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The work culture has undergone a drastic change as most of us are now working from the comfort of our homes. This change has prompted organizations to re-think how they can keep their employees and workforce motivated.
Chats by the water cooler and coffee breaks were the means of building a workforce bond, but this cannot be replicated during this remote working time. Organizations need to adopt new and creative ways to keep their remote team members together. Fortunately for the managers, some vital strategies and tips can help you transition or improve your remote setup.

Ways to motivate your remote team

1. Setting the mission goals

Your team will strive to achieve the firm’s project goals if they have a clear awareness of why they’re doing it. There should be a compelling vision for the work. Everyone should be sensitized about why does everyone’s work matter and how much it is crucial for the overall success and outcome.
Even though it seems simple, sometimes this basic mission-oriented communication could be neglected when going remote. There should be frequent communication with the employees to make sure your team rallies behind the real mission.

2. Employee Recognition

In a remote setup, employee recognition is an area that requires proper nurture and care. You need to find a way to maintain your company culture by building trust with your employees and among themselves.
The remote work culture should prioritize employee recognition programs. The great asset of every organization is its employees. So their hard work must get recognition and rewards, which will help improve productivity, employee retention rate, better engagements, etc.

3. De-stress

In a remote setup, it is observed that many people find it challenging to delineate work life from home life which may eventually lead them to exhaustion. It is highly recommended to have short breaks to eliminate the monotony and fatigue due to extended working hours.
Give your team the time to reduce stress. Make use of communication channels for non-official chat and ensure your employees are taking time off. Team leaders should also encourage team members to take family time and use ‘away’ and ‘do not disturb’ features. Arrange flexible schedules and mental health breaks to help your employee to cope up with their responsibilities.

4. Be available

Remote work usually takes a toll on the psychological aspects of employees. Working for long hours without physical peer interaction can be a great challenge. Lack of formal workspace is the biggest obstacle to many.
For some employees, remote working causes isolation and a feeling of loneliness, so to make your remote employees comfortable, organize 1:1 sessions regularly. Make people aware that you are free and available, so they can approach you when in need.

5. Virtual face to face

Personal interactions with your team at regular intervals make the work more enjoyable and meaningful. It undoubtedly helps to foster a healthy and collaborative work environment among the group.
Although you may take time to connect with your remote teams via Slack, Skype, emails, etc., try to provide them with a more human experience. Arrange face-to-face video conferences and ensure to take some time to have a relaxed conversation with your team members and make them more connected.

6. Enhance communication

When implementing new plans or when conveying feedback, remember to over-communicate. Make everyone stay in the loop and keep them updated. It doesn’t mean that you have to send emails constantly; keep a central source of truth where all team members can rely on. Sometimes it is advisable to break the conventions of employee-staff relationships by getting to know about their physical, social, and personal well-being.

7. Surveys and feedbacks

In a remote setup, you may tend to neglect the importance of timely feedback. Getting regular feedback is a vital thing in keeping your team motivated and focused. It will assure your team that you care about their work and you are there to extend a helping hand in their professional development.
Conducting satisfaction surveys regularly will help you collect authentic and unbiased feedback from your remote teams. You should address their suggestions and solve the challenges they come across. Moreover, you can analyze what needs to be done to boost team motivation and help employees become good team players and performers.

8. Implement a well-being strategy

Hosting virtual wellness activities could help equip your employees with the tools they need to stay healthy and cheerful. Such actions have a physical and mental benefit and are also excellent team-building activities to boost their productivity. Make sure you have good policies in place for your employees in the event of medical emergencies for them and their families.
One of the best ways to increase motivation is improving employee well-being. This can lead to better productivity and reduce absenteeism.