The last few years of being stuck indoors have unexpectedly revealed a golden ticket: the freedom to work remotely, a perk employees worldwide have been clamoring for.
For your team, this means waving goodbye to the blaring 6 AM alarm, the frantic scramble for breakfast, keys, and that overflowing work bag, not to mention the soul-crushing commute. It’s a dream come true!
But once the initial excitement fades and everyone settles into their new routines, here’s something many employers may overlook: demotivation. It’s a real concern, with only around 15% of employees reporting feeling motivated to work.
And if you’ve ever battled a lackluster team or experienced the drag yourself, you know it’s a productivity killer.
So, whether you’re a seasoned pro at managing remote teams or just dipping your toes in the virtual waters, this article is your lifeline. We’ll equip you with practical strategies to keep your team firing on all cylinders, both mentally and physically.
1. Set clear expectations.
Setting crystal-clear expectations is the bedrock of a thriving remote team. When everyone knows their role and understands the company’s overarching goals, it creates a shared sense of purpose and direction.
Think of it as a roadmap for your virtual workplace: without it, people wander aimlessly, productivity stalls, and frustration festers.
But crafting expectations isn’t just about listing tasks and deadlines. Managers need to take the time to discuss individual responsibilities, align them with team objectives, and provide regular feedback.
For instance, instead of simply saying, “Increase sales by 10%,” a manager might break it down into weekly targets and discuss specific strategies with each team member. Make sure goals set are reasonable—don’t set the bar too high and discourage your team.
2. Trust them.
Trust and autonomy are the twin engines that can propel remote teams to success.
When employees feel trusted to manage their own workload without someone breathing down their backs (digitally or physically) and are allowed to make decisions within their expertise, it fosters a sense of trust, ownership, and pride in their work.
Think of it this way: micromanaging a remote team is like trying to steer a ship from miles away. You might think you’re being helpful, but in reality, you’re creating unnecessary stress and hindering the crew’s progress. Instead of making them constantly look over their shoulder, trust your team members to navigate their tasks and come to you when they need support.
In fact, a 2023 study by the Harvard Business Review found that employees who feel trusted by their managers are 50% more productive and are more likely to go above and beyond in their roles.
Of course, trust doesn’t mean blind faith. Make sure to set clear milestones and check in regularly to discuss progress and address any roadblocks.
3. Encourage social interaction.
Remote work can sometimes feel like living on a secluded island. Without those spontaneous chats by the coffee machine or impromptu lunch gatherings, it’s easy for team members to drift apart and feel isolated.
That’s why fostering social interaction is absolutely essential for remote teams. It boosts morale, strengthens collaboration, sparks creativity, and nurtures a sense of belonging, much like what you feel when bonding with coworkers in the office.
For remote teams, these informal interactions need a bit more intentionality. But with a sprinkle of creativity, you can create a vibrant virtual water cooler that keeps everyone connected.
Try doing virtual happy hours, online team-building games, or even a dedicated Slack channel for sharing non-work-related chatter. Celebrate birthdays and milestones with virtual fanfare, and create opportunities for cross-functional collaboration to break down silos.
If your team is up for it, you can even just have a meeting with no agenda at all—just casual talk and updates on their hobbies, plans, and so on.
4. Offer competitive compensation and benefits.
Nowadays, a paycheck isn’t just about numbers—it’s a statement of value. Exactly how valuable are your employees?
Money talks and it talks well—offering competitive compensation and benefits is a top retention strategy. You wouldn’t want to get top talent who were loyal and engaged and then see them jump ship for greener pastures.
Aside from making sure your team’s paycheck lets them live the lives they want, offer stipends for home offices and robust health insurance plans. Don’t skimp on the rewards. You know that a little financial security and a well-stocked benefits package go a long way in keeping their spark for their work alive.
5. Prioritize their mental and physical wellness.
Healthy employees are happy employees. Simple regular check-ins about their physical and mental health can significantly boost morale and reduce absenteeism—let them know you care beyond their capability to do their tasks.
Encourage a healthy work-life balance by promoting regular breaks and setting clear boundaries between work time and personal time. The “always-on” mentality is a recipe for burnout, so ensure your team feels empowered to disconnect and recharge. Encourage them to take their PTOs and breaks.
Avoid contacting your team outside of work hours. If you must reach out, let them know you don’t expect a response until the next workday. Tell your team to do the same with each other. Flexible work hours can also help employees manage personal commitments without sacrificing productivity.
