The work of a manager is already a challenging task, especially amidst a pandemic. There had been a ton of unexpected challenges for leaders today and the spread of COVID-19 has further aggravated such problems. Mishaps regarding slow response to inconveniences and worker productivity problems because of unstable internet connection are among many challenges that managers in different industries face. However, these are most often misunderstood as leadership failures when it is entirely not the case.  

Here at Nezda, we give utmost importance to maintaining our relationships with our employees, clients, and candidates equally. We also make sure to not neglect the needs of our remote workers and secure opportunities for those who need it during times like this. We do understand that our current situation affects everyone’s mental health. Thus, when uncertain times like this arises, it is only human for managers to slip up or make the wrong decisions and accidentally delay action due to anxiousness. Managers are not superheroes, they too have personal matters, physical and mental health to take care of. How do you manage remote workers during this pandemic? Here are 5 helpful tips! 

Overall health and safety are a must! 

The spread of COVID-19 must be taken seriously. The effects of catching this virus differs from person to person. Everyone’s health and wellness must be top priority above everything else. Thus, an initiative that countless organizations made to prevent and minimize the spread of the virus is through closing facilities and implementing remote working solutions. As much as possible, employees should have less contact with other people that may spread the disease.  

At Nezda, it is critical that employees are fully aware of what situation we are dealing with. Creating mailers about health and safety hazards, reminders about what to wear and bring when going outside, and proper sanitization of workspaces, observing proper social distancing, and many more.  

Provide tools for efficiency 

According to a new survey from Willis Towers Watson, about 9 in 10 workers say their managers have done a good job of supporting them during the COVID-19 crisis, and that their companies have provided them with technology and other tools needed to work productively during the pandemic. Make sure each employee has the basic tools covered to be able to engage in the virtual work setup. Providing remote workers with the proper tools and creating a good virtual workplace to share ideas, find solutions, and get work done, is a must to stay on top of productivity. However, not everyone has the same situation as others. So, it is important to understand other’s shortcomings and encourage them to work with what they have and how they can make the most out of it. 

Stay connected  

Make it a point that all employees still feel connected with the team by organizing and scheduling meetings to brainstorm solutions, know about project updates, and progress reports to keep everyone filled in with the latest information. Using video conferences is important to foster a team, to make sure that nobody is disengaged virtually, and to boost presence, accountability, and connection. It is easy to say that communicating online has been made easier, no doubt. But keep in mind those employees who do not have the means to maintain a strong internet connection.  

Avoid misinformation  

It is essential to have clear and effective communication to encourage openness during these fast-changing times. Avoid misinformation by establishing a set of protocols and guidelines regarding outbreak response plans and make sure to communicate these properly to clients and employees. Communication should come from the top down, so appropriate dissemination of information is a must!  

Check on everyone 

Get personal with your employees. Allow banter during meetings or simply make time for personal talks with the team. This will make them not feel disassociated with the rest, build trust, and avoid isolation. Make it a point that you can reach out to your team on a daily basis and they would follow suit and check on how everyone is doing also. This enables teams to work together, not only on projects, but also during personal dilemmas and give them emotional support.  

This unprecedented crisis is challenging professional and personal relations around the world. It is an obligation of managers and each member of each organization to put in their hard work and maintain smooth business relations. Certain concerns may slow down progress at first, but consistent and clear communication from all parties will help maintain everyone’s optimism and keep employee relations intact as the world moves through this challenge.