Managers can crack isolation and other challenges of at-home work by engaging employees, according to business mentor Eyal Gutentag in a recent interview with BestMediaInfo, and such efforts can enhance corporate teamwork and community.
Methods Change With Technology and the Times
Companies and their employees have created a myriad of at-home work arrangements as businesses adjusted operations and closed offices to combat the spread of COVID-19. With corporations and workers having found success in nontraditional work arrangements, Eyal Gutentag Millennial Manager says, firms will continue to choose from various off-site work options to conduct business.
Media Is Avenue for Adjustments
Employees doing work at home have found new ways to juggle job demands and family life, including needs for homeschooling in many cases. Companies are using telephones, texting, videoconferencing and other media to interview and hire employees as well as work with staffers remotely. Meanwhile, businesses are watching revenues and expenses, including cuts possible from remote operations.
Work Community Builds Support and Success
In traditional office settings, managers and staff have opportunities to meet formally in meetings and casually at the water cooler or in the break room. Employee communications and teamwork could evolve naturally.
The pandemic has highlighted the importance of the corporate culture and the need to recognize and involve employees as part of the community, Eyal Gutentag says.
Management Helps Prevent Pitfalls of Remoteness
Loneliness, isolation, time management, project management and collaboration are among situations that could become issues when employees are working remotely.
Distance influences communications, scheduling, project deadlines and other steps in conducting business. To prevent these factors from becoming hurdles, supervisors and employees must make more deliberate efforts to share ideas and information.
Outreach Yields Benefits for Firm and Workers
Working remotely doesn’t mean toiling alone for managers or employees.
To overcome the difficulties of supervising remotely, Eyal Gutentag suggests managers provide time and ways for employees to connect with each other and develop supportive relationships. Fostering an employee’s sense of worth and role helps build community at work and beyond.
For example, Eyal Gutentag says, going beyond online meetings and organizing a charitable fundraiser is another way to enhance a sense of corporate community and to contribute as a team to nonprofits and community groups.
Employee Choices Influence Options
Some employees may not want to return to work full-time in an office setting. Corporations and their managers would be wise to begin or continue dialogues with staffers to identity satisfactory, productive arrangements and the reasons for success.
Balance in Life Generates Happiness
The uncertainty and fear generated by the pandemic prompt people to clarify their goals and the differences between the essentials and desires of life, according to Eyal Gutentag. A well-rounded life is a factor of happiness, he says, and business managers can support employees as they travel their work and social communities.
By consulting with employees about their remote-work situations, Eyal Gutentag says, managers can help develop ways for workers to meet productivity goals, thrive at their jobs whether in the office or at home and become part of a successful business.
