Telecommuting is one of the best ways to work for those who want a more flexible schedule. Of course, this working method has its problems and challenges. For example, remote colleagues may feel isolated from others. Fortunately, HR and labor experts have devised ways to improve work relationships while working remotely. Suppose you are the manager of a group of telecommuting employees or working remotely. In that case, we suggest you read the ten tips in this article to improve working relationships while working remotely.
1. Plan to stay in touch with colleagues
One of the problems of working remotely is forgetting to communicate with others. It’s easy to forget that you are a team member and must share with others. These days, with the development of automated programs and bots, many projects are left to you automatically. In this case, some time may pass, and you get things done, but you and others forget to communicate.
To avoid this issue, schedule a virtual meeting with colleagues at least once a week.
2. Know the pros and cons of chatting
Telecommuters use texting and chatting more than any other method to communicate with colleagues. So it is necessary to know various points about this. For example, your writing must be correct and precise, which is insufficient for a proper message.
One of the most critical problems of writing is that there are no non-verbal signs in it. As a result, the receiver of the message may have a different understanding of your meaning. To reduce the possibility of these misunderstandings, you can use various emojis and stickers. In other designs and shapes, these emojis express non-verbal expressions that humans use in face-to-face conversations.
Another way is to soften the word. Suppose you want to message that something should be done by a specific time. In this case, sending your message respectfully and politely is better. Pay attention to the following two examples and their differences:
- I want the data to be ready by Friday.
- Hello, I hope you are well. Please have the data prepared by Friday; thank you.
Both messages convey the same request, but the second message is stylized and will make the audience feel better when they read it. It can even be said that the second message will increase the motivation and quality of one’s work.
3. Consider the limitations of text messaging
Another potential problem with text messages is the asymmetry of their receiving and sending times. For example, you message your colleague, but he sees it a few hours later, or you chat. Several letters are transmitted simultaneously, and your conversation becomes complicated and time-consuming.
It would be best to understand that sometimes written messages are useless and do not start the work despite following the points mentioned in the previous section. In this case, you should use other communication methods, such as calling.
4. Use a video call
Today, technology has enabled us to communicate in various ways. Video calling is one of the best ways to share with colleagues. If you plan for video meetings and hold them at the right time, it will play an essential role in creating solidarity with other team members.
The most crucial advantage of video calling is understanding body language and non-verbal cues in a person’s speech. There is a big difference between seeing a written message and seeing a person’s face when expressing the same message.
Another advantage of the video call is to see signs of the personality and character of the colleagues. For example, during a video call, you may see parts of your colleague’s work and life, leading to a deeper understanding of him.
5. Greet remote colleagues periodically
Continuously and periodically ask remote colleagues about their condition and work progress. Sometimes your remote co-worker gets overwhelmed with work or forgets to communicate with you. Your periodic messages show that you have not forgotten him and that you remember him. This act strengthens your working relationship.
6. Don’t limit your communication to business messages
One of the advantages of working together is having different opportunities to chat with colleagues. When working remotely, these conversations become more business-oriented, and there is usually less opportunity to send non-work messages.
To avoid this problem (i.e., focus entirely on business conversations), set aside time for chatting in every virtual business meeting. Open-ended questions are the best way to start a conversation. For example, you can ask your colleagues about their upcoming vacation plans. It is also better to avoid simple yes or no questions and very personal questions. To this extent, it is enough to leave a little space away from the official talks and create the ground for more recognition and understanding between colleagues.
7. Appreciate the achievements of remote workers
If remote colleagues have an achievement in work or personal life, appreciate and praise them. This recognition can be through sending a private message, financial incentives, or even surprising them in a virtual meeting and encouraging them in public.
8. Show attention and interest in the work of remote workers
Remote colleagues may do different things. To better connect with them, ask questions about what they do. Providing feedback is also one of the ways to show attention to remote workers. Giving feedback has its manners, one of which we mentioned in the discussion of euphemism. For example, don’t say I’m disappointed with this work if you are unhappy! Instead, you can say I’m not happy with how you did it. It is essential to talk about ways to improve it after reporting the problem.
In addition, you can create a space where remote colleagues can also express their opinions and ideas. This reinforces their sense of worth, and they understand they are a part of the team and the organization.
9. If possible, meet in person
Establishing a good relationship with remote colleagues should not be limited to video and virtual calls. If possible, you can also meet with distant colleagues in person. These visits do not need to be continuous, frequent, or expensive. One or two times a month or year can be held depending on the conditions.
Adding remote colleagues to meetings and inviting them shows that you understand the value of their work and consider them part of the team.
10. Deal with the problems of remote colleagues
Remote colleagues, like everyone else, may experience unforeseen problems. In these times, show your flexibility, and while understanding their conditions, talk to get out of the problem and do things. Your flexibility shows that you trust and support them.
