Keeping a Close Eye on Remote Employees: A Guide for Managers ...Middle East

The joys of remote work are plenty. It’s where pajama bottoms meet serious Zoom calls, and work-life balance is redefined. But for managers, keeping tabs on remote employees can feel like walking a tightrope between trust and accountability. 

The global percentage of employees working primarily remotely has risen notably in recent years, growing from 13% in 2020 to 28% by 2023. The World Economic Forum and Capgemini report that by 2030, the number of global remote digital jobs is expected to be around 92 million. As of 2024, that number is a little over 70 million.

Of course, for managers everywhere, monitoring remote employees is becoming a challenge. According to a ZipRecruiter report, employers identify the biggest drawback of remote work as the challenge of observing and monitoring employees. After all, how exactly do you ensure your team stays productive without coming off as a micromanaging overlord? The answer lies in blending the right tools with a dash of empathy and flexibility. 

Start by Building Trust in Your Team 

Trust is the glue that holds a remote team together. Without it, even the most robust systems fall apart. 

Start by setting clear expectations. 

Communicating these details upfront saves everyone from playing a guessing game. But you must remember that trust is a two-way street. Employees need to feel trusted to do their jobs without constant oversight. When you trust your team to deliver results, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by how often they exceed your expectations.

Using a Document Management System

Managing documents and workflows across a remote team can be a nightmare unless you have the right tools. An efficient document management system is your best friend in this scenario, empowering you to securely store vital documents, track edits, and control access with ease.

According to Box, an intelligent document management system in the cloud automates digital workflows while strengthening data security. Accessing documents becomes as easy as clicking a link. Need to share files for a collaborative project? Done. Want to ensure someone isn’t tinkering with the wrong version of a document? A good system tracks every change.

This level of document tracking keeps data management streamlined and ensures your team can focus on the work instead of hunting for files. After all, difficulty finding required data and documents is one of the top barriers to employee productivity, according to a Box-sponsored IDC report.

Communicating on a Regular Basis

Let’s face it, silence isn’t always golden—especially in a remote setup. Clear, regular communication helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures everyone is on the same page. 

Opt for a mix of one-on-one check-ins, team meetings, and asynchronous updates to keep things flowing. As per a Buffer study, 78% of companies have implemented systems and technology to support collaboration and communication among remote teams. As a manager, if you’re not doing the same, you’re failing to establish a proper communication infrastructure for your remote employees. 

But don’t just talk about work. Casual chit-chat and virtual coffee breaks can make employees feel more connected. Remember, communication is less about frequency and more about quality. If your employees feel heard and supported, they’ll be more likely to keep you in the loop about their progress.

Tracking Performance

Remote work thrives on outcomes, not micromanagement. Instead of obsessing over how many hours an employee is online, focus on their results. 

Use project management tools to assign tasks and monitor progress. You can visualize workflows without having to send a million follow-up emails. If someone’s work patterns look a little off, resist the urge to jump to conclusions. Sometimes, all it takes is a friendly check-in to uncover hidden challenges.

Creating a Culture of Accountability Without Hovering

Accountability doesn’t have to feel like a dreaded trip to the boss’s office. The key is empowering employees to take ownership of their progress. Encourage your team to set their own deadlines and share regular updates on their work. 

Transparency plays a big role here – help them see how their contributions connect to the larger goals. When employees understand the impact of their efforts, they’re more likely to stay motivated and engaged, saving you from constantly chasing them for updates.

Fostering accountability also requires approachability. When employees feel comfortable bringing questions or concerns to you, you’re already winning half the battle. Don’t forget to inject a bit of humor and lightness into interactions; nobody thrives under a manager who feels more robot than human.

Managing a remote team is as much art as it is science. Success lies in striking the right balance between oversight and autonomy. By using thoughtful strategies and the right tools, you can create an environment where employees feel guided, not micromanaged.

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