Employing remote workers is very attractive but requires careful planning and preparation in order to be effective. Before you start any system of remote work, you must define the requirements for work schedules, home offices, security of information networks and, ultimately, the responsibilities of individual job roles. The most important prerequisite for successful remote work is communication. Mashable.com summarized 5 HR steps to consider.
1. Common objectives
Remotely working employees need to know the common objectives of your company in order to feel like a part of your organization. It is not just an one-time action, it is about finding a system of regular communication and sharing corporate values.
2. Individual goals
After a remote employee knows the common objectives and understands how his role fits into them, it is necessary to set out specific expectations in connection with his own performance. Clear delimitation of individual goals is absolutely essential.
3. Trust and accountability
Employees working remotely should ideally be in a daily contact with their managers. It does not mean, however, that they are not able to work independently and must be constantly controlled by the manager. It is about building mutual trust and accountability for individual results. Managers should encourage and motivate their people but let them to choose independently how to achieve the results.
4. Overcoming isolation
Inadequate communication can lead to remote workers feeling isolated. This should be preceded by a clearly defined policy of internal communication which will include various communication tools and regular virtual meetings. Remote workers should also have the door opened to your office if they want to meet in person.
5. Regular communication
Plan, document and share the rules of communication with remote workers.
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