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Three Key Concepts To Managing A Productive Remote Workforce

Forbes Human Resources Council

Vice President at JMJ Phillip Executive Search, overseeing corporate strategy and service delivery.

In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, employers and employees across the U.S. have noted a distinct shift in what it means to work. The shift to a majority remote workforce has marked a turning point, and executives are at a crossroads. Traditional management concepts may have served these employers well in the past, but things — and people — have changed. In order to sustain business vitality, performance and employee satisfaction, companies must take steps to translate workplace cultures to a virtual setting while maintaining communication with personnel at all levels.

Culture Matters

No matter the workplace, culture is a defining factor that can positively or negatively impact employee satisfaction, retention and engagement. To reap the benefits of a distinct corporate culture, it is crucial that the core beliefs of a company are not simply articulated, but also implemented. This becomes even more difficult when an organization has shifted to a remote workforce structure.

To surpass this gap, managers must take an adaptable and informed approach to culture building. It is important to understand that what works in an office may not work in a digital setting — and that is okay. Embracing change is the only way that employers can align online workplace cultures with the strategic goals of their businesses while also meeting the needs of remote employees.

To ensure a successful cultural transition, it is crucial that leadership takes into account the perspectives of remote personnel. After all, a culture is only as powerful as its adoption, and employees must feel as though the work they are doing reflects the core beliefs and values of a company. Whether an organization takes a top-down or bottom-up approach, there must be a broader sense of alignment among personnel at all levels of the company.

To create this alignment, consistent communication is key. Virtual meeting platforms have provided a new avenue for workforce collaboration and can be a valuable tool in sustaining the desired culture. The utilization of these platforms should not be limited solely to business matters — they can also host happy hours, team-building events and networking conferences to provide employees an opportunity to engage with their peers and leadership.

A sense of community is a core facet of an organization’s culture, and executive transparency can be an instrumental factor in building a collaborative atmosphere. If an organization is struggling to adapt its culture and values to a remote workforce, the solution is simple: Be honest and seek feedback from employees.

Transforming Communication

Consistent communication is always a necessity, but it becomes even more so when applied to a remote workforce. Not only have the tools for communication changed (see aforementioned virtual meeting platforms) but the transition to a remote working model has also fundamentally shifted how managers and employees engage with one another. 

To identify the most effective manner to maintain communication with a remote workforce, employers must first identify, set and reinforce expectations. Without a unified objective, clear communication is not just difficult, but impossible.

To effectively disseminate these expectations and monitor progress, frequent check-ins are a great option. Not only do they help staff understand the goals that they are working toward, but they can also sustain an engaged leadership presence. Lack of face-to-face supervision can form a divide between managers and employees, which can result in lower job satisfaction while actively hindering culture-building efforts. While it may seem counterintuitive, this communication does not necessarily need to be in the form of a meeting or call. In fact, synchronous communication measures like telephone conferences are not always effective in a virtual setting. Asynchronous communication, like in the form of online chats, has been shown to generate an increase in innovation and produce fruitful results via brainstorming.

To truly transform communication, employers must pursue new avenues outside of traditional models. Remote workforces are intrinsically different than their in-office counterparts, so the communication tactics must reflect that. It is a delicate balance, but one that must be upheld to prevent employees from feeling disengaged or, on the opposite end of the spectrum, micromanaged.

Modifying Leadership

It has been established that a cohesive leadership unit is necessary to the performance and success of a remote workforce, but traditional management styles do not necessarily apply in hybrid or work-from-home settings. In fact, using in-person methodologies can create siloes in a digital environment and widen the perceived gap between employees and leaders. 

The relationship between an employee and management is one of the most profound indicators of said employee’s longevity and success with a company. Studies on the role of relationships on job satisfaction explore the main relationships of an employee, namely with managers, co-workers and family. In a remote setting where the lines between the office and the home are blurred, these relationships become even more essential.

Once again, communication is fundamental, and quality is more important than quantity. When facilitating meetings and check-ins with staff, managers should be prepared with actionable insights and constructive feedback. Moreover, it is critical that staff accomplishments be recognized in a timely manner to prevent burnout or feelings of resentment that could lead to losses in performance.

While there are challenges associated with managing a remote workforce, employers who take steps to preserve culture, maintain communication and continuously adjust leadership styles can feel confident that they are establishing a strong foundation of success in the new era of work. Not only will they survive this time of change, but they will emerge stronger and unified.


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