A growing number of employees these days work remotely. This is possible on account of advancements in technology. The benefits are many for both employee and employer. Employers can spend less money as they have less people that need space in the workplace. Employees that work remotely are often more productive; they spend less time commuting, and they have the flexibility to adjust their work around their life rather than working 9 hours straight, which can cause burnout.

Remote Worker Challenges

Remote workers and contractors do present at least one considerable challenge to employers: It can be hard for employers to effectively monitor the hours that their workers are putting in. How do employers know, after all, if their remote personnel are pounding away at their keyboards or playing Angry Birds on their smartphones all day?

By setting realistic deadlines employers can keep track of their remote workers effectively. This is a change in managerial strategy; it puts the focus on the goal rather then the hours that the employee works. In the end, employees are the only ones who know when they perform most optimally, even if it is from midnight to 4am.

Setting Remote Worker Deadlines

This can be the simplest way to monitor your remote workers. Employers could decide that a certain amount of work needs to be completed by Friday. Another way would be to set up weekly or bi-weekly meetings via phone or video chat. To resolve any feelings of disconnect some employers may ask that a remote worker spend one day a week in the workplace. This can help keep everyone on track and informed.

Off-Site Not a Permanent Condition

Employers should remember, as well, that remote workers do not have to stay that way. If employers see that their off-site employees are not meeting deadlines or are delivering sub-par work, they can require that these workers return to the office on a full-time basis. Trust continues to be the key element of a remote working relationship. Companies must place some trust in their workers that they will complete their jobs on time. Workers must show that they are deserving of this trust by hitting their deadlines, turning in quality work, and replying quickly to phone calls or email messages.