Working in a remote setting has its perks—flexibility, no commuting, and the comfort of home—all of these, in a way, can boost online earnings for a business. But going remote also comes with unique challenges. One of the biggest hurdles for online businesses is making sure employees feel appreciated and connected when there’s no physical workspace to foster that sense of camaraderie. The good news?
Showing appreciation isn’t bound by physical presence. While sure, a lot of businesses believe in fancy company trips, meals, happy hours, and award ceremonies; technically, they’re not needed. Sure, they’re really nice to have, but again, they’re not necessarily needed. So, with that said, here’s how you can make your remote team feel valued and motivated, even if you’re all miles apart.
Start Off with Regular Personal-Check-ins
Let’s face it: remote work can sometimes feel isolating. But the thing is, regular check-ins are a fantastic way to combat this. These aren’t just about discussing deadlines and projects. It’s about creating a bond from a distance. So, you need to take the time to ask how they’re doing, how their weekend was, or if there’s anything on their mind. A little personal touch can go a long way in making your employees feel seen and valued. It shows that you care about them as individuals, not just as cogs in the business machine.
Constantly Celebrate All-Sizes of Wins
In a traditional office, you might have a bell to ring or a whiteboard to mark achievements. Some offices do this, some don’t, usually when sales are involved. But in a virtual environment, you need to get creative. So, it’s best to celebrate every milestone, whether it’s closing a big deal, completing a challenging project, or even personal achievements like running a marathon.
These are just a few examples, but honestly, no matter how big or small, there deserves to be some recognition! For example, you could utilize your team chat channels to give shoutouts. You might even want to throw in some emojis, GIFs, or even a funny meme to keep it lighthearted and fun. If it’s a particularly big win, consider hosting a virtual happy hour or sending a surprise gift to their doorstep. But is that really enough?
Well, not everything has to stay digital. After all, saying “Congrats” with a silly GIF doesn’t always get the job done. So, if you’re willing to, you could always mail out award plaques to your employees to show some recognition and have something special engraved involving their milestone. But overall, be sure to celebrate those wins!
Offer Flexible Hours
One of the major perks of remote work is flexibility, so lean into that. Show your appreciation by allowing your employees to work when they’re most productive. Now, you have to remember that not everyone thrives on a 9-to-5 schedule. Trust your team to manage their time and get their work done. This autonomy not only boosts productivity but also shows that you trust and value their ability to manage their responsibilities.
Provide Professional Development Opportunities
Yes, even when it comes to remote spaces, you still need to look into investing in your team’s growth, which is a powerful way to show you care about their future. Ideally, you should offer access to online courses, webinars, or virtual conferences. You could even set up a budget for each employee to spend on their professional development. This not only helps them grow their skills but also signals that you’re invested in their career growth, even beyond their current role.
Send Personal Gifts
Who doesn’t love receiving a surprise package? It just feels like Christmas there for a couple of minutes, right? Well, personalized gifts are a thoughtful way to show appreciation. It could be something as simple as a handwritten thank you note, a book by their favorite author, or a gadget they’ve had their eye on (if you even know about that). But the key is to make it personal. So overall, this gesture shows that you pay attention to their likes and interests, reinforcing that you value them as individuals.
Celebrate Personal Milestones
Some employees are okay with this, and some are not. But ideally, don’t just stick to work-related celebrations. By all means, you need to acknowledge personal milestones like birthdays, work anniversaries, and even the birth of a child or a wedding. Seriously, these events are significant in your employee’s lives, and recognizing them shows that you care about them beyond their professional contributions. Usually, something like a gift card or an experience could mean a lot!
