As more businesses continue to embrace remote work, the challenge of effectively supervising workers who work from home has become a top concern. In the past few years, I’ve personally navigated this shift, learning firsthand the best ways to ensure productivity, communication, and overall team engagement while working remotely. Here are the methods I’ve found to be the most effective when it comes to supervising remote workers.
Most Effective Methods for Supervising Workers Who Work From Home
1. Establish Clear Communication Channels
One of the first things I learned when managing remote workers is the importance of clear and open communication. Without face-to-face interaction, it’s easy for information to get lost or misunderstood. That’s why I ensure that my team and I have established clear channels for communication.
I typically use a mix of tools to stay connected—email for formal communications, instant messaging apps like Slack for quick chats, and video conferencing tools like Zoom for team meetings. This multi-channel approach ensures that my team has the right tool for the job, whether they’re asking a simple question or need to discuss something in depth.
2. Set Clear Expectations and Deadlines
When supervising remote workers, I’ve learned that setting clear expectations from the start is crucial. This includes outlining job responsibilities, performance metrics, and deadlines. I make sure that everyone knows what is expected of them and what the end goals are for the team.
For me, providing a written document outlining these expectations helps create transparency and reduces confusion. I also ensure that these expectations are regularly revisited during check-ins and reviews to keep everyone on track.
3. Implement Regular Check-ins
In a remote work setting, it’s easy for workers to feel isolated or disconnected. To combat this, I schedule regular one-on-one check-ins with each team member. These sessions allow me to discuss their progress, address any challenges they may be facing, and offer support. It also gives them an opportunity to voice any concerns in a private and open setting.
Besides one-on-one check-ins, I also host weekly or bi-weekly team meetings to ensure the entire team is aligned and working toward the same objectives. These group discussions foster collaboration and help me gauge the team’s overall progress.
4. Use Project Management Tools
Managing tasks and projects remotely can be a challenge, but over time, I’ve found that using project management tools makes this process much easier. Tools like Trello, Asana, and Monday.com are great for tracking progress, assigning tasks, and ensuring that everyone knows what they’re working on.
These tools also provide transparency for me as a supervisor, allowing me to easily track the status of various projects without needing to check in constantly. I can see who’s working on what, when tasks are due, and how things are progressing, all in one place. I also use Controlio for supervising remote workers. Controlio is an all-in-one remote worker monitoring software for all businesses.
5. Focus on Results, Not Hours Worked
A shift in mindset is something I had to embrace when supervising remote workers. It’s no longer about tracking the number of hours worked, but rather the results delivered. In a remote environment, people have different working styles, and flexibility is key.
I focus on the quality of work and whether deadlines are met, rather than scrutinizing exactly when or where the work is being completed. This approach has not only increased productivity but also boosted employee morale, as my team appreciates the trust and autonomy they have.
6. Provide Support and Foster Team Bonding
Remote workers may feel disconnected from their colleagues, which can impact their engagement and sense of belonging. To address this, I make it a point to foster a supportive and inclusive environment. I offer ongoing training and development opportunities, encourage team-building activities, and ensure that everyone feels heard and valued.
I also try to organize virtual team events or informal hangouts, where we can bond over non-work-related topics. These moments help strengthen relationships and promote a positive work culture, even from a distance.
Final Thoughts
Managing remote workers is definitely different from managing an in-person team, but with the right approach, it can be incredibly effective. Clear communication, clear expectations, regular check-ins, project management tools, results-oriented supervision, and a supportive environment are the pillars I’ve found to be most effective when supervising remote workers.
