How to Manage and Motivate a Remote Workforce

How to Manage and Motivate a Remote Workforce

Whilst Working from Home (WFH) has now become the new normal, managing and motivating a remote workforce requires the same basic approach as a traditional office environment.  However, the tools and strategies you use to create connection, keep the lines of communication open, and manage performance will need an upgrade to keep up with the challenges of the remote workplace.

Overhaul your approach with these tips to ensure you are aligned with your team to maximise their talent and potential and catapult productivity to the next level.

Ways to effectively manage and motivate a remote workforce include:

• Leverage technology
• Set clear expectations
• Stay connected and communicate regularly
• Foster a ‘growth’ mindset
• Manage accomplishments – not activity
• Create a visual scoreboard
• Get Personal
• Trust your Team

What is the importance of motivation?

Motivation occupies an important place and position in the whole management process. This technique can be used for encouraging workers to make a positive contribution for achieving organizational objectives. Motivation is necessary as human nature needs some sort of encouragement or incentive in order to get a better performance. Motivation of employees offers many benefits to the business.  Motivation acts as a technique for improving the performance of employees working at different levels.

Motivation of employees is one function which every manager has to perform along with other managerial functions.  A manager has to function as a friend and motivator of his subordinates.  Motivation is useful in all aspects of life and is an integral part of the management process itself.

What is the meaning of motivational theories?

Motivation theories seek to explain why employees are motivated by and satisfied by one type of work than another.  It is therefore essential that mangers have a basic understanding of work motivation because highly motivated employees are more likely to produce a superior quality product or service than employee who lacks motivation.

What is the impact of Employee Motivation on Productivity?

Motivated employees are inclined to be more productive than non-motivated employees. Most businesses make some pains to motivate workers but this is normally easier said than done. Employees are all individuals with different like’s dislikes and needs, and different things will motivate each.

Motivated employees are more productive - If employees are satisfied and happy then he/she will do his /her work in an impressive way, and then the result will be good.  Also, the motivated employee will motivate other employees in the office.

Decision-making and practical expectations - It is important to engage employees in the decision making process, but create realistic expectations in the process.

Job Description, Work Environment and Flexibility - Is the employee doing the right job for his/her personality and skill set?  Performing well at the job greatly increases employee motivation and satisfaction.  A safe and non-threatening work environment is necessary to maintain a high level of employee motivation.  Flexible human resource policies, flexible time, work from home, childcare also helps to make happier and more motivated workers.

Pay and Benefits - Keeping employees motivated with good benefits is easy.  It is deciding whether to use these benefits to motivate employees or increase salaries to retain and attract the best workers and keep them happy and motivated to be working for you, which is more difficult.

Company Culture - Creating a positive and employee friendly company culture is a great motivational tool.

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