Most managers understand that communicating regularly with team members is important. However, with more and more people working remotely, it can become easy to neglect employees who aren’t in the office every day.
You need to guard against this. Communicating with your workers on an everyday basis is still essential, even if you’re not in the same physical space. Implement the right tools, like a continuous performance management system. Doing so will allow you to remain in contact with every member of your team every day, no matter where they work. The following are key reasons you should make daily communication a priority:
Higher Engagement
Engaged employees care about performing at the highest level possible. They believe in the company’s values and want to help the organization as a whole achieve its goals.
Unfortunately, Gallup has found that most of today’s workforce is not actively engaged. However, Gallup surveys also indicate that regular communication between workers and managers boosts engagement levels. Simply providing feedback, direction, and recognition on a daily basis is an easy, but effective, way to keep your team motivated.
Lower Turnover
Losing an employee is extremely costly for a business. Luckily, surveys show that retention rates increase when employees feel they have relationships with their managers. When provided with regular direction and feedback, as well as signs of personal empathy, they’re more likely to stay at a company.
Better Insights
Even though you’re a manager, odds are good there is still room for improvement within your own position. Odds are also good your employees are the ones best equipped to identify where you can make improvements.
Of course, if you don’t have a relationship that involves communication, they’re not likely to offer their own insights without prompting. On the other hand, if you stay in touch on a daily basis, team members will be more comfortable offering suggestions.
Problem Solving
Some team members are reluctant to ask questions or request extra help with a task because they don’t want to appear incompetent. However, if you communicate with them on a daily basis and give them opportunities to ask for support, they’ll be more inclined to take you up on those offers. This makes it easier to identify and solve problems early on, before they have a major impact on a project.
Efficiency
Managers and employees who share an office and work together directly on a daily basis often develop similar mindsets that make it easier to work efficiently.
Teams begin to develop a shared language for discussing tasks, and they learn to anticipate when a manager or other team member will need assistance with a task. This eventually shapes an efficient team that knows how to get tasks done and move to the next step without waiting for immediate instruction.
That’s the kind of team you want. Luckily, you don’t need to sacrifice it simply because your employees don’t work in the same physical office. With the right tools, you can enjoy all the rewards that come from keeping in touch with your workers on a daily basis.