to make progress because they feel like they cannot control the things happening around them. They start taking preventative measures to avoid certain situations and end up being more reactive about situations, not proactive.



3. They start making more errors:

   Lack of motivation can cause employees to make more and more errors. Unmotivated employees usually approach tasks half-heartedly or may even forget to complete assignments. This can demotivate other staff members who are putting in genuine effort in managing working from home. 



4. They have difficulty focussing

   : Remote working can take a toll on even the best of us. Distractions in the form of housework, family members and technological issues, and the monotony of working in a nonstimulating environment can cause dissatisfaction among employees. This can greatly affect their ability to focus, which can cause a drop in productivity and performance. 

1. Set clear roles and responsibilities

   : If an employee doesn’t know what is expected of them, it could lead to a lot of confusion about expectations. It can be hard to stay motivated about work in the absence of clearly defined goals and expectations. So if you expect an employee to, say, provide status updates at the end of each day, make sure they are aware of it. Expectations may also include the kind of behavior you expect from them. 
   
   And from your side, ensure that you are available to answer any queries, especially during working hours 一 and if you have employees working in different time zones, you can may be set time aside during certain times of the day that work for both of you.



2. Stay connected and communicate well and often:

   Collaboration is an essential part of building a successful team. Apart from ensuring that your staff members have all the tools needed for their work, such as internet access, also initiate regular check-ins with your remote workforce, in the form of phone calls, video calls, instant messaging, group chats and so on.



3. Explain to the employees how they contribute to company goals:

   It is crucial to show staff members why their work matters and how it contributes to the larger business goals. You can do this by talking to your employees about the importance of their role as well as by sharing company achievements via employee dashboards, company-wide meetings or internal reports.



4. Recognize achievements

   : According to a study by Harvard Business Review, “40% of employed Americans say they would put more energy into their work if they were recognized more often.” Recognition of accomplishments also increases retention and loyalty.



5. Trust your employees:

   Understanding that working from home can be tough on some because of all the distractions, as well as not micromanaging and second-guessing how much time employees spend in front of their computer is one of the fastest ways of pushing your motivation efforts in the right direction. Once you assign some work to an employee, allow them to finish it without interfering — unless they ask for help



6. Invest in an employee wellness program

   : Every successful business understands the need for an employee wellness program. It’s a known fact that motivation takes a dive when staff members are unwell. To fix this, businesses need to come up with a strategy for taking care of their team’s health. According to UnitedHealthcare’s 2018 Wellness Check Up Survey, most employees with access to workplace wellness programs say that such initiatives have had a positive impact on their health, as these programs help them identify and prevent diseases, and pay more attention to their overall health. 

Author

Neha De

Neha De is a writer and editor with more than 13 years of experience. She has worked on a variety of genres and platforms, including books, magazine articles, blog posts and website copy. She is passionate about producing clear and concise content that is engaging and informative. In her spare time, Neha enjoys dancing, running and spending time with her family.