As the world increasingly moves towards a remote-first mindset, it’s more important than ever for companies to empower their employees to work remotely. Doing so not only allows your employees to have a better work-life balance but also allows your company to tap into a global pool of talent.
Rather than push back against a return to the office, what would it look like if we encouraged people to work remotely? What would empowering employees to work remotely look like to set them up for success?
Here are seven ways to empower your remote employees for success:
1. Think Like A Business Owner
Remote workers need to change their mindset from employee to business owner. This means taking initiative and being proactive about solving problems. It also means being proactive about identifying new opportunities for the company.
As a leader, you can help encourage this way of thinking by providing your employees with resources and opportunities to grow within the company. For example, you can give them access to company-wide projects or allow them to present their ideas to the rest of the team.
2. Promote A Growth Mindset
A growth mindset is essential for success in any field. It’s even more important for remote workers who need to be constantly learning and adapting to new situations. A growth mindset means believing that intelligence and ability can be developed. This is the opposite of a fixed mindset, which believes that intelligence and ability are set in stone.
As a leader, you can promote a growth mindset by providing your employees with resources for learning and development. You can also create an environment where it’s encouraged to take risks and experiment with new ideas.
3. Encourage Them To Be Their Best Self
Remote workers need to be their best selves to be successful. This means taking care of their physical and mental health, setting boundaries between work and life, and being productive.
As a leader, you can encourage your employees to be their best selves by providing them with resources and support. For example, you can offer mental health support or give them access to wellness programs. You can also create company policies that promote a healthy work-life balance.
4. Help Them Develop A Routine
One of the challenges of working remotely is developing a routine that works for you. This is different for everyone but it’s important to have some structure in your day. A routine can help you stay focused and productive.
As a leader, you can help your employees develop a routine by providing them with resources and advice. For example, you can share articles or podcasts about productivity or time management. You can also give them access to tools that can help them plan their day and stay on track.
5. Encourage Them To Stay Connected
One of the challenges of working remotely is feeling isolated from the rest of the team. It’s important for remote workers to stay connected with their colleagues to feel like they’re a part of the team.
As a leader, you can encourage your employees to stay connected by creating opportunities for connection and collaboration. For example, you can create chat rooms or video call channels for informal catch-ups. You can also encourage them to participate in company-wide events or join employee resource groups.
Empowering your remote employees is essential for success in the modern world. By doing so, you’ll not only help them be more successful but you’ll also help your company tap into a global pool of talent.
6. Create Training Opportunities
Another way to empower your remote employees is by creating training opportunities for them. This can include anything from e-learning courses to webinars to podcasts. By providing employees with opportunities to learn and grow, you’ll show them that you invest in their development. Additionally, you’ll help ensure that they have the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their roles.
7. Offer Feedback and Recognition
Finally, it’s important to offer feedback and recognition to your remote employees. This is essential for maintaining a healthy working relationship. Feedback shows employees that you’re paying attention to their work and that you care about their development. Additionally, recognition helps employees feel valued and appreciated. Both of these things are essential for employee morale and motivation.
When offering feedback, be sure to give specific, actionable items. For example, “Great job on that project! I loved the way you handled XYZ.” For recognition, try to be as specific as possible. For example, “Thank you for going above and beyond on that project! Your hard work made a big impact.”
Empowering your remote employees is essential for success in the modern world. By taking the time to invest in their development, you’ll not only help them be more successful but you’ll also help your company tap into a global pool of talent.
