Managing remote workers can be challenging, particularly when employees are struggling with productivity, motivation, or engagement. 

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With remote work becoming the new norm for many companies, it's essential for managers to have effective strategies in place for supporting and managing remote workers who may be struggling. 

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In this blog post, we'll explore some practical tips for creating an effective remote work system for managing struggling remote workers. 

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Additionally, discover how Insightful's remote employee monitoring tools can help improve productivity and engagement for remote teams.

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Managing Remote Workers Who Are Struggling

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When managing remote workers who are struggling, it's essential to address the root cause of the problem and provide the necessary support to help employees get back on track. 

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Here are some effective strategies for managing struggling remote workers:

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Communicate Regularly and Transparently

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Effective communication is crucial for managing remote workers, especially those who are struggling. The lack of in-person interaction can lead to feelings of isolation and disconnection. In fact, according to a study by Buffer, 19% of remote workers listed communication as their biggest struggle.

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Consistent and transparent communication can help prevent problems from escalating and ultimately improve productivity and morale. Without open and consistent communication, remote workers may feel unsupported and less motivated to perform at their best.

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Best practices:

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• Schedule regular one-on-one meetings with remote workers to discuss progress, challenges, and any issues they may be facing.
  
  
• Use video conferencing tools like Zoom or Skype to facilitate face-to-face communication.
  
  
• Encourage open and transparent communication by creating a safe space for employees to share their concerns or challenges.

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Monitor Performance

According to a study by Gartner, by 2025, 75% of businesses will use employee monitoring tools to monitor their remote workforce, an increase from 30% pre-pandemic. By tracking productivity, managers can identify areas where employees may be struggling and provide the necessary support.

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Insightful's remote work monitoring tools allow managers to monitor their team's activity, such as when they're active, idle, or offline, helping managers keep track of their team's performance and productivity. Managers can also use Insightful to ensure accurate time tracking for work done, enabling them to track their team's progress.

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Insightful also provides detailed reports that give managers insights into their team's performance, productivity, and efficiency. This helps managers identify areas where their team is excelling and where they need to improve. 

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With Insightful, managers can create customized reports and set up alerts for specific events, such as when an employee spends too much time on social media or when they access a restricted website. This can help managers identify potential issues before they become major problems.

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Best practices:

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• Use performance tracking tools like Insightful's employee monitoring software to track employee activity and productivity.
  
  
• Set clear performance expectations and goals to help employees stay on track, and monitor progress using Insightful.
  
  
• Use performance data provided by Insightful to give regular feedback to employees to help them understand their strengths and areas for improvement.

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Provide Feedback and Support

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When employees are struggling in a remote work environment, they may feel disconnected, unmotivated, and unsure of how to improve their performance. As a result, providing regular feedback and support is essential in helping them identify areas where they can improve and feel valued as part of the team.

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Feedback and support can also be provided through employee monitoring software such as Insightful, which allows managers to track employee activity and provide real-time feedback. This can be particularly useful for remote workers who may feel disconnected from their team or unsure of how their performance is being evaluated.

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Best practices:

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• Use positive reinforcement to recognize and reward employees for their achievements and efforts.
  
  
• Provide constructive feedback to help employees improve their performance and address any issues.
  
  
• Offer training and development opportunities to help employees improve their skills and knowledge.
  
  

Provide Clear Expectations and Goals

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When employees are unsure of what they are supposed to do or what is expected of them, they may become demotivated or disengaged. This is particularly true for remote workers who may not have regular face-to-face interactions with their managers. As a manager, it is your responsibility to provide your remote workers with clear expectations and goals. 

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Best practices:

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• Set clear objectives, deadlines, and milestones for each project or task.
  
  
• Communicate these expectations clearly and ensure that your remote workers have a clear understanding of what is expected of them.
  
  
• Provide clear expectations by setting SMART goals. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound. When setting goals, make sure they meet these criteria so that they are clear and actionable.

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Offer Support and Resources

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When remote workers are struggling, they may need additional support and resources to help them succeed. As a manager, it is your responsibility to provide these resources and support to your remote workers.

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Insightful's employee monitoring software can also help provide support to remote workers. With Insightful, remote teams can monitor their own productivity and gain insight into how they work and where they may need to improve their performance. 

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Best practices:

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• Provide additional training or coaching.
  
  
• Offer access to new tools or technology.
  
  
• Provide emotional support. Remember, remote workers may feel isolated or disconnected from the team, so it is important to offer support and make them feel valued.

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Build Relationships and Trust

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Finally, building relationships and trust with remote workers is essential for managing those who are struggling. When remote workers feel connected to their team and manager, they are more likely to feel motivated and engaged. This will help build trust and make it easier to address any performance issues or struggles.

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Best practices:

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• Take the time to get to know your remote workers on a personal level.
  
  
• Schedule regular check-ins or virtual coffee breaks to discuss non-work-related topics and build rapport. 

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Managing remote workers who are struggling can be challenging, but it is not impossible. By providing clear communication, expectations, and goals, offering support and resources, and building relationships and trust, managers can help their remote workers overcome challenges and succeed in their roles.

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With Insightful's employee monitoring software, managers can also provide additional support and resources to their remote workers, ensuring that they remain productive, engaged, and valued members of the team.

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