It is not surprising that many teams around the country (including temp services) are working remotely nowadays because of the Corona virus pandemic. Characteristic of most business decisions, there both pros and cons to working remotely. We are grateful for the opportunity to work remotely due to advances in hardware, software, and internet technologies. Since the virtual environment replaces in-person interactions, it can be difficult to build or maintain strong relationships with your teammates. The best managers know how to keep their teams motivated and connected, even when physically apart. Read below for some tips on how to keep your team motivated!
Most employees enjoy learning new things, especially if they believe it will make them eligible for a raise, promotion, or give them other competitive advantages. Some organizations and staffing agency services have learning resources available to employees, and since the resources provided pertain to topics that are relevant to the organization, it is a win-win for both the employee and employer. If your organization has such resources available, encourage your employees to use them! If your organization does not currently offer any training or learning resources, now may be a perfect time to research free resources or inquire with management about possibilities of providing resources in the near future. In today’s climate there are many virtual motivational tools to assist you in this goal.
Positive reinforcement may not be as impactful over the phone, in an email, or via video chat, as it is in person, but it is certainly better than nothing. What employee doesn’t like to be told they are doing a great job? Positive reinforcement has always been a key building block for motivation among teammates. Recognition may be even more critical while working remotely so that hard work and achievements are celebrated. Verbal positive reinforcement can make a significant difference, but so can other forms of reinforcement. If you are authorized or have the resources available, a gift card, bonus, or even a handwritten card mailed to their home, would be a thoughtful gesture to show appreciation for their meaningful contributions.
Lastly, focus on deliverables instead of hours. When everyone is working in the same office it is easier for everyone to see their contribution to a final product; to see the fruit of their labor and time invested. When everyone is working remotely this is not as easy to recognize. Managers can keep motivation up by communicating regularly and in detail what is being accomplished by the team to encourage everyone to keep up the good work. You can also have a team member share about their latest accomplishment with the team and then take turns spotlighting accomplishments. Keeping team members, whether they work for the organization directly or through a temp services staffing company, in the know on what is being accomplished allows for everyone to encourage and motivate one another!