HOW TO EFFECTIVELY MANAGE A REMOTE WORKFORCE
The trend of remote work has continued to gain momentum over the past few years since 2020. According to a 2022 survey, 17% of South Africans work remotely and 39% split their time between their office and home, presenting managers with unique challenges.
This article explores six strategies that managers can use to effectively manage remote workers and the tools we recommend for Finance, Human Resources and Payroll departments.
6 Strategies for Effectively Managing Remote Employees
- Communicate regularly and clearly.
Regular and clear communication and being available for questions or concerns are key when it comes to managing remote workers. Scheduling check-ins with video conferencing tools will ensure that everyone is on the same page and is a great way to have face-to-face conversations.
2. Set clear expectations.
It’s important to set clear expectations from the outset by defining roles and responsibilities, establishing deadlines and making sure that everyone understands what is expected of them. Clear expectations help to minimise confusion and ensure that everyone is working toward the same goals.
3. Trust your team.
Remote workers need to have a certain degree of autonomy to be productive, so it’s important to trust that the work is being done. Instead of micromanaging, focus on setting clear expectations and providing the resources and support that a team will need to be successful.
4. Prioritise work-life balance.
One of the challenges of remote work is that it can blur the lines between work and personal life leading to burnout if not properly maintained. Among other suggestions, managers should encourage their teams to take breaks and to set boundaries between work and personal time.
5. Foster a sense of community.
A sense of community within a remote team helps combat feelings of isolation and prolongs motivation and engagement. Regular virtual team-building activities, sharing of personal updates and opportunities for collaboration and teamwork are great for fostering a sense of community.
6. Use technology to stay connected.
There are a variety of tools and technologies available that maintain connection with remote teams and management. For example, project management tools can help you track progress and assign tasks while messaging apps can help you stay in touch with your team in real time.
But how can Sage Products Help Managers?
Sage’s products are designed to provide a comprehensive set of tools to ensure that managers stay on top of their team’s progress and performance whether they work in-office or remotely.
Sage 300 People
Being a cloud-based HR and people management solution, Sage 300 People provides managers with the tools they need to manage their remote teams. The solution includes features like employee self-service, time and attendance tracking and performance management tools. By using these tools, managers can keep track of their team’s progress and performance and make sure that they are meeting their goals and objectives.
Sage Business Cloud Payroll Professional (SBCPP)
SBCPP is a cloud-based payroll management solution that can help managers manage their team’s payroll. The solution includes features like automated payroll processing, tax filing, and compliance reporting. Similarly, the Sage Self-Service module offers tools for employees to access and update relevant Payroll information. The embedded Personnel Management module gives managers access to employee information and key functions, such as training and qualifications, disciplinary hearings and interviews, terminations and medical information to name a few.
Sage Intacct
Also a cloud-based accounting solution, Sage Intacct provides managers with the tools they need to manage their finances and cash flow. Including Sage Self-Service, this solution includes features like automated billing, financial reporting and accounts payable and receivable for management. By using these tools, managers can stay on top of their remote team’s expenses and ensure that they are staying within budget.
Managing remote workers requires a different set of skills and strategies than managing a traditional in-office team. Communication, clear expectations, trust, work-life balance, community-building and technology are all essential elements of effective remote team management. By implementing these strategies and adopting the right technology, managers can create a productive, engaged, and successful remote team.
If you would like to know more about how these Sage products can help you successfully manage a modern workforce, get in touch with us email sales@lspinc.co.za or call +27 10 446 1800.
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