Businesses that offer a mix of remote and in-person working can attract some top talent, appealing to those who want to enjoy a work-life balance and a range of opportunities. And a strong team helps contribute to your business’ overall success.
That doesn’t mean that there aren’t challenges with hybrid work setups. When your team doesn’t share the same space day to day, it’s easy for remote workers to feel disconnected or overlooked. Finding ways to ensure your remote workers feel valued and supported is essential for retaining a solid workforce, helping everyone feel a part of the bigger picture. Here’s how you can better support your remote workers so they feel truly part of the team.
Prioritise wellbeing and work/life balance
Remote and hybrid working can give your employees flexibility, but it can make it harder to keep the lines clear between work and personal time. Many employees can feel the pressure to be ‘always on’, so it’s important that employers set realistic expectations around availability, working hours and promoting regular breaks. Take steps to support your workers’ wellbeing to prevent burnout and create a positive working environment.
Make communication a key part of your culture
When teams are working in different places, effective communication is essential. Regular check-ins, updates and open channels can help your workers stay informed. Team meetings should be regular, but only when necessary. Two-way communication can help maintain honest conversations that can build trust and ensure remote workers feel less isolated. Implementing hybrid working policies can set expectations for both sides, ensuring hybrid working works for all.
Lessen the burden of admin
Administrative tasks can quickly become frustrating if they aren’t simple to action, especially for remote workers without access to on-site support. Streamlining processes such as expenses, fuel cards and time management can make a big difference day-to-day, saving time and preventing unnecessary back-and-forth. Ensure support is available to all employees, whether on-site or remote, to ensure workers can resolve issues quickly and easily.
Create a sense of inclusion, wherever people work
Feeling like a part of the team shouldn’t depend on where someone is based. It’s important to include remote workers in all meetings and decisions, as well as informal moments. Bring your workers together as much as possible through social activities and all-team meetings, removing any barriers that can prevent people from participating. Creating a more inclusive workplace can help your workers feel more valued and engaged, keeping them motivated day-to-day and more likely to stay with you long-term.
Supporting your remote workers is vital for maintaining a positive work environment. From focusing on wellbeing and communication to simplifying processes, you can help your remote employees feel just as valued as your on-site teams. When people feel supported and part of a team, they’re more likely to work harder to support the business, helping you build a stronger, more resilient workplace that’s ready to achieve its goals.
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