Keeping remote workers in the loop

Flexible working is the talk of the business world, with more and more firms shifting towards giving employees the option to work from home, or come into the office when it suits them – as long as they get the work done of course.

While it has many benefits, homeworking can also lead to a breakdown in communication and leave both you and your remote workers scratching your heads over issues that arise in the workplace.

Communication

Communication as they say is key, and this is certainly true when it comes to dealing with employees who spend most of the time away from the traditional nine to five office environment.

Make sure you keep in touch with all of your remote workers regularly and always give a clear message, as you will not be looking over their shoulder and spot them heading down the wrong path.

Of course, one problem that often crops up is that workers in the office become friendly, but homeworkers feel left out, therefore it is vital to encourage staff in the office to start friendships with those away from work.

Bring remote workers to the office

This doesn't need to be once a week, or even once a month, but make sure you bring remote workers into your traditional working environment every now and then to physically meet other workers. If nothing else it will help a person put faces to names, which always helps to create a good working atmosphere.

Ditch emails

We all know that emails can be easily misunderstood, so to avoid any awkward situations, make sure you are in regular phone contact with flexible workers. It is a lot easier to tell how someone feels about an issue by their voice, rather than in an impersonal email and it can also be cost effective as staff will not waste time and energy sending angry emails back and forth.