How can a remote work policy increase employee satisfaction and productivity?

2 Establish your eligibility and flexibility criteria

Not all roles or employees are suitable for remote work. You need to define who can work remotely, how often, and under what conditions. For example, you may consider factors such as the nature of the work, the availability of resources, the impact on clients or stakeholders, the employee's performance, skills, and preferences. You also need to decide how flexible you will be with your remote work policy, such as allowing employees to choose their own hours, locations, or devices, or requiring them to follow certain standards, policies, or procedures.

3 Provide your support and resources

Working remotely can be challenging for some employees, especially if they lack the necessary tools, skills, or guidance. You need to provide your remote team with the support and resources they need to succeed. For example, you may offer them access to reliable technology, software, and equipment, as well as training, coaching, or mentoring. You may also create a virtual space where they can interact, collaborate, and share information with their colleagues, managers, and clients. Additionally, you may provide them with some perks or incentives, such as reimbursement for internet or phone bills, or recognition for their achievements.

4 Foster your trust and engagement

One of the most important aspects of employee relations is trust. You need to trust your remote team to do their work effectively and efficiently, without micromanaging or controlling them. You also need to make them feel trusted and valued, by giving them autonomy, responsibility, and feedback. Moreover, you need to engage your remote team, by creating a sense of belonging, community, and purpose. You can do this by involving them in decision making, celebrating their successes, acknowledging their challenges, and supporting their well-being.

5 Monitor your results and adjust your policy

Your remote work policy is not set in stone. You need to monitor its results and impact on your employee satisfaction and productivity, as well as on your business goals and performance. You can use various methods and tools to collect and analyze data, such as surveys, interviews, metrics, or dashboards. You also need to solicit and listen to feedback from your remote team, as well as from other stakeholders, such as clients, partners, or suppliers. Based on your findings, you may need to adjust your policy, by making changes, improvements, or updates.