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By Alberto Jessurun / March 10, 2021 / Blog

6 Tips to Manage Remote Working Telecom Employees Better

Telecommunication teams are working remotely more than ever before. This creates new challenges and requires new tech, but these 6 tips will help you manage remote telecom workers.

Key Takeaways
  1. Make the right investments
  2. Improve collaboration and communication
  3. Track productivity
  4. Be clear about expectations
  5. Know when to celebrate
  6. Take a more flexible approach
The last year has seen a record number of employees shift to a remote working environment. Telecom companies are no exception, and many offices are now fully virtual. For example, in March 2020, Verizon shifted 90% of its workforce to remote employment. 

These new working arrangements will likely remain after the pandemic is over. One survey showed that 78% of respondents expect remote work to increase after the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic levels.

With most telecom teams still working from home, it’s important to identify the best ways to support and manage them to ensure that they can do their jobs safely and comfortably, but also productively. These six tips will help you improve the way your remote telecom teams work.

1. Make the right investments

Managing a remote team means you will need to invest in new technologies. Digital transformation was already a top priority for many companies, and now that transformation is being accelerated. Key components to invest in include:
  • Cloud-based tools and applications for everything from collaboration and CRM to document creation and storage.
  • Equipment to help your remote workers succeed, including mobile devices, headsets, and other office accessories that will make their jobs easier.
  • Support and troubleshooting tools, including the ability to add new positions to help remote workers manage challenges like home Wi-Fi and computer problems.
Some of these investments may have been on the back burner or not required at all in an office environment. Making them a priority now will keep your teams connected, productive, and supported while working remotely.

2. Improve collaboration and communication

Other tools and technologies to invest in are communication and collaboration platforms. There are now many options for video conferencing, including Zoom and Google Meet, but also consider incorporating an instant chat solution, like Slack or Skype for Business, so that teams can communicate with one another in real-time. 

These tools ensure that employees stay connected. Managers can use them frequently throughout the day to answer questions, have regular check-ins, and provide instant guidance for issues that arise. Collaboration is more important than ever so workers still feel like they’re part of a team.

3. Track productivity

Especially at the beginning of the pandemic, many companies feared that remote workers wouldn’t be as productive. While some companies have actually increased efficiency, others have struggled to maintain the same level of productivity as in the office. 

Online tools can help you track each employee’s productivity throughout the day, making sure that they are actually working and hitting their targets. But drops in productivity may also be caused by workers feeling isolated or unsupported by their managers. The solution here is to make sure that workers have check-ins and meetings built into their workdays so they stay on track and maintain a normal work schedule.

4. Be clear about expectations

It’s also crucial to establish what the specific expectations are for remote work, instead of assuming that employees will know on their own. Be clear about information like:
  • Hours they are expected to be logged on
  • How time off will be handled
  • How often they should take breaks (encourage them to do this regularly throughout the day)
  • Which modes of communication should be used for what purpose
  • When managers will be available during the day if they are needed
Without saying that there are “rules” for working from home necessarily, establish these specifics so workers will know what is required of them. Employees work better when expectations are clearly defined.

5. Know when to celebrate

Even while ensuring productivity remains high, you can still make remote work engaging and fun. Plan activities for your teams where they can socialize or play games. Create a rewards or gamification program where workers get a prize for doing a great job. When a goal or milestone is reached, plan a celebration. However small a win is, take time to recognize that worker for their accomplishment. 

Celebrating teams and their efforts is extremely important when everyone is remote. You want to ensure they feel like they are working toward something each day and that they are supported and appreciated.

6. Take a more flexible approach

Another way to make telecom employees feel supported is by providing plenty of flexibility. Many workers have to manage their complicated home lives alongside their work now that they’re remote. They may have to provide childcare or coordinate home maintenance, and their schedule may have to be different for a time. 

Always show remote workers that you prioritize their work-life balance and are willing to work with them to create a situation that works for everyone. Approach discussions with a flexible mindset and be prepared to make certain allowances that would not be necessary in an office setting. 

Working with Unisol International

Whatever kind of technology solutions your telecom company needs to support remote workers, we can help at Unisol International. We provide products that assist you with services and storage, wireless networking, electronic security, and business cloud services, among many others. We also specialize in turnkey project deployment.

We understand the constraints and challenges facing remote teams today. Our products will help your teams stay connected and productive during the uncertain months and years ahead. 

Contact Unisol International to learn more about our technology products and solutions for the telecom industry.

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