More and more of us are being given flexibility with work now, and for employers it’s certainly the right thing to do, giving their workers the opportunity to fit various other important aspects of their lives into their schedule, from childcare to working out.
Working from home, and fully remote working has become hugely popular and proving a real success, allowing employers to hire staff all over the world in some cases without it affecting business. But there are things that need ironing out too, particularly when it comes to supporting employees.
You don’t see them every day, you don’t know how they’re doing. And this is at a time where many people are suffering with the likes of stress and anxiety more than ever before. But as an employer, what exactly can you do about ensuring your employees are supported when working remotely?
Communicate frequently
One of the biggest challenges of remote work is the lack of face-to-face interaction. As an employer, it’s crucial to maintain regular communication with your employees to ensure that they feel connected and supported. Schedule weekly team meetings and one-on-one check-ins to discuss progress, challenges, and feedback. Encourage your employees to reach out to you or their colleagues whenever they need support or have questions.
Set clear expectations
When employees work from home, it can be challenging to separate work from personal life. Set clear expectations with your employees regarding work hours, deadlines, and communication. Encourage them to establish a routine that works for them and to take regular breaks to avoid burnout. Setting clear expectations will help your employees maintain a healthy work-life balance and increase productivity.
Provide the necessary equipment and tools
Working from home requires a reliable internet connection, a suitable workspace, and the necessary equipment and tools. As an employer, it’s your responsibility to provide your employees with the equipment and tools they need to perform their jobs effectively. This includes laptops, monitors, printers, and software licenses. You can also provide ergonomic chairs or desks to help your employees maintain good posture and avoid physical strain.
Offer training and development opportunities
Remote work can be isolating, and employees may feel disconnected from their colleagues and the company’s culture. Offering training and development opportunities can help employees feel engaged and connected. You can provide online training courses, mentorship programs, or virtual team-building activities. Investing in your employees’ development will not only benefit them but also your company in the long run.
Have support systems in place
This is happening more frequently now, with many employers putting employee assistance programmes in place to give staff the support they need on all manner of subjects, both in the workplace and at home.
Employee welfare is hugely important and that extends into their personal life, and providing employees with access to things such as therapy, resources, and even options for rehabilitation centre treatment and such like can be hugely valuable. It will encourage employees to speak up if they are struggling, getting the help they need, which in turn will ensure business is more productive in the long term.
Show appreciation and recognition
Working from home can be challenging, and it’s essential to show your employees that you appreciate their hard work and dedication. Recognize their accomplishments and milestones, and provide positive feedback regularly. You can also offer incentives or rewards for exceptional performance, such as gift cards or extra vacation days. Showing appreciation and recognition will boost your employees’ morale and motivation.