How to ensure the well-being of its employees in remote working mode?

In recent months, under the pressure of the situation surrounding COVID-19, we have witnessed the standardization of teleworking. Although it has become highly democratized in recent years, some organizations have had to adapt to operating under a new mode of operation, but telework cannot be improvised. New management practices are then required. So, how to ensure the well-being of its employees in telework mode? Here are a few ideas to put in your manager’s toolbox:

Suggest 52/17:

When you are teleworking, there are fewer interruptions and the employee is more productive. The work rhythm is then not the same. Often, the employee concentrates on his or her tasks for a longer period of time, but breaks are still necessary. Many companies propose to their employees to do the 52/17: work 52 min continuously, then take a 17 min break, it is proven that this would promote productivity.

Provide adapted office equipment or offer a telecommuting program.

Offering the employee ergonomic work tools from your office furniture supplier will prevent them from rushing to the first store that comes along to buy a low-priced chair that is unlikely to be ergonomically suitable for the individual. Also, many other options are available for all budgets, from the screen stand to the adjustable table.

Ensure that the technological infrastructures are adapted for teleworking.

Because nothing is more annoying and counterproductive than working on a server that is not very responsive or overloaded… Also, employees must be able to communicate well despite the distance.
Sometimes, the use of new technologies can destabilize more than one. The role of a manager is to set an example, and to encourage employees to face their discomfort, while being present to help them with any difficulties that may be encountered.

Communicate regularly

Communication in this type of situation is delicate. It must be constant and transparent.
The ideal would be to reserve a privileged weekly slot to call the employee, to check up on him (without necessarily talking about work, taking the pulse) and make sure everything is going well, in order to keep in touch, keep people informed and maintain morale to compensate for the daily meetings at the office, without falling into the spiral of micromanagement, of course.
Use a videoconferencing platform such as Teams, to replace the coffee machine, sharing groups and chat to maintain the link with your teams and highlight good moves in team meetings (virtual!).
Above all, don’t hesitate to spice up your team meetings by injecting a bit of humor! In times of crisis, it doesn’t hurt anyone. You can have fun, even virtually!

Give clear and realistic objectives

Teleworking was previously unknown to many employees. This type of work, which changes the usual routine for some, can lead to feelings of stress and insecurity, hence the need to support them by providing clear objectives and deadlines. Achieving goals reinforces the employee’s sense of accomplishment and, therefore, stimulates commitment.

Taking care of oneself, as a manager and as a human being

Discuss with colleagues with the same reality, ask for advice, and above all, don’t forget to take care of yourself. This is a fundamental principle, so that our teams are healthy too.

Ensuring the good physical health of employees

Working from home implies a more sedentary lifestyle … Fewer stairs to climb, more long corridors to cross… on the other hand, why not take advantage of telephone conversations to take a short walk and stretch?
Also, it is possible to propose a weekly time slot for physical activity online. Several companies offer online courses at attractive prices!
(YogaFitness, Ballet Hop ect.)

And you, what solutions have you implemented to ensure the well-being of your employees in telework mode in order to boost their productivity?