Engage Your Remote Employees With These 9 Actionable Tips

March 5, 2024
7 mins

*Take this article as a reminder to do your basics right while engaging your remote employees. You may already know how we can help remote employees with better support and care. If not, let us recap!

If remote work was a dance, engaging remote employees is the rhythm that keeps everyone in sync.

Remote work has been gaining popularity over the past few years, but its adoption skyrocketed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

According to a survey conducted by Forbes, 74% of remote workers prefer working remotely at least some of the time for the rest of their careers. 

However, managing and engaging remote employees can be challenging for employers.

The good news is that there are many actionable tips that employers can implement for remote employee engagement and foster a strong sense of team spirit. 

From setting clear expectations and fostering open communication to offering training and development opportunities and prioritizing work-life balance, these tips can help keep remote employees engaged, happy, and productive. 

In this article, we'll delve into 9 actionable tips for engaging remote employees and explore how they can benefit both employees and employers.

What is Remote Work and the Reason Behind its Growing Popularity

In the age of technology, traditional 9-to-5 office jobs are no longer the only option for professionals. Thanks to the power of the internet and advancements in communication technology, remote work has become a viable alternative for many individuals. 

The number of people working remotely has been steadily increasing over the years, with a 159% increase in remote work since 2005.

Not only does remote work offer more flexibility for employees, but it also provides many benefits for employers, such as reduced overhead costs and increased productivity. 

Plus, remote work has become even more prevalent since the COVID-19 pandemic forced many companies to adopt remote work policies to keep employees safe.

The Importance of Employee Engagement in Remote Work

In today's remote work environment, it's more crucial than ever to keep employees engaged and connected to the company culture. That's where the importance of engaging remote employees comes in. 

Here are some reasons why remote employee engagement is crucial:

1. Increased Productivity

Engaged employees are more productive, and this is especially important in a remote work environment. 

According to a Gallup survey, companies with highly engaged employees have 21% higher profitability than those with disengaged employees.

2. Improved Employee Retention

When employees feel connected to their company and colleagues, they are more likely to stay with the company long-term. 

A study by the Harvard Business Review found that remote workers who feel connected to their colleagues are more likely to stay with their current employer.

3. Enhanced Communication

Engaged employees are more likely to communicate effectively and efficiently with their colleagues, which is essential in a remote work environment. 

Clear and consistent communication can help remote teams stay connected and ensure that everyone is on the same page.

4. Better Job Satisfaction

Engaged employees are more satisfied with their jobs and are more likely to feel fulfilled by their work. 

This can lead to increased motivation and commitment to the company's mission and goals.

5. Reduced Costs

High employee turnover can be costly for companies, but engagement can help reduce turnover rates. 

According to a study by Gallup, a 10% increase in employee engagement can lead to a 1.5% increase in company profitability.

Employee engagement is vital for remote work success. By implementing strategies to keep remote employees engaged, companies can reap the benefits of increased productivity, improved employee retention, enhanced communication, better job satisfaction, and reduced costs.

9 Actionable Tips To Keep Your Remote Employees Engaged

So, are you ready to take your remote team to the next level? As the world shifts towards remote work, it's essential to prioritize engaging remote employees and motivation, especially for remote teams. 

With remote work becoming more prevalent, managers are grappling with the challenge of keeping their employees motivated and engaged.

To help you in engaging your remote employees, we're going to share with you 9 actionable tips that you can implement today. Whether you're a manager looking to improve your team's engagement or a remote employee looking for ways to stay motivated, these tips will help you create a thriving remote work environment!

1. Set Clear Expectations

Let’s start with the basics. Setting clear expectations is crucial for any workplace, and it’s even more important when it comes to remote work. 

It’s essential to communicate performance expectations, availability, and communication methods with your remote employees. 

One way to do this is by using tools like goal setting and performance reviews. 

Did you know that 91% of employees believe clear communication about expectations and responsibilities is essential for workplace success?

2. Foster Open Communication

Working remotely can feel isolating, so it’s important to encourage open communication among your remote employees. 

This means setting up various channels for communication and scheduling regular check-ins and team meetings. 

Providing opportunities for social interaction and informal communication can also help create a more collaborative and inclusive work environment. 

Did you know that companies with effective communication practices have a 47% higher return to shareholders over five years compared to those with poor communication practices?

3. Offer Training and Development

Remote work provides a great opportunity for professional development and growth. 

Offering online courses, webinars, and workshops can help your employees improve their skills and knowledge. 

Encouraging employees to share their skills and knowledge can also foster a more collaborative work environment. 

Did you know that companies that invest in employee training and development have 24% higher profit margins than those that don’t?

4. Provide Feedback and Recognition

Giving feedback on performance is important for remote employees to know how they’re doing and where they can improve. 

Providing recognition for accomplishments and contributions is also crucial to employee motivation and engagement. 

Employee recognition programs and virtual celebrations are great tools for acknowledging employee efforts. 

Did you know that employees who feel their work is recognized are 5 times more likely to feel valued and 7 times more likely to stay with the company?

5. Prioritize Work-Life Balance

Remote work can blur the lines between work and personal life, leading to burnout. That’s why it’s crucial to prioritize work-life balance for your remote employees. 

Encouraging employees to take breaks, set boundaries, and offer flexible schedules and time off can help maintain a healthy work-life balance. 

Did you know that companies that prioritize work-life balance have employees who are 21% more productive and 33% more likely to stay with the company?

6. Foster a Positive Work Culture

Creating a positive work culture is essential for remote employees to feel like they’re part of a team. 

Encouraging collaboration, teamwork, and innovation can help foster a positive work culture. 

Celebrating diversity and inclusivity can also make your remote employees feel valued and included. 

Did you know that companies with a strong culture have a turnover rate of just 13.9% compared to 48.4% at companies with a weak culture?

7. Provide Resources and Support

Remote work can take a toll on employees’ mental and physical health. Providing resources and support for mental and physical health is crucial for maintaining employee well-being. 

Offering access to employee assistance programs, and wellness initiatives, and encouraging healthy habits like exercise and meditation can help support your remote employees. 

Did you know that companies that prioritize employee well-being have employees who are 12% more productive and take 2.5 fewer sick days per year?

8. Set Realistic Goals

Setting realistic and achievable goals is important for keeping your remote employees motivated and engaged. 

Providing support and resources to help them meet their goals and celebrate progress and milestones can also help maintain motivation. 

Did you know that employees who receive regular feedback and have growth opportunities are 2.6 times more likely to feel engaged at work?

9. Lead by Example

As a leader, it's crucial to model positive behaviors and attitudes in the workplace. 

Encouraging managers and leaders to engage in remote work practices can create a culture of engagement and motivation among your team. 

Providing training and support for managers to manage remote teams effectively can also improve employee engagement and productivity.

Bottom line

In conclusion, remote employee engagement is critical for the success of any remote team. 

By implementing the 9 actionable tips discussed in this article, you can create a positive and engaging work culture for your remote team. 

This will not only boost employee morale and productivity but also lead to increased retention rates and higher customer satisfaction.

Remember, engaged employees are the backbone of any successful organization, and remote work does not have to be a barrier to engagement. With the right strategies and tools, you can foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and creativity, even when your team is geographically dispersed.

So, take the first step towards building a thriving remote team by implementing these tips in engaging remote employees, and watching your team's engagement and performance soar!

Bigfish Editorial Team

If you have any questions, reach out to editor@bigfishbenefits.com

Learn more