Remote Work Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Remote working has become the norm as many organizations around the world adapt to the new normal. However, it can be challenging especially for a company with no experience in handling the remote working setup. Employers may find themselves unable to cope with varying remote work challenges.
Typical remote work challenges
Although remote working offers a lot of advantages, multiple organizations still experience difficulties in managing it effectively. Various challenges come with this work setup which can discourage employers. Here are some of them:
1. Lack of communication with remote employees
Unlike their co-workers who work at the office, remote employees are tougher to manage due to their flexible hours and difference in time zones. Therefore, the lack of communication is unavoidable. As a result, miscommunication occurs and they end up feeling isolated from their fellow employees.
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2. Difficulty in connecting with other team members
A remote work setup means a lack of face-to-face interaction with other team members. This makes it harder for them to form a connection with each other, resulting in a lack of trust. Thus, projects may take longer to accomplish.
3. Cultural and linguistic barriers
Individuals from different countries have different work ethics. Managers who lack an understanding of these cultural differences may find it difficult to connect with some of their remote employees.
4. Conflict in schedule
It’s difficult to set up meetings since choosing a time that is convenient for everyone can be tricky. This can lead to lack of coordination between team members, resulting to project delay. Employers end up feeling troubled as well since they can’t monitor or keep track of their remote employees’ performance.
5. Monitoring and tracking employee performance
Since remote employees aren’t physically in the office, monitoring their employee performance can be difficult. Moreover, it’s difficult to know when and how frequently one must check in without becoming too overbearing.
6. Security risks
Some employers end up using other means of communication such as social media applications to reach remote staff. However, this can be risky as security isn’t guaranteed and important information can end up being overheard by others.
7. Technical difficulties
Technical difficulties such as losing internet connection and power supply are likely to arise.
How to Effectively Manage Remote Employees?
Good communication in the workplace is vital as it decreases the possibility of someone missing out on important information. Looking back at the challenges mentioned before, most of these can be solved by using chat and collaboration tools such as Google Hangouts, Skype, and the like. For discussions containing sensitive information, virtual meetings like large conference calls and video conferencing can be utilized.
Additionally, some virtual meeting platforms offer transcription services that can transcribe everything that was discussed so employers can easily document everything.
Time-trackers and project management software are other types of tools that help increase productivity and efficiency when dealing with remote workers. Through this, companies can track which projects are in progress and how long it can take the employee to complete a certain task. Companies can see which employees are more productive during their work hours.
Having tools may not be enough. Managers must also know what techniques to use to ensure they stay connected and engaged with their remote employees.
Here are some useful strategies:
–Set clear expectations regarding work hours and meeting setups.
–Provide employee training either through e-guides or videos. Teach them how to work from home more effectively.
–Stay updated and check in with remote employees through phone or video calls.
–Give out clear and concise instructions and discuss project objectives off the bat.
–Provide remote employees the opportunity to send their feedback.
–Conduct team-building activities for remote workers if possible.
Despite the remote work challenges mentioned, hiring remote employees can be rewarding as long as employers learn which tools and strategies to use. Exerting the extra effort to implement effective remote working strategies is sure to drive the team towards success.