Remote work opportunities are proving valuable for companies and employees all across the globe. Not only do employees enjoy more flexibility, but they can avoid frustrating commute times, distracting coworkers, and more. In addition, businesses benefit from happier, more productive, and more motivated employees. But a remote workforce certainly comes with its challenges. One major obstacle that many companies face is helping employees feel engaged and satisfied with their careers.
In fact, studies show that 56 percent of unengaged employees and 73 percent of actively disengaged employees are looking for new jobs and unengaged employees cost companies approximately $450 to $550 billion annually.
What can you do to keep your remote workers engaged? Let’s talk about four simple — yet effective — steps.
Four Proven Techniques to Keep Remote Workers Engaged
1. Offer Praise and Recognition
Statistics show that praise and recognition in the workplace are low. In fact, only one-third of workers feel they were appreciated or received any type of praise or recognition within the past seven days. Praise and appreciation are just one way that employees — whether in-house or remote — feel valued. A simple thank you needs to be expressed. Take the time each day to show appreciation to one worker. This can be as simple as sending that individual a personalized email, recognizing him or her publicly in a group email, mailing a handwritten thank-you note, etc.
2. Give Feedback
Frequent feedback is critical to the success of your remote workers. Every six months or once a quarter, schedule one-on-one time for phone calls or video conferences to discuss how each employee is excelling, how they could improve, bad or good habits you have noticed, etc. These small meetings may not seem like much, but they tell employees that you are paying attention, that you appreciate certain things they are doing, and that you are encouraging them to improve.
3. Get to Know Employees on a Personal Level
Just because you aren’t sitting across from one another during the day doesn’t mean you can’t take time to get to know one another. Find out your employees’ hobbies, where they live and a little about their hometowns, what they love about their work positions, etc. A simple way to do this is to send weekly icebreaker emails. Ask your entire team basic get-to-know-you questions and encourage everyone to “reply all.” Becoming acquainted with the people on the other side of the computer screen will also help your team to better connect.
4. Don’t Make It All About the Money
While salary is important to your employees, it isn’t the only thing that matters. Many are interested in and motivated by additional benefits. These can be as simple as company swag or even small gift cards to purchase special lunches. You could also offer stipends for gym memberships or unlimited vacation time. For some folks, these small things can move the needle from like to love when it comes to their job and your company.
Motivation Matters
While you can do many things to keep your remote team engaged, keep the above in mind to help each employee stay motivated and be a valuable team member.
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