Your Member Benefits Website features include:

  • Access to online articles with helpful information
  • Ability to submit an online form asking a counselor to contact you
  • Topics covering working life, wellness, parenting, management, etc.

Your Customer Hub features include:

  • Automated headcount updates in UCMS
  • Invoicing reflective of the active populations under your account
  • Access reporting with case trends, disruptive issues, utilisation

Local Service Partners

Local Service Partners are independent EAPs with which WPO has established strategic relationships for the delivery of global EAP services in alignment with the WPO models, processes and quality standards.

  • 24 March 2020
  • 5 years

Suddenly Switching to a Remote Team? Seven Priorities to Help Managers Transition Well

Staff Writer

There has been unprecedented change over the last several weeks as countries scramble to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Among these changes, governments are asking citizens to self-quarantine or practice social distancing. In response, many businesses with brick-and-mortar locations are finding themselves facing a new reality: equipping a remote workforce. 

While remote working is not a new concept, there are a significant number of companies now trying to implement it for the first time. Managers will play a critical role in helping their employees transition well 

If you are a manager who has never led a remote teamthis assignment may feel overwhelming. It’s important for you to know that you are not alone. Fortunately, there is a wealth of information containing tried-and-true strategies for managing a remote team successfully. Below are seven priorities to keep in mind as you get started. 

Equip your team members. Your first priority is to make sure employees have the tools they need to do their job remotely and understand how those tools work. If you have staff that have never worked from home before, they may not understand how to connect to the company networkYou shouldn’t assume everyone has had practice navigating a video call. Perhaps this is all new to you as wellSchedule the necessary trainings and then be patient with the process. The silver lining is that these are wonderful skills for your team to learn and they could prove to be very beneficial for the long-term. 

Prepare to fail. It is inevitable that not everything is going to go smoothly. The entire world is navigating unchartered territories. Let your employees know that you expect there to be a learning curve during this time of transitionMistakes will happen. Working as a team you cadiscover together what works well and what needs to be adjusted. 

Communicate. Communicate. Communicate. In the 2020 State of Remote Work Report, lack of communication and collaboration were identified by the employees surveyed as their biggest struggle with working remotelyManagers need to communicate clearly and frequently. 

For individual employees, depending on the size of your team, consider daily check-ins or a standing weekly meeting. Also, it’s helpful when managers set office hours when employees know they can reach out with questions or for support. 

How you communicate is as important as how often you communicate. Don’t rely solely on email or other forms of text communication. Video conferencing and telephone calls are more personal and can help foster better communication.   

Keep in mind, remote teams don’t enjoy the benefit of side discussions while riding down the elevator or impromptu meetings at the copier. Therefore, managers need to create multiple opportunities for team members to communicate with one another as well. 

Build connectionsWorkers that are used to being anchored by a shared office space may struggle with a sense of belonging when they are forced to work remotely. You can help bridge the distance by being intentional about relationship-building. This might mean allowing time at the beginning of a call to find out how an employee is doing personally or asking questions related to a shared common interest.  

Define your expectations. It is critical that your employees know exactly what is expected of them as a remote worker. Areas of consideration include 

  • Work ScheduleAre there set hours? If so, what are they? If the schedule is flexible, are there specific times the employee needs to be available for calls or meetings?  
  • CommunicationHow frequently do you expect an employee to check in with you? Which method of communication should be used for what situations? How quickly should employees respond to emails or phone calls? 
  • ProcessesAre there any changes in processes now that the employee is remote? For example, what is the protocol for making decisions if a team member is not available? Will project management be handled differently? 

Also consider letting employees know what they can expect from you as their managerExamples of this include: 

  • LeadershipReassure employees that you are putting steps in place so your team can be successful while working remotely. As mentioned earlier, this includes a commitment to helping them obtain the tools they need in order to do their job effectively.  
  • AvailabilitySpecify when you can be reached for support or questions. Commit to responding to employees’ emails or calls within a set amount of time. 
  • SupportAs you are aware, working remotely is just one of many challenges your team is adjusting to at this time. Let them know that you care about their personal wellbeing and remind them of any resources the company has made available to assist them 
  • TransparencyPledge to let employees know as soon as it is appropriate of any changes that are taking place that might impact their job responsibilities. 
  • FeedbackCommit to sharing constructive feedback. Communicate your openness to receiving feedback. 

Debrief often. In the beginning, schedule time to debrief frequently in order to identify what seems to be working well and where alternative solutions are needed. As everyone acclimates to their new reality, these debriefing sessions can be phased out. 

Celebrate successes. Everybody needs a win right now. If something works, celebrate it. Take the time to publicly thank team members for jobs well done 

Despite these uncertain times, there is great potential for your team to grow. It’s possible to come through COVID-19 stronger and closer than ever.  

Workplace Options helps employees balance their work, family, and personal needs to become healthier, happier, and more productive, both personally and professionally. The company’s world-class employee support, effectiveness, and wellbeing services provide information, resources, referrals, and consultation on a variety of issues ranging from dependent care and stress management to clinical services and wellness programs. To learn more visit www.workplaceoptions.com.

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