Posted by Nathalia Lopes on 03 Mai, 2021
3 years ago, a Gallup survey found that 43% of professionals employed in the United States were adept at remote work. At the time, surveys indicated that in a five-day work week, working remotely for two to three days was a guarantee of increased productivity. For this reason, the home office is a constant presence in articles on the future of work and productivity strategies.
In Brazil, the practice has always been widespread. 2018 data show that the country had only 5.2% of employed workers working from home. However, the worldwide pandemic caused by the coronavirus has changed that reality. In order not to paralyze their activities, many companies have put their employees to work at home. The measure taken in haste made the usual challenges possible. After all, such an expressive change in the workday requires good planning.
However, the current situation has prevented most companies from doing any kind of prior structuring. In this scenario, knowing the difficulties that can be encountered, we have prepared this content. The aim is to contribute so that managers can improve the new work routine.
What is the importance of remote work in times of coronavirus?
Coronavirus took many companies by surprise and caused many companies to join remote work without the least amount of preparation for it. The home office was just a trend in the market. Suddenly, the pandemic forced the population to be quarantined.
In this new scenario, remote work has emerged as an alternative so that the economy does not stop for good. With the rapid spread of the disease, it is up to organizations to protect their business and the integrity of human capital. As it is a period of risk and uncertainty, keeping employees engaged and productivity on the rise can be a challenge. However, many companies may find that this model of work is the most suitable for their needs, since the cost of keeping an employee working at home can be much lower than paying for the costs of running an office.
What are the challenges of managing remote teams?
Many managers and companies have discovered remote work in quarantine. With that, the challenges of this journey model are coming to the fore. The effects of isolation and the loss of organizational culture are some of the problems faced by those who operate with their teams in the home office. In order for them to be overcome, it is necessary to know them.
Social isolation in general
Working remotely for a company that does not favor interaction between teams can affect the professional's mental health. As there are no moments to play and chat nicely with colleagues or the opportunity to have a happy hour after hours, many people can fall into boredom, demotivation and lack of productivity.
Communication noise
The lack of integration can hinder the dialogue between the teams. Restricting communication to corporate e-mails or messaging applications can result in incessant requests and reminders. Since remote work took many companies by surprise, many professionals lack written communication skills. This can lead to a lack of clarity, misunderstandings, delayed responses and general disorganization.
The management of teams in the home office becomes difficult, since there is no face-to-face meeting to express concern about a specific project or satisfaction in relation to a well-done service. Monitoring the teams is also a complicated task, after all, most leaders learned to do this monitoring in person.
Lack of routine and structure
Working and living in the same place can make it difficult to balance work and personal life. The lack of time limits, obligation to register the point - although there are already several software that allow the control of the journey through the cell phone. This does not change the fact that, for many, it is difficult to set limits. While some have trouble maintaining responsibility for their work, others find that they work all the time.
Problems with the family
Being at home does not mean being present and can be a problem for anyone living with a family. Home office with children is not an easy task, especially when they still do not understand that there is work to be done and the professional needs silence to attend meetings and make calls.
How to keep the team included and integrated in the remote work?
Although one of the challenges of remote work is isolation, this does not mean that this characteristic is immutable. Regardless of the global crisis, there are companies that already practice this model of contract and bring us important lessons from the home office.
Virtual coffee break
Chat on everyday matters
Most interesting meetings
Innovation and entertainment
What mistakes should be avoided in managing remote teams?
For leaders who have never worked with teams in the home office, this can present a series of new challenges: how to be a good leader without maintaining face-to-face contact with those you lead? Know now the main mistakes that must be avoided for a good management of remote work.
Intangible goals
When transitioning to a remote team, leaders must review goals and objectives, which need to be consistent with the home office. Although the increase in productivity in remote work is known, it is necessary to assume that Brazilian workers are not used to the modality. In addition, many homes were not prepared to support an office in structural terms. It must be remembered that it is not only the professionals who are quarantined, but their families as well. This can hinder the routine and make professionals even more anxious.
Poor time management
Poor time management affects managers and employees. While they may actually be more productive in their new work environment, they may feel pressured to show service. The situation can lead to overwork, poor time management and even mental burnout. It is up to the manager to avoid possible wear and tear through a direct and transparent dialogue with the team. It is important to create a daily habit of talking to employees about their daily activities and sending messages signaling the beginning and end of the working day, as well as breaks.
Inefficient communication
While communication is always essential for leaders, it becomes extremely important when working remotely - not just to talk about daily goals, but to avoid the negative effects of social isolation. People who work from home can feel lonely, which reduces productivity and engagement. Successful managers are good listeners and dialogue with confidence and respect, minimizing these impacts. However, it is necessary to know how to measure the messages. It is important to prioritize contact with the team, without overloading employees with constant requests or excessive charges.
Lack of feedback
One of the quickest ways to increase employee engagement is to provide consistent and constructive feedback. The practice must not be forgotten in remote work, since the activities must be carried out with the same seriousness. The home office should not be seen as just a slap hole for the period. This means that activities should proceed normally, only at home. That said, it is important not to let go of the idea that leaders and managers remain a reference for the entire team. In this context, if feedback is not a priority, satisfaction and performance are likely to be negatively affected.