How to Manage Off-Site Workers.

Four Steps to Effectively Manage Off-Site Workers.

As more organizations turn to vendor companies and contractors to streamline costs and productivity, holding face–to–face meetings or walking down the hall to check in with team members is not always an option. Yet the need for guidance and management is no less—in fact, it is arguably even more important, especially with remote workers. Taking these steps will help ensure your distributed workforce stays motivated and productive.

1. BE INCLUSIVE: Often contractors are brought in at the last minute or are handed specialized parts of a project without being integrated into the larger team.
2. ESTABLISH OPEN LINES OF COMMUNICATION: Clear and frequent communication with your remote team establishes your authority while making you a respected and accessible resource.
3. ESTABLISH CLEAR MILESTONES: Remote employees need to be able to work independently and if they are good they will have established a solid work ethic before engaging with your company. That said, you can help them stay self–motivated and hit project milestones by clearly outlining goals and delivery dates, and establishing weekly check–ins where team members report on progress or submit work–to–date.
4. ADDRESS CONFLICTS IMMEDIATELY: Without daily interaction it can be easy to ignore issues or put off addressing them until a later time. But an out of sight out of mind attitude can be devastating to morale and the success of your project.

Read the full article at: http://pinpoint.microsoft.com/en-US/spotlights/fourStepsToEffectivelyManageOffSiteWorkers

Patty Block, President and Founder of The Block Group, established her company to advocate for women-owned businesses, helping them position their companies for strategic growth. Charting the course for impactful, sustainable, profitable businesses, the beacon is control: of your strategic direction, your money, your time, your staffing, and your ability to bring in business. The Block Group brings together the people, resources and ideas that build results.

Business management consultant.

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