Stellar Remote Work

6 Pro Tips

By Erica Rascón on Apr 17, 2020 in News

Shelter in place practices have driven most organizations to explore remote work environments in greater depths. This new terrain presents unique challenges and opportunities. A common challenge is promoting unity and engagement amongst employees during an undetermined period of isolation.

Below are six tips to drive employee engagement and productivity among remote workforces during COVID-19.

1. Connect with tech

There are numerous tools that make remote communication an effortless part of any workflow. Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Slack are popular options for keeping employees connected. Each offers chat, voice, and video services suitable for duos and small groups.

Yardi uses Microsoft Teams and GoToMeeting to promote engagement for groups of all sizes. When employees must share documents, graphics and other media, Robohead facilitates team and inter-departmental project planning.

2. Reach out regularly

Encourage consistent connection between team members and leadership. While managers and executive staff may not attend every meeting, weekly or bi-weekly meetings with leadership can help employees feel better connected to the health and vision of the company.

Since taking 80% of its employees remote, Yardi has shifted from annual executive meetings to weekly “Global Town Hall” meetings. Some of these virtual gatherings are live, and others are pre-recorded. Each offers employees an opportunity to learn from leadership, explore the company’s response to COVID-19, understand client feedback, and connect with other teams.

3. Find time for fun

Attempt to replicate the ambiance of the “water cooler” or staff lounge. This is a space where employees share non-work-related news, participate in fun team-building activities, and relieve stress.

Yardi client Lincoln Property Company features several remote work tips on its blog. A recent post on long distance activities to enjoy at home offers suggestions on ways to promote employee camaraderie at a distance. For example, consider hosting a bake off that encourages employees to show their creativity in their respective spaces.

4. Encourage designated workspaces and schedules

Speaking of spaces, encourage employees to establish designated workspaces within their homes. Such spaces promote better focus and productivity by creating a small sanctuary from whatever chaos occurs in the rest of the home.

Home offices aren’t feasible for everyone, so the creative use of space could be an exciting way to promote healthy work habits while driving friendly competition. Yardi Atlanta hosted “Cribs: Yardi Edition” to honor unique spaces within employees’ homes. Team members submitting pictures of their favorite place to work, favorite place to relax, and favorite décor project. Randomly selected winners received an Amazon gift card. Consider acknowledgements or prizes based on functional, creativity, and uniqueness.

Of equal importance, remind employees that it is essential to establish some degree of normalcy, such as maintaining a consistent work schedule. Understand that with children at home and some team members caring for loved ones, there will be occasional hiccups. But efforts to establish and maintain a schedule will help employees stay focused, productive, and connected to one another.

5. Offer hope through health benefits

Use this unprecedented situation to establish retention and loyalty among employees. Communicate with them about the health resources available through your benefits program.

Yardi human resources issues updates and reminders on health benefits such as online therapy and employee assistance programs. Such resources empower employees to practice preventative self-care and receive external help when needed.

6. Be a source of positivity and proactivity

Let employees know what you’re doing to support them, your clients, and the communities in which you operate. By sharing your support initiatives, you demonstrate your willingness and ability to offer assistance in times of need. Those efforts drive home your corporate values and can further solidify a sense of company pride and loyalty. You may also inspire employees to be proactive in their own homes and communities!

During Global Town Hall meetings, Yardi executives share the latest developments in employee health services, COVID-19 client support resources, and grants for local organizations that are on the front lines. These updates instill positivity and hope amidst uncertain times.

Learn more about Yardi’s corporate social responsibility initiatives.