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Remote work has definitely come a long way since digital nomads made it their bread and butter. While freelancers have always existed in the form of contractors, we've seen a huge boom in the popularity of remote work, in part due to the pandemic that forced the workforce to reform on a global scale, but that also means that work culture had to change with it. 

The traditional methods of monitoring and management don't always work in a remote environment. Employers are facing new challenges in the face of remote work such as managing their team and ensuring productivity without overstepping. 

Set Clear Expectations and Goals

It is essential to communicate clear expectations and goals for remote employees. Employees should know what is expected of them and how their work will be evaluated, such as whether a tracking software will be employed or what they can expect from the company's remote workforce management. This will help employees stay focused and understand their priorities. Employers should use performance goals and objectives to ensure that employees are meeting the company's expectations.

Provide Adequate Equipment and Resources

Employers should provide their remote employees with adequate equipment and resources. This includes computers, software, and other necessary tools to do their job effectively. Employees should also have access to high-speed internet, secure networks, and other essential resources. Providing the right tools and resources helps employees stay focused and be productive.

Encourage and Facilitate Communication

Communication is key to ensure productivity from remote employees. Employers should encourage and facilitate regular communication with their remote employees. This includes using email, instant messaging, video conferencing, and other tools to keep in touch with employees. Regular check-ins, team meetings, and virtual collaboration sessions can help remote employees stay engaged and feel like they are part of the team.

Setting up regulated communication guidelines is an effective way to ensure productivity from remote employees. Forbes reported that the lack of guidelines is a growing cause for concern because there aren't any clear instructions to fall back on and operating on an ambiguous and informal communication is not sustainable. 

Establish a System of Accountability

To ensure productivity from remote employees, it is important to establish a system of accountability. This can include setting clear expectations, tracking progress, and providing feedback. Employers can use project management software, time tracking tools, and other tools to track employee performance and productivity. This helps employers stay on top of their remote employees' progress and performance.

Create an Employee-centric Work Environment

It is important to encourage a healthy work-life balance for remote employees. Employers can encourage their remote employees to take breaks, exercise, and manage their time effectively. This helps employees stay focused and be productive, while also promoting their mental and physical health. Employers can create a sense of camaraderie and team spirit by fostering a positive work culture. This includes providing opportunities for social interaction, recognizing and rewarding employees for their achievements, and involving them in decision-making processes.

Provide Professional Development Opportunities

To keep remote employees engaged and motivated, employers should encourage personal growth. This can include training, workshops, and other opportunities to learn and grow. Providing these opportunities not only helps employees improve their skills and knowledge, but it also shows that the employer is invested in their growth and development.

Ensuring productivity from remote employees requires a different approach than traditional office management. More mindfulness is required in order to keep employees engaged and happy in their roles as opposed to traditional office work because they are a new generation of conscious workers - they value mental health and will dedicate themselves to those that look out for them, simple as that.