Managing a Remote Workforce




This article was original published April 1st, 2020

 The coronavirus pandemic has produced a massive shift in the working conditions of millions—now, more employees are working from home than ever before.

Managers must adapt to flexible working conditions to keep their organizations competitive

Many companies have remote-working policies for occasional situations or for those employees who regularly work remotely. Even setting aside the current urgent demand for social distance, remote working is on the rise. Managers must adapt to flexible working conditions to keep their organizations competitive.

Cloud-based tools can help managers become more effective at managing remote work

How can I oversee remote employees?

According to Sujan Patel, co-founder of Web Profits, an abundance of cloud-based tools can help managers become more effective at managing remote work.1

Should I oversee the work or the employees?

Getting work done is the objective. That’s accomplished through a three-step process. First, tell employees what you want them to do and, just as importantly, how you want them to do it. Second, monitor what employees accomplish and how they get it done. Third, help them correct their course as necessary. You’ll need to provide encouragement, constructive criticism, and guidance on problem-solving.

All three steps can be done via a cloud-based system called Perfecting Employee Performance (PEP). Let’s look at two key modules:

  • PEPtalk™ is a remote coaching tool that works without face-to-face interactions. It’s 24/7/365 documentation of the manager’s feedback and two-way communication.
  • PEPpulse™ provides ongoing goal status updates that show progress toward goals. Data is downloadable to help you identify employees that may need added attention.

PEPtalk™ and PEPpulse™ can help employees focus on progress instead of activity by aligning employee goals with management and company goals.

80 percent of U.S. workers favor jobs with flexible working conditions

How do I get buy-in?

Good news—employees already favor distance working. In an International Workplace Group survey, 74 percent of respondents described flexible working as “the new normal” and 80 percent of U.S. workers favor jobs with flexible working conditions. 2

Even after the pandemic ends, remote workers will remain the new reality. With PEP, you can be sure you’ve got the tools to effectively lead them.

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