Pros In Different Area Codes: How to Train a Remote Employee

PROS IN DIFFERENT AREA CODES HOW TO TRAIN A REMOTE EMPLOYEE Company HQ is in Nowheresville, USA. But that incredibly talented, can't-live-without-'em prospective employee isn't. Now more than ever, that isn't a problem. As access to free or inexpensive online software increases, companies' ability and willingness to recruit remote employees has increased enormously. But the new arrangement also presents a few challenges. How do you train an employee you've never met? How can you be sure they're doing work that's on par with what your in-house team is doing and not just playing on Facebook all day? Consider these tips. ABSENCE MAKES THE BUSIMESS GROW STRONGER Remote work teams are becoming much more common in American business culture: Though many companies are adapting to this trend, many workers find more support from peers than managers. 57% of companies have a formal policy allowing employees to work remotely. 45% 37% This fast-rising arrangement is most common among information workers in the following industries: Of employees say their Say their bosses are peers are supportive of equally supportive. remote arrangements. If you're an early adopter with plans to hire a remote team, you'll need to keep several guidelines in mind to ensure a successful arrangement. 64% FINANCIAL SERVICES 58% MANUFACTURING 64% PROFESSIONAL SERVICES TRAINING YOUR REMOTE EMPLOYEES If your employee was hired remotely, it might be beneficial to have them visit the office for in-person training. In fact, 80% OF EXECUTIVES say they prefer face-to-face contact to virtual meetings. 85% 75% 75% BUILD A STRONGER, MORE READ BODY LANGUAGE AND HAVE GREATER SOCIAL MEANINGFUL BUSINESS FACIAL EXPRESSIONS INTERACTION RELATIONSHIP IN THESE WAYS, AN IN-PERSON TRAINING SESSION CAN HELP CEMENT YOUR COMPANY'S CULTURE, PROCEDURES, AND EXPECTATIONS FIRMLY IN YOUR NEW HIRE'S MIND. IF THIS IS NOT AN OPTION, THERE ARE SOME GUIDELINES FOR REMOTE TRAINING. 1 CREATE A REMOTE-HIRE PACKAGE This should contain everything your hire will need to work each day, HOW TO including a functioning email address and all user names and passwords to any relevent accounts they will use, such as Google Docs. 4 PROVIDE EXPLICIT AND DETAILED FEEDBACK For the first several projects they work on, provide very detailed feedback and supplemental training materials if necessary. Remember 2 CREATE A DETAILED TRAINING MANUAL that remote interaction is much less colorful than face-to-face, This should contain examples of exemplary work to demonstrate each process and expectation. Re- member that unlike in person, these employees cannot look on with others, so leave nothing to chance! so be direct. ANUAL 5 IMPLEMENT TRANSPARENT WAYS TO TRACK PROGRESS TIME TRACKING S START THEM OFF WITH A RAPID ASSESSMENT Both your HQ team and remote employees should know exactly where each project stands at a glance. Use collaborative remote software to ensure that progress is easily tracked. Starting your new hire on a quick project with a tight deadline will enable you to gauge both their understanding of the work procedure and ability to meet a deadline without direct supervision. REMOTE EMPLOYEE TRAINMING MISTAKES TO AVOID Remember that while remote employees are just as much a part of the team as your HQ crew, they can sometimes feel removed from the culture. Here are some ways to incorporate them. ETA 3. Don't discourage 5. Don't silo the employee. Instead, 1. Never assume the 2. Don't go extended 4. Don't leave them up to communication. Encourage regular and remote worker knows periods without an their own devices. things you haven't explicitly spelled out. in-person visit to reinforce the relationship. Schedule regular check-ins to make sure introduce them to other active communication to members of the team ensure they are very comfortable approaching work flow is satisfactory. who they can approach and learn from remotely. you. SOURCE: mindflash.com FORBES (HTTP://Www.FORBES.COM/FORBESINSIGHTS/BUSINESS_MEETINGS_FACETOFACE/INDEX.HTML) MICROSOFT (HTTP://WwW.MICROSOFT.COM/PRESSPASS/FEATURES/2011/MAY11/05-18WORKWITHOUTWALLS.MSPX)