When the COVID-19 pandemic started in 2020, nearly every organization was forced into working remotely. As the pandemic began to subside, some companies started adopting remote work as a permanent option. Creating an online employee experience has become the norm and will continue to evolve as time goes on. When creating an experience for your virtual employees, you have to be very deliberate to create a positive and sustainable experience. Here are some ways to improve your digital employee experience for your virtual staff.
1. Ensure Employees have the Proper Tools
One of the most important aspects is to ensure that your team has everything they need to succeed. When employees work remotely, their resources may be limited compared to working at the office, so it’s essential to provide them with the needed tools. Whether it’s laptops, cell phones, or other office gear, make sure your employees have what they need to feel comfortable and get the job done.
2. Set Regular Meetings
Meetings are beneficial for remote employees, and having them regularly helps ensure that everyone is on the same page. Having meetings weekly or biweekly keeps employees up to date and keeps them connected, which is essential for keeping remote employees engaged. Encouraging communication promotes participation, teamwork, and overall more efficient teams.
3. Revisit your Employee Onboarding Process
If you want to improve your digital employee experience, start at the very beginning. Your company’s onboarding process sets a precedent for your new employees, especially the ones working remotely. It’s essential to make this process as smooth as possible and to do that, it has to be revisited and constantly updated. Over time, you’ll find better techniques and procedures that will allow new hires to settle into their new role and life at your company more efficiently.
4. Check-in Often
Besides regular meetings, checking in with your employees is crucial to staying connected. Having one-on-ones is a great way to keep in touch with your remote employees. Checking in often allows you to ask if they need help with anything. You can also assign projects that require more context, use such calls to build rapport with them to let them know that you care.
5. Enforce Time-off
Since employees began working from home, many of them aren’t taking their allotted days off. It’s essential for your employees to take valuable time off so they don’t burn out. Enforcing time-off allows your employees to regain clarity, relax, recoup, and return refreshed and ready for work.
6. Celebrate Important Milestones
Celebrating milestones like birthdays, work anniversaries, and promotions at work can help make your employees feel appreciated and valued. Try to make these days as memorable as possible for your remote team members, even if you have to celebrate far apart. Taking the time to celebrate these milestones will encourage a positive work culture and happier employees.
7. Ask Your Employees What They Need
Last but not least, check in with your employees to see if they need anything. Be transparent with your virtual employees and ask them questions to help improve their digital experience. Talk to them, take their recommendations and feedback, and continue building a company that every employee is proud to work for.
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Amanee Hasan
Amanee Hasan is a Senior Content Writer at ZenHR, an award-winning and top-rated HR solution that offers world-class HR software services in the MENA region. Her main focuses are SEO, UX writing, copywriting, and creating content highlighting the latest HR trends, and gives organizations and individuals the tools they need to create successful work environments where people thrive.
