How to Work With Your Work-At-Home Employees

The coronavirus outbreak led business owners and managers around the world scrambling to prepare their employees to work from home during the outbreak and that was shift to the work-from-home model for the first time for most companies. Most aspects of business change from this transition. From payroll and hours tracking to remote access to computer systems, owners and managers must rethink their entire business’s workflows, task organizations, and employee accountability. Added to the disruption of normal business operations and the adjustment to managing a remote workforce...from a remote location no less, there’s the added responsibility to set up and run a supply chain for your workforce.

Most of the new at-home workers are setting up their home offices for the first time and even after they have raided the company office supply cabinet for every scrap of office supplies you have in stock, they will inevitably still be in want for something they can’t live without. Swift action can fill this need and keep your workers as productive as possible while saving you the hassle of trying to reimburse everyone.

​Pensand pencilsare obvious must-haves. But staplers, scissors, paper clips, pencil sharpeners, and tape are also office essentials that just happen to come in a handy-dandy kit to make sure everyone has the essentials at the home office. Calendars, note pads, and day planners are important for the technologically disinclined and those weirdos like us who have to write everything down.

And there’s also that one guy or gal who encapsulates their entire workflow on post-its. Make sure each employee has what they need with these What is also overlooked is employee morale. Initially, one might expect most workers to be thrilled at the prospect of handling emails in their favorite slippers (we have those too) but the reality is the virus and its threat to their livelihood is going to be very stressful with all the uncertainty. Any boss worth their salt knows this, and the tried and true office lunch simply won’t be there to keep the troops motivated and part of the team.

Small gestures like stress balls, water bottles, coffee mugs, or even some chocolate covered almonds can help your team still feel like they’re part of keeping your business moving and are appreciated for that. Of course, gifts alone won’t do it all, make sure to take the time to send some personal emails thanking your people for adjusting to the new circumstances. Pats on the back go a long way and are also an important part of keeping your people informed. When this all blows over and we all head back into the office, give everyone a chance to reconnect that first day back.

As a matter of fact, throw a party to celebrate getting through this pandemic. Put up some balloons, get some cupsfor the drinks, maybe fire up the grill, and hand out some awards because any company that manages to adapt and overcome a worldwide pandemic and come out on the other side has something to celebrate!