Back in 2020, telecommuting took the business world by surprise. People were staying late to prove their dedication. Managers were facing an even bigger conundrum—how to make sure everyone was doing their job throughout the shift.

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Micromanagement was flourishing. Workers were battling burnout. Companies were only barely grasping the concept of remote work monitoring.

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We have come a long way since then. Still, many companies face understandable difficulties when implementing monitoring strategies for their remote teams.

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Do you need help in figuring out how to monitor remote employees? Would you like to learn which tools can improve your monitoring practice? You are in the right place.

How to Monitor WFH Employees? 10 Pieces of Expert Advice

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Check out how to monitor WFH employees according to experienced leaders:

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1. Set Explicit Guidelines for Remote Work

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Clarify expectations regarding priorities and the availability of employees. Be specific about the hours they are required to be online and immediately respond to teammates’ or clients’ inquiries. Ensure everyone understands that breaks and offline moments are normal, just as they would be in a physical workspace.

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2. Address Uncertainties Openly

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Calmly approach the uncertainties of remote work. Acknowledge that there will be challenges and learning curves. Also, encourage open communication and collaboration to identify which processes work and which need improvement.

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3. Increase Communication Frequency

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The casual interactions that occur naturally in an office setting must be replaced with deliberate virtual check-ins. Aim to connect with each team member daily.

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You can also try starting and ending each day with a brief team meeting to ensure alignment and foster a sense of community.

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4. Standardize Communication Tools

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Choose specific platforms for messaging, video calls, and file sharing, and make sure all team members use them consistently. This will help streamline communication and ensure everyone is on the same page.

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5. Practice Precise Communication

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In a remote setting, clear and concrete communication is key. Listen to your employees and ensure they understand your key points by repeating them. Also, watch for signs of confusion. At the end of each meeting, clearly assign responsibilities and deadlines.

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6. Monitor for New Stress Factors

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Recognize that shifting to remote work can introduce new stressors and anxieties for your team. Encourage the use of Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) for confidential support with both personal and professional challenges.

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7. Encourage Feedback & Collaboration

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Check in regularly on your team. Ask if they need additional resources or if they have ideas regarding communication improvements or strategies to boost team spirit. This sort of inclusive approach will bring about innovative solutions and help you lead more successfully.

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8. Lead by Example

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Be positive, communicate effectively, and be ready to address any questions or concerns. Your approach sets the tone for your team's remote work experience. This is why you always need to keep in mind that your employees are looking at you as a sort of “role model”.

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9. Develop Remote Management Skills

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Explore resources like LinkedIn Learning's classes. To enhance your remote management capabilities, search topics like Leading at a Distance or Managing Virtual Teams. Harvard Business Review is another excellent resource of insights on managing remote workers.

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10. Measure the Productivity of Your WFH Teammates

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Productivity is key to the expansion of any business, regardless of its sector of industry. When employees underperform, it can lead to detrimental effects on the business’s bottom line.

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To effectively maintain and measure team productivity, employers often turn to remote worker monitoring software, such as Insightful.

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💡 How to Measure Remote Work Productivity?

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Are you struggling to figure out how to measure remote work productivity? Insightful is powerful employee monitoring software that can help you effortlessly track every aspect of your remote workers’ productivity. This tool offers the following features:

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Automated & Manual Time Tracking: Automates the recording of start and end times while offering manual time logging for flexibility.

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Productive vs. Idle Time Tallying: Differentiates between active work and idle periods, helping managers identify productivity patterns and inefficiencies.

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App & Website Usage Monitoring: Records the use of applications and websites during work hours to gauge the amount of time spent on useful vs. distracting tools.‍

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Detailed Online Timesheets & Activity Breakdowns: Offers comprehensive analysis of employee time usage for easier productivity evaluation.‍

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Real-Time Screen Monitoring & Customizable Screenshot Capturing: Enables live monitoring and periodic screenshots of employee screens to verify dedication and focus on tasks.

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Access for Both Employees & Managers: Promotes transparency and accountability by providing different levels of data access to managers and employees.

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Remember: trial and error is inevitable when creating the strategy that fits your organization.

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So, implement a monitoring program and provide your employees with opportunities to share their thoughts about it. Ask for improvement ideas.

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Finally, with the help of the right tools, you will have a seamless monitoring strategy.