15 Best Ways to Improve Your Relationship with Remote Workers
Working remotely can be a great way to have a more flexible lifestyle and spend less time commuting. However, there are some potential downsides to working remotely.
For instance, employees might feel isolated from colleagues or feel like they're not contributing as much to the company. The best way to deal with this is to prevent it.
Start thinking about including workers into the team on time and making them feel welcome and appreciated. While this can be difficult in a remote working space, it isn't impossible.
There are several things you can do to improve your relationship with remote workers.
1. In-person vs. virtual communication
Before anything else, you must understand the difference between in-person and virtual communication.
In-person communication is when two or more people are physically present in the same room. This type of communication is considered to be more personal because there are nonverbal cues that can be picked up on, such as body language and facial expressions.
Virtual communication is when two or more people communicate through technology, such as email, instant messaging, or video conferencing. This type of communication can be less personal because there are no nonverbal cues that can be picked up.
That being said, it's important to remember that both types of communication have their own advantages and disadvantages.
In-person communication might be considered more personal, but it can also be more difficult to schedule. Virtual communication might be less personal, but it can be more convenient and easier to fit into a busy schedule.
2. Workplace relationships
Why is it so important to maintain good relationships in the workplace?
For instance, it's important because employees who have a best friend at work are more likely to stay with their company for longer. In addition, employees who have a best friend at work are also more likely to say that they're satisfied with their job.
There is no healthy environment or company culture without good workplace relationships.
Building strong relationships among workers is necessary for a number of reasons. It can boost productivity, helps to create a more positive work environment, and strengthens the company culture.
When workers have strong relationships with their colleagues, they're more likely to cooperate and collaborate. This can lead to increased productivity and creativity.
3. Get to know them on a personal level
One of the best ways to improve your relationship with remote workers is to get to know them on a personal level. This can be done by asking about their interests, hobbies, and family.
You can also get to know them better by sharing your own personal information. This will help create a more personal connection and make them feel more comfortable around you.
Having group chats where you can exchange memes and cute pet pictures is also a great way to get to know your colleagues better on a personal level.
Make sure to create a welcoming environment for everyone and let people talk about whatever they want.
4. Be understanding
Working remotely can be difficult, and there will be times when your employees need your understanding. For instance, if they're struggling with a task or if they're feeling overwhelmed.
It's important to be understanding and patient with your employees. Remember that everyone has different strengths and weaknesses, and that it's okay to ask for help.
5. Make an effort to stay in touch
Another way to improve your relationship with remote workers is to make an effort to stay in touch. This can be done by regularly sending them emails, instant messages, or video calls. Regular check-ins and personalized messages are pretty good for these purposes as well.
You can also set up regular check-ins to see how they're doing and if they need any help. This will show that you care about their well-being and want to help them succeed.
Being interested in their progress and well-being could go a long way in any relationship.
6. Make sure they feel included
It's important to make sure remote workers feel like they're part of the team. Try to include them in company events and social gatherings, even if it's just virtually. You can also create opportunities for them to interact with other employees, such as starting an online chat group.
Including them in company events will make them feel like they're valued and that they belong. This could make them more motivated to do their best work and be more invested in the company.
When top HR outsourcing companies do their job well, it'll be up to you to keep the communication lines open so that your remote team knows what's going on in the company. This way, they can feel like they are a part of something bigger and not just a cog in a wheel.
7. Recognize their achievements
Another way to improve your relationship with remote workers is to recognize their achievements. This can be done by sending them a personal message or email, or by giving them a shout-out during a team meeting.
Recognizing their achievements will show them that you appreciate their hard work and that you're paying attention to their progress. This could make them feel appreciated and motivate them to do even better.
8. Show interest in their work
One way to show your remote employees that you care about them is to show interest in their work. This can be done by asking them questions about their project, offering suggestions, and giving feedback.
You can also give them opportunities to share their ideas with you. This will make them feel valued and appreciated, and it'll help improve your relationship with them.
There is no better way to show respect than by listening. This could be the key to a good relationship in the workplace.
9. Make sure to give feedback
Giving feedback is important in any relationship, and this includes relationships with employees. Feedback helps people to learn and grow, and it shows that you're invested in their development.
When giving feedback, make sure to be clear, concise, and specific. Avoid giving criticism that is vague or general. It's also important to focus on the positive aspects of their work.
For example, if you're unhappy with something, don't just say, "This isn't good." Instead, try to be more specific and say something like, "I didn't like the way you handled this situation."
Make sure to always end it on a positive note. If the project is done well, but it's done late, focus on the fact that it was completed well.
10. Encourage their success
When your employees succeed, it's a reflection of your leadership. So, make sure to encourage their success and give them credit when they deserve it. This will show that you're proud of their accomplishments and that you want them to continue doing their best work.
You can also give them opportunities to lead projects or take on more responsibility. This will help them feel more valued and appreciated, and it'll improve your relationship with them.
11. Be flexible
Working remotely can be difficult, and it's important to be flexible. This means being understanding when things come up and willing to work with them to find a solution.
For example, if they need to take a day off for a personal emergency, be understanding and try to work with them to find a solution.
Being flexible will show that you're supportive of their situation and that you're willing to work with them. This could go a long way in any relationship.
12. Give pairing a chance
Pairing is when two people work together on a project. This can be done in person or remotely.
Pairing is a great way to improve communication and collaboration. It also allows you to get to know your employees better.
If you're not sure how to start, try pairing up for a project or task. This will give you an opportunity to see how well you work together and to build a stronger relationship.
13. Be accessible
When you're working remotely, it's important to be accessible. This means being available when your employees need you, and being responsive to their questions and concerns.
You can also encourage communication by using video conferencing or instant messaging. This will help you stay connected and build a better relationship with your employees.
14. Organize team-building activities
Team-building activities are a great way to improve relationships. They can help people to get to know each other better, and they can also promote collaboration and communication.
There are many different team-building activities that you can do. You can try something simple like having a virtual happy hour or playing online games together. You can also try something more challenging, like organizing a scavenger hunt.
No matter what you choose, make sure it's something that everyone will enjoy.
If you can, try to meet in person. This could be for a team-building activity or just to catch up. Meeting in person will help you to build a stronger relationship with your employees.
15. Be respectful
Last but not least, it's important to be respectful of your employees. This includes respecting their time, privacy, and personal space.
It's also important to avoid making assumptions about them. For instance, don't assume that they're always available to work or that they're always willing to do tasks outside of their job description.
Respect is a two-way street, so make sure that you're also respectful of your own time and boundaries.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that improving your relationship with your remote employees requires effort and patience. But, if you're willing to put in the work, it'll be worth it in the end.
By following the tips above, you'll be on your way to a better relationship with your remote employees.
Travis Dillard is a business consultant and an organizational psychologist based in Arlington, Texas. Passionate about marketing, social networks, and business in general. In his spare time, he writes a lot about new business strategies and digital marketing for DigitalStrategyOne . For any related queries, contact editor@vantagecircle.com.
