How to Keep Your Employees Motivated while Working from Home


Motivation is the key to having productive employees, and thus, a productive business! Simply said, motivation is what drives all of us to get the job done the best way we can. And, today it is more important than ever – because of so many people working remotely as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.

However, imposed social isolation changed the work-life balance, so staying motivated is not as easy as it seems. So, here are some tips and tricks on how to keep your employees motivated while working from home. You should try to do everything within your power to help your employees transition their work to their homeOpens in a new tab. successfully.

Keep your employees motivated by helping them create a routine

When we think about working from home, many of us get excited. It usually comes with many benefits – not commuting to work or having to dress smartly, saving money and time, doing work when we feel like it, etc. But just because we can stay in pajamas all day long and procrastinate, it does not mean that we should. By doing this, people just pile up their workload and get into trouble.

Employers should emphasize the need for creating a routine. Advise your employees to stick to the same routine and schedule as before. Of course, that does not have to be a 9 to 5 system. It can be any system that all of you find comfortable and most conducive to productivity.

However, we are not saying that flexibility at home is bad. Flexibility can increase productivity! Just make sure everything is well communicated and that your employees know what they are expected to do.

Advise them to create a designated workspace

Another ‘benefit’ of working from home is the ability to work in bed, the living room, on the balcony – pretty much anywhere for that matter. This comes with many distractions that can make us forget about work. In order to avoid this, employers must do everything in their power to help their employees get all the necessary equipment, supplies, and anything they might need for doing their work properly in the comfort of their home.

Luckily, moving out temporarily with successOpens in a new tab. has never been easier. Simply hire a commercial moving agency and provide your employees with everything necessary for getting the job done.

Getting all of their equipment will force them to create a designated workspace in their home. Of course, this is not going to be easy as not everyone has a spare room to turn it into an office. But, try to be creative. Try to give them some ideas on how they can create a working space that will keep them motivated.

Emphasize the importance of boundaries

Besides creating their own flexible workspace, all employees must understand the importance of boundaries. Boundaries are what help us maintain a healthy and productive work-life balance. The line between personal life and work-life must never be blurred!

Some of the ways to create boundaries are the previously mentioned routines and designated workspaces. But, sometimes that will not be enough. Some of the biggest distractions when working from home are all the pets, children, family members, and roommates living in the same place. Advise your employees to talk to their household members and tell them about their need to be focused and free of distraction during working hours.

Being able to punch out will keep your employees motivated to do their best work in the allotted timeframe. They will know that once the time is up they can relax and go about their day as they wish.

Stay connected and have clear communication

Coronavirus or not, staying connected and having clear communication is crucial for a motivated, productive, and successful team. Thus, make sure your each of your employees is equipped with the necessary tools for the job. As previously mentioned, you have the ability to simply call a moving company like Pro Movers MiamiOpens in a new tab. and let them transfer everything your employees need for working from home.

Besides the things that can be transported, do not forget to ensure all of your employees have a company cell phone and a stable internet connection. These are two absolute musts for remote workers. Moreover, it would also be a good idea to train all of your employees on how to use applications like Skype, Zoom, Slack, or some other platforms needed for successful communication.

Also, do not hesitate to pick up the phone every once in a while and talk to your employees personally instead of just sending emails and messages. Ask them how they have been and talk about future plans. Sometimes, even the smallest effort can make a huge difference.

Celebrate achievements

Praise is known to keep your employees motivated and make them perform better. Make sure you praise a job well done. Take even those small victories into account. This way, you will give your employees a reason to keep up the good work. Also, by doing this, you will also motivate all other members of your team who are working remotely. After all, who does not like to be celebrated and supported?

However, if you notice that your workers are not responding to your praise well and are becoming distant, do not disregard it! If you do, your entire business might be at risk. Instead, consider praising them and celebrating their achievements in other ways – in video meetings in front of everybody, in the company’s newsletter, etc. If that does not seem to work either, you can always offer an incentive or two!

Encourage growth

When we are stuck at home 24/7 and do not have the ability to get out of the house often, it is easy to become lazy, uninspired, and unmotivated. Uninspired employees are hard to work with. So, it is your job to encourage them. Try to help them adopt a growth mindset. Tell them that there is always an opportunity to learn and grow in your business and that they should take advantage of that now.

Motivate your employees to learn new skills and to test their boundaries as much as they can. Tell them how they and your company may benefit from that. This may help them not only stay motivated and focused while working from homeOpens in a new tab. but also grow and improve themselves.

Trust your employees

Lastly, the best way to keep your employees motivated when working from home is to trust them. As a business owner, employer or manager, you must go the extra mile and define the responsibilities and expectations, set the deadlines, offer all the previously mentioned advice, etc. Provide your team with what they need, motivate them, and get out of their way. This is the formula for a successful business and a successful employer-employee relationship.

The source of an image:
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Steve Todd

Steve Todd, founder of Open Sourced Workplace and is a recognized thought leader in workplace strategy and the future of work. With a passion for work from anywhere, Steve has successfully implemented transformative strategies that enhance productivity and employee satisfaction. Through Open Sourced Workplace, he fosters collaboration among HR, facilities management, technology, and real estate professionals, providing valuable insights and resources. As a speaker and contributor to various publications, Steve remains dedicated to staying at the forefront of workplace innovation, helping organizations thrive in today's dynamic work environment.

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