When your employees feel cared for, both physically and mentally, they’ll be more likely to bring their best selves to work each day. This leads to a happier, more productive, and ultimately, more successful remote team.
| Extra tip: Aside from their standard-issue laptops, buy your team ergonomic equipment! For example, get them a comfortable chair with proper back support to prevent aches and pains. When employees are physically comfortable, they’re better able to focus and think clearly. |
6. Create career growth opportunities for them.
Nobody likes the feeling of being stuck in a rut. Many employees value job security, but when they feel their job is a dead end, you’ll see their motivation and desire to do a great job fizzle out.
But when employees see a clear path for advancement, they’re more likely to stay engaged and motivated—much like what we feel when we see our destination after hours of traveling.
This means investing in their development and showing them you’re committed to their long-term success.
Consider creating clear career paths that outline the steps employees can take to reach their professional goals. This might include outlining the skills and experience needed for promotions, offering tuition reimbursement for relevant courses, or creating opportunities for leadership development.
Create individualized development plans that align with each employee’s strengths and aspirations. Perhaps a junior developer dreams of becoming a team lead, or a customer service rep aspires to manage a team.
Make your employees envision a future with your company and help them achieve it. It’s a win-win for everybody.
7. Recognize and reward them.
Imagine running a marathon and crossing the finish line, only to be met with silence. It wouldn’t feel like much of a victory, would it? The same principle applies to your remote team.
Recognizing and rewarding your team’s efforts is even more crucial when they’re miles away from the traditional office environment. When employees feel their hard work is noticed and appreciated, they’re more likely to go the extra mile.
Public recognition, whether it’s a shout-out in a team meeting, a personalized email from the boss, or a highlight in the company newsletter, can make a world of difference. Highlighting individual and team achievements not only motivates those directly involved but also inspires others to strive for excellence.
But recognition doesn’t have to be purely verbal. Bonuses, gift cards, extra time off, or even small tokens of appreciation can show your team you’re invested in their success.
So, don’t be stingy with the praise! A consistent stream of appreciation creates a positive feedback loop, which boosts morale and productivity and, ultimately, leads to greater success for your entire team.
8. Ensure they feel heard and valued.
We’ve all tried having our ideas and even opinions dismissed or even ignored, and we know it’s quite disheartening. Now think about it from the shoes of an employee, with their manager waving off their ideas.
Even in a remote setting, employees still want to feel valued and heard. Doing so helps build trust and engagement.
Regularly solicit feedback from your team through surveys, one-on-one meetings, or anonymous suggestion boxes. Ask them about their challenges, their ideas for improvement, and what they need to feel more supported in their roles.
But listening is only half the battle. Acting on feedback is equally important. Taking action shows your team that you’re truly listening and that their voices matter.
It’s natural to feel a bit defensive when receiving feedback, but take it as an opportunity to learn, grow, and create a remote work environment where everyone feels their feedback truly matters and is empowered to contribute their best.
9. Choice fuels passion.
Think about the time you were genuinely excited about a project. Chances are, you were more invested, creative, and motivated to go above and beyond.
The same holds true for your remote team. Giving employees the freedom to choose projects that ignite their passion is a simple yet powerful way to boost motivation and job satisfaction.
When people feel a sense of control over their work, they’re more likely to take initiative and think outside the box. Doing so taps into their intrinsic motivation, the drive that comes from within, rather than relying solely on external rewards.
Consider implementing a system where team members can pitch project ideas or select from a list of available options. When people are working on something they genuinely care about, their enthusiasm is contagious, and it can elevate the entire team’s performance.
But this doesn’t mean giving your team free rein over every decision. Find a balance between company goals and individual passions. Perhaps a marketing whiz is eager to spearhead a social media campaign, or a data analyst is itching to tackle a complex analytics project.
Motivation Always Matters
A thriving business starts with a thriving team. Your employees are the heart and soul of your company, and their motivation is the fuel that drives your success. Without a motivated team, even the most brilliant ideas and strategies won’t reach their full potential.
Also remember that motivation isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s an ongoing process that requires constant attention, adaptation, and a genuine commitment to your team’s well-being. You know your team best, so keep an eye on their needs and find ways to keep them engaged and energized.
Building a dream team takes time and effort. If you’re looking for top-notch talent to join your company, BPO News is here to help. We can connect you with the perfect team to help your business grow. Contact us today and let’s get started!
