Setting Expectations for Remote Employees: How To Make It Work

Managing remote employees can be tricky. You can’t just pop by their desk to check in or see how they’re doing. Instead, you have to be extra intentional about setting clear expectations and keeping the lines of communication open for your remote employees.

In this post, I’ll share some tips and strategies for setting expectations for your remote employees.

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Why Setting Expectations Matters

Look, we all need guidance, right? Even the most self-motivated people perform better when they have a clear understanding of what’s expected of them. And when it comes to remote work, setting expectations is even more crucial.

Without the in-person interaction and oversight of an office environment, it’s easy for things to fall through the cracks. Your remote employees might feel lost, uncertain about their priorities, or unsure of how their work is being evaluated. That’s a recipe for frustration, burnout, and a whole lot of wasted time and effort.

On the flip side, when you take the time to set clear expectations, it benefits everyone. Your team will feel more engaged, productive, and connected to the company. And you’ll have an easier time providing feedback, measuring performance, and ensuring that your remote workforce is aligned with your business goals.

How To Set Clear Expectations for Your Remote Employees

Clarify Roles and Responsibilities

The first step in setting expectations for remote employees is to make sure everyone knows exactly what’s expected of them. Start by clearly defining each person’s role and responsibilities.

What are their core job duties? What projects or tasks are they accountable for? Who do they report to, and who do they collaborate with? Spell it all out, so there’s no confusion.

You might even consider creating a RACI (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, Informed) matrix to map out the different roles and responsibilities on your team. This can help prevent overlap, ensure nothing falls through the cracks, and make it easier for everyone to understand their part in the bigger picture.

And don’t forget to revisit these role descriptions and responsibilities regularly. As your business evolves, your team’s needs will likely change too. Be proactive about keeping things up-to-date.

Set Measurable Goals

Once you’ve clarified roles and responsibilities, the next step is to set clear, measurable goals for your remote employees.

These goals should be specific, attainable, and aligned with your overall business objectives. Think things like:

– Complete 2 client-facing presentations per month

– Respond to 90% of customer inquiries within 1 business day

– Maintain a customer satisfaction rating of 4.5 or higher

– Develop and launch a new website feature by the end of Q3

The key here is to make sure your goals are quantifiable. That way, you and your team can easily track progress and identify areas for improvement.

Regularly check in to discuss progress, provide feedback, and adjust goals as needed. This will help your remote employees stay on track and motivated.

Define Working Norms and Expectations

In addition to role-specific goals, it’s important to set some broader expectations around how your remote team should operate on a day-to-day basis.

Things like:

– Communication channels and response times

– Availability and working hours

– Meeting etiquette and participation

– Productivity and time management

– Dress code and professional conduct

For instance, you might expect your team to:

– Check-in via a daily standup call or messaging app

– Respond to emails and messages within 2-4 hours during business hours

– Attend all team meetings with cameras on and muted when not speaking

– Track time worked and take regular breaks

– Dress professionally for video calls, even if working from home

The key is to find the right balance between structure and flexibility. You want to provide enough guidance to keep your team aligned and productive, without being too restrictive.

Encourage Feedback and Two-Way Communication

Setting expectations is a two-way street. It’s not just about you telling your remote employees what to do – it’s also about creating an environment where they feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, concerns, and ideas.

Make it clear that your door (or Zoom room) is always open. Encourage your team to provide regular feedback, ask questions, and voice any challenges they’re facing.

You might even consider scheduling 1-on-1 check-ins regularly. This gives you dedicated time to discuss progress, address any issues, and get a pulse on how your remote employees are feeling.

And don’t forget to also provide ongoing feedback to your team. Let them know when they’re doing a great job, and don’t be afraid to course-correct if something isn’t working. The more open and transparent you can be, the better.

Foster a Culture of Accountability

Finally, it’s important to foster a culture of accountability on your remote team. This means holding everyone responsible for their work and contributions, while also providing the support and resources they need to succeed.

Start by setting clear deadlines and milestones. If a project or task is taking longer than expected, have your team members communicate proactively and work with you to get back on track.

You might also consider implementing regular progress check-ins, status updates, or project reporting. This helps keep everyone accountable and ensures that no one is falling behind.

And of course, don’t forget to celebrate wins and recognize great work. Positive reinforcement goes a long way in keeping your remote team motivated and engaged.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, setting expectations for your remote employees is all about clear communication, transparency, and mutual trust. When you take the time to define roles, set goals, and establish working norms, you create an environment where your team can thrive.

Of course, it’s not always easy – remote work comes with its unique challenges. But by staying proactive, adaptable, and committed to open dialogue, you can set your remote employees up for success.

So don’t be afraid to get detailed, get creative, and get your team involved. With the right approach, you can build a high-performing remote workforce that’s aligned, engaged, and ready to take your business to new heights.

Setting Expectations for Remote Employees: How To Make It Work

Why Setting Expectations Matters