All companies worry about employee engagement, especially those who work remotely. There are books written (see below) about what a problem it is, and how to better engage with your people. It’s a big deal that will cost you if you ignore it. Turnover and lost productivity are just two of the problems you'll have to deal with when your people don’t care enough to give that … [Read more...]
A Letter from a Long-Distance Teammate
by Chip R. Bell Dear Long-Distance Leader. If you will provide a partnership-like relationship with me, it will free you up from having to “snoopervise” me. Here are my aspirations for how we might work together in the future. I will work harder, longer, and with greater zeal when I am convinced my work matters. I am not a human form of a capital asset; I need a purpose. … [Read more...]
Are You Playing Favorites with Remote Employees?
Many managers complain that they feel like they have to be Mom or Dad to their teams. Of all the similarities between leading remote employees and being a parent, the most obvious is that you’re not supposed to have favorites. SPOILER ALERT: you probably do. It’s not intentional, and if you’re wise you’re on guard against charges of favoritism and bias. But we display our … [Read more...]
Complex Culture: Developing and Maintaining Company Culture with Remote Teams
Remote work is not new, but the pandemic in 2020 has made what was often seen as a perk or a gimmick into a necessity for many. This has been complicated for industries that have thrived despite the impact of COVID-19 or even because of it. Not only have the majority of existing employees been transitioned to remote work, but onboarding new employees often must be done … [Read more...]
Why Should Gig Workers Be Engaged?
Most of what you read about (and we write about) remote work is for employees: people who have a boss, who work for the organization that pays them, and do as they’re told in exchange for a steady paycheck. But as the world of work changes, more and more of our teammates may be contractors or temporary workers. Does employee engagement apply to them as well, since they’re not … [Read more...]