3 Key Ways Managers Can Support Remote Workers

During the pandemic, a significant portion of the workforce has transitioned to a remote home office and now faces new challenges that impact their work. If you manage a remote team, it is important to be aware of these challenges so that you can properly address them. So, what can you do to support the members of your team? Below are key suggestions to consider.

Conduct a Survey

A great way to discover the needs of your team is to conduct a survey. This tool works best with larger teams but is also effective for smaller teams of at least five employees. Construct a short questionnaire that includes a variety of open-ended questions around the challenges of remote work. Encourage your team to share their feedback in an open and honest way so t you can gain a better idea of how best to support their needs.

Start off by asking remote lifestyle questions. For instance, you can probe :

• “What is one thing management can do to make remote work easier for you?”
• “What things do you do to help recharge yourself each day?”

Ask questions around communication, such as:

• “Do you feel included in our team discussions? Why/Why not?”
• “What are your thoughts about the tools we use to communicate?”

Finally, consider asking questions about team bonding and connection, like:

• “Is there anything you might suggest to help improve our remote work culture?”
• “Do you feel like you are a full member of the team?”

By asking specific questions, you will have a better sense of how to support your remote team.

Schedule daily check-ins

Daily check-ins can help managers keep a pulse on how things are going within their teams. As a manager, you can ask what is on everyone’s plate and ask if you can offer any help or support in achieving their targets.

Check-ins should be flexible, open, and convenient. Depending on the size, location, and nature of the job, you can either do group calls or one-on-one’s for smaller teams – whatever best suits your situation.

It is important to be responsive and make yourself available to your team so they feel supported.

Offer emotional support

Working from home can be a stressful and emotionally challenging experience for your team members. With every interaction, show personal concern and include questions that ask how things are going outside of work. Get to know your employees on a deeper level. Make a point of reaching out and taking this initiative to show your support by listening to their concerns and empathizing with them – they will appreciate you for it.

In summary, managers can best support remote workers by discerning everyone’s unique needs using surveys, daily check-ins and offering emotional support.

To learn more about the services Flex Surveys offers and how they can help your team, contact us at 877.327.5085 or visit our Contact Page to set up a demo.