The COVID-19 pandemic created a shift in the way so many people work. Even with parts of the country “re-opening,” there are many individuals still working from home. Some businesses have even made a full-time switch with some of their employees, allowing them to keep working remotely.
While there have been studies that show remote work can improve productivity, it takes the right environment, the right people, and the right leadership.
If you have a team of people working for you remotely, it’s important to keep that leadership in mind. It’s not always easy to stay motivated at home, especially during times of uncertainty.
So, what can you do to keep pushing your employees forward? How can move them from pajamas to productivity?
Let’s look at a few psychological strategies you can use immediately.
1. Check-In Each Day
Establishing daily check-ins with your team is a great way to get a general feel for how everyone is doing. You can schedule a “morning meeting” with everyone to get a general consensus for their needs, what they’re struggling with, and how you can help them succeed with what they’re doing.
2. Schedule Individual Meetings
While checking in with everyone collectively is great, also take the time for individual meetings with your team. By “meeting” with everyone at least once a week, you’ll be able to talk to them in more detail about what they might need from you to stay motivated.
Don’t be afraid to praise those who are doing a great job. That kind of satisfaction will motivate anyone! But, just checking in on a personal level will let your employees know you care and that you’re dedicated to them, which can motivate them to work smarter and harder.
3. Be a Constant Presence
You can set up virtual office hours to let your employees know when you’re available to talk if they need you. If you have an instant messaging service, make sure to be available on it throughout the day in case someone from your team needs to get ahold of you.
The simple idea of availability can go a long way with making employees feel valued, which, again, is a great motivational tool.
4. Encourage the Right Workspaces
While you don’t have control over where your employees work, you can encourage healthy, productive spaces. Having a dedicated workspace within the home can reduce stress and keep employees on track. If they don’t have a designated area to work, there can be distractions from family members, the television, the kitchen, or any other creature comforts of home.
5. Encourage Self-Care
Make sure that your employees are still adopting a healthy work-life balance, even when they’re working remotely. That means ending the workday at a certain time each day and encouraging them to practice self-care.
They should do things they love, take care of their physical and mental health, and find time to socialize. By making this a part of your remote working policy, your employees will be more likely to jump on board and will end up energized and more productive each day.
6. Dressing for Success
It can be tempting for any remote employee to get out of bed and come to work in their pajamas – especially if there aren’t any Zoom meetings for the day.
But, it’s okay to enforce a dress code, even when your team is working from home. You need not make your employees wear business-casual clothing, but a “no pajamas” or sweatpants policy isn’t unreasonable. Changing into something that isn’t associated with sleep or lounging can make a big difference in productivity.
7. Promote Non-Work Interactions
Even though the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way people get together at the moment, encourage your employees to connect outside of work. Host a virtual ‘happy hour’ once a month. Or get a small group together at a restaurant if you feel safe to do so.
Now, more than ever, isolation can be a damaging thing. It can decrease productivity while increasing stress. By encouraging your team to foster working relationships, you can do a lot for the environment of your business.
Keep these strategies in mind as you move forward with your remote employees. If you’re looking for more tips or ways to keep your team motivated and less stressed, contact Integrative Psychotherapy Group.