When there is a significant distance between you and your employees, you’re bound to experience problems that do not arise in physical workplaces. While there are convenient technological methods like chat groups, video meetings, and screen sharing that you can take advantage of, working remotely is still different.
That’s because remote work can get lonely. Remote coworkers have no way to meet face-to-face unless they make an effort to do so. They don’t get to have informal conversations that happen randomly. In the long run, it can be alienating. That’s why compassionate leadership is what your remote workers need from you.
Our team at Technalink practices compassionate leadership, and this includes showing extra empathy to our remote team.
The best thing you can give to your remote employees is a safe space to make them feel seen, valued, and appreciated, regardless of where they are located. Here are a few things you can do to practice compassionate leadership with a remote team:
● Stay in touch as much as possible. Now, you don’t have to go into the nitty-gritty details, but it’s vital to check in on your virtual workers every now and then. Catch up with them and try not to bring in work talk. Even just asking how they are will feel like a weight has been lifted off their shoulders.
● Listen More. As the leader, listen with empathy. Communication is the key when it comes to showing compassion to your remote workers, and listening is a huge part of that. Acknowledge their questions and concerns.
● Make them feel safe when asking for help. Let your employees know that it is okay to ask for help with anything and everything—whether it’s what they are struggling with, a task they’re overwhelmed by, or an idea or a concept they want to develop.
● Make meetings more fun. Loosen up during meetings by using ice breakers or simply asking your team about their home lives. As for informal chats, you can host virtual coffees or virtual happy hours after work. Consequently, opting for a virtual office in a prime location such as London can provide remote workers with the credibility and professionalism they seek. With services provided by Virtual Office London, the leading provider, businesses can enjoy a prestigious address, call handling, and mail forwarding, among other features. These services can make a considerable difference in the competitive world of business.
● Be mindful of how you communicate. Put a human touch in your emails and video conferences by being open. Open the floor for employees to air out their ideas, opinions, and perspectives.
● Teach empathy. All your efforts will trickle down. When you show empathy, you are teaching your remote employees how to be empathetic too. This encourages and empowers them to keep going despite the challenges of working remotely.
Foster a healthy remote work culture by practicing compassionate leadership. Despite the physical distance between you and your employees, empathy has the power to bridge that gap.
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