Remote work inclusion has completely changed how businesses function, forcing organizations to devise new strategies for measuring employees’ productivity and engagement. A decade ago, it was much easier for managers to determine whether employees were working effectively in the office, but with a remote work setup, work dynamics are very different.
Remote work has its specific advantages, like having more flexibility with no daily commute. However, one cannot get away with its challenges, especially when keeping a keen eye on the movement of employees’ activities at work. One core issue is not having any physical option to see what they are up to during work hours. So, the big concern is: how to know if remote employees are working effectively?
Conventional employee monitoring methods, like counting logged-in hours or typing speed, don’t cut it anymore. Even if used for a long time, these methods are ineffective in evaluating the quality of work done, employee engagement rate, or actual contribution to the enterprise. That is why organizations are now searching for better and more sophisticated ways to aid with measuring remote employees’ productivity.
Switching from time-based metrics to outcome-based metrics
One of the most significant shifts in remote work measurement is focusing more on the employees’ actual outcomes instead of tracking only the work hours. What they deliver is way more effective in measuring their work productivity remotely. For instance, when monitoring a software developer, it is more beneficial to emphasize the work quality, such as code, finish, and ability to resolve issues, rather than counting work hours.
As a results-driven approach, this metric encourages workers to focus on delivering value work. It is also an upgraded way to assess work performance, considering the varied ways employees work and keep up with team contributions.
Leveraging project management tools for better visibility
Project management tools are a great assistance to keep everyone on the same page when there is remote work model in place in the organisation. Popular platforms like Trello, Asana, etc., help make various activities like task assignment, setting deadlines, and project progress monitoring easier for managers in real-time. These tools help managers recognise each employee’s responsibility, task completion, and any holdups. Such clear insights help resolve the question of how to know if remote employees are working effectively, as it offers solid and transparent data on actual work done.
What’s more, these tools also has many other nifty features such as workload management, reporting, and time tracking, which are rather helpful to get detailed visibility into team and individual performance.
Prioritising employee engagement and well-being
While having tasks done efficiently is appreciated, it is also just as significant to ensure that employees are positively engaged in work and feeling good. Many researches indicates that employees work better when they feel satisfied, stay in positive attitude, and engage in work to actively contribute to the company’s culture.
But, since a consistent employee engagement is somewhat tricky, managers can utilise tools and tactics like virtual team activities, regular one-on-one catch ups, and quick surveys to keep them connected, appreciated, and supported.
For instance, doing a quick survey provides managers with insight on how employees are feeling, their overall workload, etc. Such information help make modifications as needed by optimal resources utilisation, task adjustments, or offering opportunities for individual growth.
Simultaneously, a real risk with remote work setup is burnout that disrupts employee well-being. To keep thing within their boundary, managers should encourage employees to take regular breaks and maintain a work-life balance as much as possible to prevent unwanted hurdles to potential work engagement and productivity.
Boosting team collaborations with tech tools
To make team collaborations work well in remote setups, managers need to get creative and more deliberate. Unlike in regular office setups where teamwork occurs naturally via impromptu get-togethers and chats, the scenario is not the same for remote work. There needs to be a proper plan and strategy.
Hence, to keep team collaboration and communication going between remote workers, using tool slike Zoom, Slack, and Microsoft Teams are super helpful. Via these tools, remote employees can converse in real-time, have video meet-ups, and even share files to collaborate on projects as a team.
Implementing performance reviews and feedback loops
It is crucial to initiate feedback sessions and regular check-ins to figure out if remote workers are working effectively or not. In this context, the area of focus should be on what is being accomplished and how it’s being done, and then offer clear guidance along with necessary constructive feedback.
The idea of regular check-ins is more effective with remote work as it helps managers find and resolve any issues early on and provide support to employees if needed. However, feedback loop should be both ways. Employees should also be given the chance to put forward their thoughts and concerns and any problems they might be facing. An open conversation is a must to adapt to the changing work culture with remote work setup.
Utilising data analytics for better remote work
Managers should take full advantage of data analytics to improve the productivity of remote employees. Various data from tools like collaboration platforms, project management tools, and staff surveys help obtain a deeper understanding of the remote team’s performance.
For example, with data analytics, managers can uncover productivity trends like common workflow obstacles and most active working hours. Such an information is helpful for efficient resources allocation, targeted employees support, streamlined work processes, etc.
But as the ultimate goal for employees in continual improvement, enterprises should follow routine metrics analysis and make adjustments as needed. Because proactive approach is more effective to keep remote employees motivtaed, focused, and in sync with the organisational goals and objectives.
Wind up
As remote work is kind of norm in this modern business world, it is high time that organisations rethink about the way they measure employee productivity. While traditional solutions are still in motion, it will only be more helpful to adapt to changes as necessary.
Businesses have the ability to excel their remote employees by using the right tools, emphasizing on outcomes, and prioritising employee physical and mental health. Only then enterprises can reach the right answer of how to know if remote employees are working. In doing so, they can monitor the remote employees to meet their expectations in the new work era.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
