7 Tips for managing remote employees

Are you giving your remote employees everything they need to be a real asset to your business?

For millions of people, remote work is no longer a workplace perk. It’s become a necessity. Remote work lets people work with their own productivity rhythms, it allows them to pick up their children from school and it allows carers the opportunity to be there if needed. Remote working has become a widely adopted mode of employment and we’ve generally seen some great results in the form of improved productivity, performance and employee engagement.

It’s not all smooth sailing, though. While remote working offers some incredible benefits for employers and employees alike, it also presents some struggles — particularly in the area of management. Not all managers are comfortable with, or effectively able to, manage remote employees. Increasingly, managing remote employees has become an indispensable skill that leaders need to hone.

Managing remote employees requires a proactive approach that prioritises communication, productivity and wellbeing. It’s a learning curve, but our remote employees deserve to feel just as supported and encouraged as their office counterparts.

Here are seven practical tips to help you when it comes to effectively managing remote employees.

Related: 25+ Employee engagement ideas for hybrid teams

1. Use clear and consistent communication

If you want your remote employees to feel engaged and motivated in their role, it all starts with communication. Without the ability to pop by a desk for a quick chat, clarity and regularity become key. A lot of workplaces use a mix of tools such as Slack, Microsoft Teams or email to keep channels open.

Regular check-ins via video calls can make a significant difference — it allows for that (virtual) face-to-face time that helps to create a connection. These sessions should balance task updates with personal interaction to maintain an authentic connection between employee and employer. A Harvard Business Review article suggests that managers who communicate effectively with their remote teams see higher levels of engagement and productivity.

2. Set expectations early and revisit them often

Uncertainty can derail productivity. From the beginning, managers should establish clear expectations about goals, deadlines and work hours. Outline team protocols, such as how to handle urgent tasks or when to use certain communication tools.

Use performance metrics to provide structure. For instance, instead of tracking hours worked (which ultimately benefits nobody), monitor actual deliverables and results. Remote work often empowers employees to manage their schedules, but this freedom works best within a clear framework.

3. Provide access to the right tools and technology

To work productively, remote employees need access to the right tools. This is a fundamental aspect of managing remote employees and one to be taken seriously. An employee without the right software or hardware is likely to struggle unnecessarily. Tools like Asana, Trello or Jira can help teams stay organised, while Zoom or Google Meet facilitates meetings.

Cybersecurity should also be a priority. A study by Malwarebytes found that remote work increased cybersecurity threats by 20%. Ensure employees have secure VPNs and provide training on safe online practices to provide everyone with a little peace of mind.

4. Build a sense of team connection

Loneliness at work can be a real struggle for remote workers. Such isolation can lead to low morale and poor motivation. But there is something you can do to counteract this, even when working remotely. 

Encourage team bonding by organising virtual coffee chats or team-building exercises. Recognise achievements publicly in team channels or during meetings to maintain morale. Some companies even go as far as to have a channel in Slack or Teams to allow for socialising and ‘watercooler’ conversations. This is a savvy move especially when you consider how watercooler conversations can impact social connection and team improvements.

You might want to consider pairing employees for peer-to-peer mentoring or collaborative projects. These connections can recreate the camaraderie of an office environment while keeping remote employees engaged.

5. Support mental health and wellbeing

The Mental Health Foundation reports that one in six employees experiences a mental health problem at work. Our own benchmark data reveals that only 65% of employees feel enough is being done to support their wellbeing at work. Remote workers may face unique challenges, such as the blurring of personal and professional boundaries or the lack of social interaction, both of which complicate things and might cause undue stress or upset.

Access to mental health resources such as counselling or mindfulness apps can go a long way to helping employees. Be mindful of workloads and encourage employees to take regular breaks. Promoting a culture that respects work-life balance can really help with supporting employee wellbeing.

Related: Check out our employee wellbeing guide

6. Offer professional development opportunities

Just because employees are working remotely doesn’t mean they should miss out on growth opportunities. Providing access to online courses, virtual conferences or mentorship programmes can help them feel valued.

Investing in professional development also benefits your organisation by equipping employees with skills that contribute to business success. This is clearly an area where a lot more companies can improve, given our data shows only 52% of employees feel their career development aspirations are being met.

7. Regularly gather and act on feedback

Managing remote employees effectively requires you to stay attuned to their experiences. Create opportunities for anonymous feedback through employee surveys and dedicated channels.

Acting on feedback demonstrates that you value employees’ input. For example, if several employees mention feeling isolated, consider organising more team check-ins or social activities. Small changes can have a meaningful impact on morale and productivity.

Managing remote employees comes with unique challenges, but it also offers opportunities to improve organisational efficiency and employee engagement. As more companies embrace remote work, refining your approach to managing remote employees will benefit both your team and your business. A thoughtful and proactive strategy can lead to increased productivity, better retention and a happier overall workforce.

Looking to improve employee engagement among your remote employees? Get in touch today to book a demo of our platform and to arrange an employee engagement survey.