How to Successfully Manage Teleworking and Offsite Employees

Hey everyone, it is Bill again and I am back to share a few of my thoughts on managing employees who are telecommuting!

A larger number of businesses are allowing their employees to work remotely these days. As more companies embrace this trend, new techniques to manage teleworking and offsite employees are being explored. New technology has made the management of employees located at home (or other locations) easier than ever. However, not having your team onsite every day can raise a few workplace challenges. Today, we are going to talk about some helpful strategies that will allow you to more easily support and lead a team offsite staff.

Individuals in all industries, working in all sorts of roles are now able to stay home and work remotely.This can be an excellent way for a company to save money on office spaces. It can also boost morale and overall productivity. 

In these circumstances managers often struggle to coach and lead remote workers effectively with the biggest challenge being clear communication and regulating time management. 

I have had many years of experience coaching leaders on managing employees. I also have a few theories about how you can keep things running smoothly even when managing teleworkers/ offsite individuals. 

Communication is key!

Employees working remotely, can often get left out of the loop. 

This is especially true when dealing with different time zones or work schedules. 

As a manager it is important to remember that you cannot expect everyone to be available all of the time.

To make the telecommuting experience more beneficial for everyone it is important to establish communication guidelines and expectations early on. Come up with routine virtual meeting times that are consistently the same. Also express deadlines for responses on important emails or assignments. You should also make sure that you also stick to these agreements as the manager. Lead by example and set a standard so that your employees know that you are reliable. Good employees will return the favour!

Time Management is Not As Important As Meeting Deadlines -

Truthfully when you are dealing with telecommuters it is nearly impossible to expect your employees to work on a "set schedule". The greatest perk of remote work is that you can create your own day structure and choose when and how you work. 

Instead of taking this flexibility away from your employees embrace it! Avoid making "rules" about how many hours each day employees must work. Do set concrete deadlines and encourage your remote employees to meet them. Try allowing your employees to choose their own work schedule but also be clear about your deadline expectations. 

You'll find that some employees prefer an 8 hour work day, while others will take days off and work full days to get the job done. You will also find that morale is higher because employees are free to manage their own time. 

Make this work by keeping the lines of communication clear and sticking to a regular communication schedule.

Embracing the challenge of managing teleworking and offsite employees 

Obviously, managing teleworking employees comes with a fair share of challenges. In my experience I have found that the best way to work with a team under these circumstances is by embracing the situation and actually using it as an incentive. If you make it clear that working remotely is a privilege and way that you show trust to your staff, you will be met with a much more positive response. Remember though, you have to set communication standards and maintain them to make the arrangement work. You should also "let go" of the 8 hour work day and embrace a more free range structure for your remote team. Try to place emphasis on getting the work done in time for a deadline rather that within a conventional work day.

Good Luck!

-Bill Walsh

For more information about virtual or offsite employees visit Proven Training Solutions.

Currently offering training for managing virtual and remote employees in DC area including Washington, Virginia and Arlington.