As working from home is now more prevalent, it’s important that employers think about how to engage with and motivate their remote workforce and keep employees feeling valued.

Although there are various ways to do this, these are my favourite 3 tips:

1: Communicate, Communicate, Communicate!

Working from home can cause employees to feel detached and confused, so ensure that you’re regularly updating employees in a clear and succinct way on what’s happening within the business such as developments, news, changes or impacts upon the business or the work which gets carried out. It’s ok to over-communicate as it’s preferable to nothing at all. After all good communication fosters good relationships.

Employees will appreciate that they’re still front of mind and for those working from home it will give a clear indication of business as usual coupled with increasing confidence that the business leaders have got this!

There are many communication channels to choose from so perhaps consider a specific cadence via various channels. For example, a weekly newsletter or summary update via email; regularly posted updates on progress against projects via social media; a short weekly ‘town hall’ update on zoom or Microsoft Teams or a regular zoom Q&A session where employees can feel heard by asking questions or voicing concerns; a regular check in with individual employees to see how they are.

The communication effort and messages you create are a great opportunity to show strong leadership and alongside define the type of leader you want to be. You’ll also build trust especially where the communication is authentic, open, honest and warm.

2. Be #AloneTogether.

It’s certainly true that technology has provided a lifeline over the past year to stay connected with work colleagues and of course family and friends. The collaborative power of social media to engage, communicate and uplift has become evident and many who avoided communicating digitally have adapted to avoid isolation whether professionally or personally.

Finding ways to bring people together to gain some of the social interaction they would've had at a traditional workplace is vital and shows that you care.

Regular face to face time (albeit via a screen) is a welcome relief from the isolation and monotony of working from home. It enables employees to connect meaningfully, improve mental and emotional well-being and build trust. Think how much closer to your team you’ll feel once you’ve seen them in their loungewear or even PJ’s!

Perhaps you could arrange some informal screen get togethers such as Wellbeing Wednesday Lunch together or Fun Friday drinks after hours or a team quiz. Your employees will thank you for it and it’ll support team bonding.

3. Thoughtful Gestures

This is where the ‘human’ touch of your business can shine. Thoughtful gestures or little gifts can show your support and commitment to the wellbeing of your employees. It’ll remind them that they aren’t forgotten and are still part of a team whether together or not. Those who are working will certainly be encouraged to maintain their good work.

Imagine how heartened your employees would be to receive something small through the post with a message to show they're not a forgotten member of the team or to say thanks for their efforts. Even a voucher by email with a similar message (e.g., a food delivery provider).

On a final point, be kind to each other and recognise that all employees will have different challenges at home, being alone alot; children demanding attention or even a spouse driving them stir-crazy! So, if the employee is working and where it isn’t too disruptive, allow some flexibility for them to customise their days to suit. Whatever the challenge, your leadership really can make a difference.

If you need any HR advice, feel free to call for a no-obligation chat, Skora HR will be happy to help. 0330 056 3664.