These days your employees might be remote or maybe you have a team of traveling employees to oversee. No matter the reason why they’re not physically near you, it’s important that you know how to run your business and manage them effectively.
This guide to managing your remote and traveling employees will help you become a more successful boss and business owner even though your situation may not be a typical office environment. Take in these tips but then also be patient with yourself when making adjustments because it may take some time before you can execute this initiative properly.
Define the Job & Your Expectations
Start by defining the job and your expectations for each remote or traveling employee to strengthen and better understand your working relationship. Make sure it’s clear what they should be doing daily and how their performance will be evaluated. Clear up any misunderstandings right away so that you can avoid problems arising that could have been avoided. Give your employees guidelines and tips for knowing when they should loop you in or get in touch with other company members who can help navigate a particular situation. Keep in mind that you can never be too clear in defining each person’s roles and responsibilities.
Provide the Right Tools & Support
Your employees might be at home or maybe you own a trucking company and your workers are on the road driving all the time. In this case, you should focus on providing the right tools and support they need while they’re away. Manage your remote and traveling employees by understanding their financial needs and making spending money or buying fuel a smoother process by using the EFS card. Not only make travel policies clear but then use this payment solution for better security and control.
Insist on Check-ins & Face Time
Another tip when managing remote or traveling employees is to insist on check-ins and face time with your workers. Make yourself available and set up a time to meet and discuss how it’s going in person. If you can’t meet in person then consider getting in touch over a video call so you can at least see each other. It’s a great way to gather a better feel for how things are truly going remotely or on the road.
Listen & Address Concerns or Issues Right Away
You don’t want small problems to snowball into larger issues. Therefore, be a good listener and take your employee’s concerns seriously. Address concerns immediately and directly so that you can find a resolution and get them back to working and being productive. Use your eyes and ears and don’t be afraid to have those awkward conversations that might be necessary should there be an issue with a remote or traveling employee.
Conclusion
This guide to managing your remote and traveling employees will help you be a more effective boss and business leader. Be mindful that it may not be an easy adjustment but it is possible to find success with the circumstance if you approach the situation in the right manner and with patience and optimism.
