Working from home has become the new normal for many people around the world. While this arrangement has some benefits, staying focused and productive can also be challenging when people are not in an actual office space. According to a recent study, the average person is only productive for about 3 hours each day. This can be a major problem for business owners who rely on their employees to get work done.
If you’re struggling to keep your remote workforce on track, here are a few tips that may help.
1. Encourage breaks and social interaction.
It’s important to encourage your employees to take breaks throughout the day, as this can help improve their focus and concentration. Remote employees stare at computer screens for long periods, leading to eye strain and headaches. By encouraging your employees to take breaks, you can help reduce these problems.
Additionally, regular social interaction can help reduce stress and promote a healthy work-life balance. Try scheduling weekly video calls or setting up a chat room where employees can socialize and take a break from work when needed. You can also encourage employees to interact with each other outside of work by setting up group activities or arranging social events.
2. Set clear expectations and goals.
Working from home makes it easy to get sidetracked by household chores or personal errands. It’s essential to set clear expectations and goals for your employees to prevent this. Let them know what you expect of them regarding work hours, deadlines, and deliverables. This will help them stay on track and productive throughout the day.
Some businesses prefer to set daily or weekly goals for their employees. This can be a useful way to keep everyone on the same page and ensure everyone is working towards the same objectives. You can also use tracking software to monitor your employees’ progress and ensure they meet their goals. A good tracking system will allow you to see how much time each employee is spending on tasks, what they’re working on, and whether or not they’re meeting their deadlines.
3. Provide ample resources and support.
Working from home can be isolating, so providing your employees with ample resources and support is essential. Ensure they have access to all the tools and information they need to do their job correctly. Many companies provide their employees with laptops, Chromebooks, printers, and other office supplies.
If you offer these resources, be sure to also provide training on how to use them. Chromebook users can be more productive with a Chrome remote desktop download. This allows them to access their work computer from anywhere, which can be a lifesaver when working from home. The system also allows you to monitor your employees’ activity to see how they’re using their time.
4. Encourage communication and collaboration.
Regular communication is key to maintaining a productive remote workforce. Encourage your employees to communicate frequently, whether it’s via email, instant message, or video call. Some companies even hold weekly or monthly conference calls to update everyone on the latest news and developments.
Collaboration is also essential for remote employees. Encourage collaboration by setting up team projects or using project management software like Trello or Asana. These tools make it easy for employees to work together on projects, even when they’re not in the same location. You can also encourage collaboration by offering incentives for employees who work well together.
5. Encourage a healthy lifestyle.
Last but not least, it’s essential to encourage a healthy lifestyle among your employees. Working from home can be sedentary, so remind your team members to take breaks often and move around regularly throughout the day. Taking regular breaks from their computers can help reduce eye strain and headaches.
Additionally, encourage your employees to eat healthy meals and exercise regularly. A healthy lifestyle will help them stay focused and productive while working from home. Technology can also help you encourage a healthy lifestyle. Many apps and online programs can help employees track their activity and make healthy choices. Give your employees the resources they need to stay healthy, and they’ll be more productive overall.
If you’re struggling to keep your remote workforce productive, try implementing some of the tips above into your workplace culture. From encouraging breaks and social interaction to providing ample resources and support, there are plenty of ways to make working from home more enjoyable—and productive. Technology is a great way to connect remote employees and provide them with the resources they need to be successful. So, make the most of it.