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The COVID-19 pandemic fundamentally altered the world of work. Offices were replaced by living rooms and water cooler conversations by Zoom chats. A significant shift towards remote work was witnessed globally, with a study by Global Workplace Analytics estimating that 25-30% of the workforce will be working from home multiple days a week by the end of 2023. This rise in remote work has created a new challenge for managers: motivating a team they can’t see face-to-face.
Today, not only has remote work become a norm, but a hybrid model – a combination of remote and in-office work – has also gained traction. This brings even more complexity to the challenge of keeping a team engaged and motivated. Here are five strategies that can help.
5 Ways To Motivate A Remote Team
1. Set Clear Expectations and Goals
Clearly communicating your expectations is a fundamental step toward keeping remote workers motivated. According to a Buffer report, 17% of remote workers pointed to difficulties with collaboration and communication. Make sure your team knows what is expected of them, when deadlines are, and how their success will be measured.
2. Encourage Regular Communication
Building strong communication channels can alleviate feelings of isolation, which 19% of remote workers report experiencing, according to a 2020 Buffer study. Weekly meetings, one-on-one check-ins, and open virtual office hours can help ensure your team members feel connected and valued.
3. Recognize and Reward Achievements
Recognition is a powerful motivator. According to a Gallup poll, employees who receive regular recognition have a 33% higher likelihood of being proactive. Implementing recognition into your management strategy doesn’t have to be complex or expensive. Start by acknowledging the hard work and dedication of your team members in group meetings. A simple shout-out or a note of praise can go a long way in making your team members feel seen and appreciated.
Next, consider instituting more formal recognition programs – they’re something that works really well with b2b loyalty programmes and b2c loyalty programmes, so why not consider the benefit for employees? That could be as straightforward as an employee of the Month award or, for bigger projects, consider performance-based incentives. These rewards not only highlight and celebrate individual achievement but also encourage a high-performance culture within the team.
One thing to remember, ensure your recognition is timely and authentic. A recent survey by Workhuman showed that 85% of employees found real-time recognition meaningful, and employees who received ‘in the moment’ recognition were more likely to repeat the recognized behavior.
4. Provide Opportunities for Professional Development
Remote workers value growth opportunities. 94% of employees would stay at a firm longer if it invested in their learning and development, according to LinkedIn’s 2021 Workplace Learning Report. Offering virtual training sessions, online courses, or mentorship programs can keep your team members engaged and eager to excel.
5. Prioritize Work-Life Balance
Respecting personal time and promoting a healthy work-life balance can significantly impact team motivation. A Stanford study found that work-from-home employees experienced a 13% performance increase but also worked longer hours. Encouraging employees to take breaks and disconnect after work hours can help prevent burnout and sustain motivation.
The shift towards remote and hybrid working presents its challenges, but with the right strategies in place, motivating your remote team is an achievable goal. As managers adapt to the new reality of work, the power of motivation can’t be underestimated. Remember, a motivated team is a productive team.
