Building Engagement with Remote Workers

Successfully integrating remote workers into a hybrid local/offshore team hinges on effective engagement from both managers and remote team members. Building this engagement requires a different approach compared to local employees. Here’s how you can ensure your remote team remains engaged, motivated, and productive.

Consistency is Key

For remote workers, consistency in communication is crucial. Managers should establish a routine, preferably through daily video conferences at a fixed time. Regular check-ins not only provide the opportunity to offer guidance and feedback but also ensure tasks are being executed as agreed. This daily interaction helps remote workers feel connected and valued, reducing the risk of them feeling ignored or underutilized.

Regular Check-ins and Feedback

Engagement significantly drops when remote workers feel neglected or when their contributions aren’t acknowledged. Regularly checking in ensures that remote workers stay on track and understand their tasks clearly. Providing frequent feedback helps prevent misunderstandings and incorrect assumptions, which are often the root causes of poor outcomes. Managers need to actively engage with their remote team, making themselves available to answer questions and offer support.

Setting Achievable Tasks and Goals

Effective engagement involves setting clear, achievable tasks and goals, then working towards them in partnership with remote workers. Traditional time metrics, such as hours spent at a desk, are less relevant for remote teams. Instead, focus on measurable outcomes and the completion of assigned tasks. Tools like Trello or Monday.com can be invaluable for sharing tasks and tracking progress, ensuring that remote workers are confident they are meeting expectations.

Understanding Perspectives

Understanding the remote worker’s perspective is crucial. While remote working can be convenient and rewarding, it can also be isolating. Consistent communication via video conferences can make remote workers feel more included and empower them to ask questions and seek clarification. Including them in team meetings through conference calls helps integrate them with your local employees, fostering a sense of belonging and collaboration.

Creating a Supportive Environment

Building a supportive environment for remote workers involves more than just regular communication. It’s about showing empathy and understanding their challenges. Managers should strive to make remote workers feel like an integral part of the team, recognizing their contributions and ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed.

CONCLUSION

Successfully integrating remote workers into your team requires a blend of consistent communication, clear task setting, and a deep understanding of their perspective. At Avant People, we have extensive experience in building high-performing hybrid onshore/offshore teams. We can provide expert advice on how to maximize the potential of your remote workers. 

Invest in engagement today and see the positive impact on your remote team’s productivity and well-being.