Don’t Get Complacent with Virtual Workers
They are more apt to jump ship!
Gallup reports that although engagement of virtual workers is increasing, their connection and loyalty to their employer is sliding. These individuals enjoy the benefits of working from home. And, they are being productive for a sense of personal satisfaction and financial stability.
However, there is a tendency for them to make independent decisions which serve their personal preferences. They can be more productive if they aren’t bothered by interactions with their manager, colleagues, or customers. Hybrid workers want to choose which days they go into the office based on how it impacts their personal schedule, not when their team members are going to be available for lunch or when the client is in town for a project progress meeting. Only 12% of remote-ready workers have conversations with their team members when deciding which days to go to the office.
Yet, making independent work decisions that fit one’s own needs leads to being less considerate of others, reducing one’s collaboration with colleagues and customer service. Individuals are enjoying the freedom of not being in the office, but they are drifting away from being aligned with their colleagues and the company’s vision. Their distance from others during the workday often results in them drifting from the organization’s purpose and values. They are more likely to consider opportunities with other companies so their current employer risks losing capable productive employees. who had been top performers.
Here are 3 reasons remote workers may feel less connected and ways leaders can reduce their drift.
Lack of Face-to-Face Interaction: Human beings build rapport, deeper connections, and a sense of belonging from face-to-face interactions. Sharing drinks and food further enhances interpersonal connections. Leaders can periodically schedule compulsory in-person days with a group lunch to keep people connected with each other and the organization’s vision, mission, and values.
Communication Barriers: Email, instant messaging, and videoconferencing are great tools for sharing information, but non-verbal cues to the meaning behind the message are lacking in the first two and limited in the third. Misunderstandings in communication can lead to feeling isolated and disconnected. Leaders can reduce misunderstandings by asking employees to summarize their understanding of expectations and next steps.
Reduced Visibility and Recognition: The out-of-sight, out-of-mind maxim is true. We more often think about people whom we see regularly. Therefore, managers and supervisors are less likely to communicate with remote workers or thank them for their work. Remote workers aren’t nearby offering their assistance with little tasks and getting acknowledged for being team players. And, since their manager and team members are out-of-sight, remote workers don’t have strong bonds and loyalty to them or the company. Leaders can be sure to check-in with remote workers multiple times every week, to monitor their progress on projects, give them a quick phone call or thank you email, or have their favorite coffee delivered to their home.
What is one thing you will do this week to build a stronger personal and company connection with your remote workers?