Although the Philippine government has lifted the lockdown to revive the economy, many businesses still advised their employees to work from home to avoid getting exposed to coronavirus.

While work-from-home setup could be the new normal, it still comes with many challenges. To help you navigate the new normal, here are some best practices when managing your remote employees.

Be disciplined

It starts with you. You have to set an example as the leader of the team. When you show how disciplined you are by following the time and guidelines you set in working remotely, it can positively affect your team when it comes to their work performance.

Gen Millare, CEO of Godmother, couldn’t stress enough the importance of discipline when working remotely. “Remote work is best when you are mindful of your time,” he shared.

Gen, who has been managing his business remotely for years, also highlighted the importance of being organized.  “It’s easy to relax when there’s no physical environment (with your colleagues or employees). It’s not going to work if you relax just because of that.”

He advised entrepreneurs and their employees to take work seriously even in a work-from-home setup. To begin with, he gave practical practices for effective remote work.

• Set up a designated workspace
• Have a designated work schedule that cannot be interrupted.
• Treat it as if you are working in the office as well.

Also read: The ultimate guide on navigating the remote life – tips you need to know

Maximize productivity tools

Collaborating and communicating online can be challenging. With UnionBank GlobalLinker, you can streamline your process and make collaboration easier with your team through the following tools:

• You can use the eBriefcase feature to upload relevant business files that you can share with your team.
• Sync your Google Calendar with UnionBank GlobalLinker’s Calendar feature to update your connection with your business’ latest events. This can be utilized to inform your business partners.

There are also other digital tools that can help you with working remotely. Here are some of the tools that you can maximize:

• Communication: Skype, Zoom, Google Hangouts, Slack
• Project Management: Trello, Asana
• Social media management: Hootsuite, Buffer, MeetEdgar

Collaborate with your team

Don’t let technology intimidate you even though you're not that tech-savvy. Seek help and learn from your employees who are familiar with the technology. Digital is the future of business so you have to eventually learn the ins and outs of the digital world.

Don’t put too much pressure on the idea that you have to know everything. Remember, it doesn’t make you less if you ask.

Communicate, communicate, and communicate

Reach out to your team and ask if they are okay. As you continue to operate your business in the new normal, some of your team members may go through mental stress. During tough times, it’s your responsibility as a leader to encourage and give them reassurance that you will all get through these trying times.

Also read: 4 ways to take care of yourself and improve your mental health during the coronavirus crisis

You should also be transparent about the current situation or status of your business. If the business is struggling, let them know. Through this, you can work together as a team and find ways or solutions to help the business survive.

Image source: Freepik