Remote work has a lot of benefits for employees, such as no long commutes and more quality time with loved ones. However, it’s not always rainbows and butterflies, as some studies show that 69% of employees in the U.S. are exhibiting signs of burnout while working remotely.
As a result, employers are restructuring their engagement strategies to better accommodate the evolving needs of a virtual workforce. In this article, we’ll discuss a few strategies that you can implement to better engage your workforce.
Give Proper Recognition
When employees are recognized for their contributions, they are usually motivated to work even harder. One way to show appreciation is by giving informal recognition. Whether it’s sending email blasts or giving a shoutout during meetings, employees appreciate acknowledgment for a job well done.
For a more formal approach, you can also create monthly Employee Excellence Programs for spotlighting exceptional employees within your team. Fortuna BMC’s program, for instance, nominates and awards deserving employees. They also have what they refer to as a “Praise Channel” where employees can give shoutouts and words of encouragement to their colleagues.
Promote Health and Wellness
Maintaining a healthier workforce, especially in this time of pandemic, can reduce employee sick days and maximize productivity. Consider giving incentives for your employees to exercise or eat balanced meals. You can also launch wellness programs such as 30 days of yoga or offer free fitness memberships.
Beyond physical health, mental wellness is also an important aspect of your employees’ overall well-being. Provide support by connecting them with mental health professionals or organizing virtual seminars on managing stress while working remotely.
Leverage Communication Channels
Set up communication channels on platforms such as Slack, Skype, or Hangouts where employees can communicate and engage in group discussions. Schedule video conference or meetings whenever necessary, but take the time at the start of every meeting or conference to ask how they’re doing. You can also arrange one-on-one sessions where you can give feedback, resolve issues, or simply catch up.
Host Virtual Events and Engagement Activities
Balance work and play by providing opportunities where employees can relax and have fun after a hard day’s work. Encourage participation by asking members to join the planning process. Some activities to consider are online gaming tournaments, scavenger hunts, movie nights, book clubs, and virtual escape rooms. The goal is to allow your team members to let loose, enjoy themselves, and not have to think about work even for a short while.
Measure Employee Sentiment
Always have tools to measure the success of your engagement efforts. Having concrete data that shows the effectiveness of your programs will help you easily secure funding and approval for future projects.
What better way to capture employee sentiment than through surveys. There are two effective tools that companies often use—eNPs and Pulse surveys.
An eNPs (Employer Net Promoter Score) survey is a two-question survey that uses a simple scoring system and keyword analysis tool. It provides organizations with in-depth insights as to why employees feel positively or negatively about an activity. Pulse surveys are more straightforward. They involve short multiple-choice questions and can be completed in just a few minutes.
Optimize Workforce Performance
Supply your managerial roles with top talent qualified to lead even a remote workforce. Fortuna BMC matches candidates to roles based on your organization’s goals and objectives. Our team of business experts are experienced in providing quality project management services, including team dynamics, conflict resolution, stakeholder communications, and more.
Drive better business outcomes with vetted managers on your team. We provide teams and candidates in as fast as 24 to 72 hours. Book a free consultation today to discuss your staffing requirements.
