Recent studies by USC have shown that many corporations have transcended the traditional office setting, and as a result, their employees are working from remote locations. This is hardly a surprise, given that many mid to large sized companies and corporations are expanding their reach far beyond their home countries, becoming “transnational” corporations that cross borders, oceans, and time zones. Telecommuting is great for companies who want to reduce their overhead costs, improve employee morale, and connect with highly qualified people from all over the world. And, I mean, working from home is the dream right? In some cases, absolutely, but telecommuting is not without its challenges. In remote settings, effective communication practice are more important than ever. Here are a few tips for managers in workplaces who have left behind the traditional, central office model of work, to a telecommuting model.
The problems:
Telecommuting presents various challenges that are much easier to avoid when working in a central office environment, such as:
- Social isolation
○ Studies show employees who frequently telecommute often experience social isolation due to a lack of informal interactions with their coworkers.
- Mismanagement of time
○ Working on your own can often be distracting, especially if you’re working from home.
- Slow response time
○ Senses of urgency may be lost when your only interaction with coworkers and management occurs through email.
- Increased miscommunication
○ Nonverbal communication is important. Intent is often lost in emails and text messages, leading to increased opportunity for miscommunication between coworkers.
Many of these issues manifest as a result of email being the main form of communication. No offense to gmail, but sometimes it’s just easier to resolve issues face to face. In physical office settings, one could theoretically walk down the hallway and knock on the door of their co-worker or head to the water cooler for a quick answer to a problem. So what is a manager to do in a company who has the telecommunication woes?
The Solutions:
In order to keep good spirits high, a manager would do well to explore the following solutions for telecommuting woes.
- Social Isolation
○ If you notice social isolation among your employees there are many practices you can use to boost morale. Remember, social isolation doesn’t have to occur. People interact online socially all the time, they fall in love, they keep in touch with people across the country! Your employees can do the same. Possible solutions can include conference calls, google hangouts, a companywide facebook group, or collaborating on projects remotely, just to name a few.
- Mismanagement of time
○ A company could do well to set realistic goals for their remote employees throughout the day, even if it’s just to check in. Mind you, don’t micro-manage, nobody likes that. But setting reasonable goals throughout the day will keep your employees on task.
- Slow response time
○ Sometimes people get busy. Often, especially in a world where we are increasingly relying on text or instant messaging, we forget people are doing other things. Encourage patience, but don’t feel free to pick up the phone if you need something right away.
- Increased miscommunication
○ To avoid miscommunication, encourage your employees to be clear and concise in their emails. Provide as many opportunities for face-to-face interaction, even if face-to-face video conferencing is the best you can do. Nurture an environment of open communication on multiple mediums.
Effective communication is a key element for success when you or your staff is working remotely. And in an ever expanding global economy, learning how to telecommunicate effectively will be a huge asset for your company as well as your staff.