Time Management for Remote Workers: Leveraging Communication Tools
Posted by Kathleen S on Tue, Aug 18, 2009 @ 03:48 PM
Welcome to part four of our ongoing series looking at how businesses can use
audio and web conferencing to leverage the benefits of remote workers while avoiding the common
pitfalls of such work flow arrangements.
Time Management for Remote Workers
The biggest concern with virtual employees is how much they
work. Such workers often work too much and can suffer from burn out. Some may
wake up early and begin work. Without any distractions, they often find
themselves forgetting to eat and working well past office hours.
This is where an afternoon web conference becomes most
important. Have a quick meeting with your worker and ask about the day. Asses
the employee’s emotional state and be sure they are not pushing themselves too
hard. Casually asking what they had for lunch will help you be sure they are
taking appropriate breaks.
Another way to help your employees maintain structure is to
set up automated email reminders. Send one at break time, lunch and at the end
of the day, providing a friendly reminder that it is time to rest.
Stay Connected
Use instant messaging to keep your employees connected.
Allow a certain amount of freedom of personality in these messages. While they
must remain appropriate, employees also need a way to joke about their work to
release tension.
Include remote workers in company web conferences at least
once a month and be sure to include a social time in that meeting where some
simple game is played to encourage social interaction. You may also connect
workers who live near one another and encourage them to socialize after work.
