How to ensure remote workers feel they’re part of the team

Fast-speed internet access has led to the proliferation of millions of Americans making the workplace their own backyard. Various studies show that people who work from home tend to be more productive than those who go to the office. They also save their bosses money by reducing the cost of overhead.

However, given that they're removed from their fellow co-workers, remote employees may feel like they're on the outside looking in. If camaraderie and teamwork is a founding principle of a company's charter, is it possible for home-based and office-based employees to co-exist?

Remote employees are increasingly common
Regardless of the answer to this question, the telecommuting era has arrived, and Americans taking advantage of working from home continues to climb. Indeed, according to 2015 polling from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, roughly 1 in 4 Americans conduct some – or all – of their work-related tasks from where they live. The percentage is even higher among certain professions – such as sales – and even for people in leadership positions.

In a more recent poll – released in 2017 but based on 2016 data – 43 percent of Americans indicate they work from at least occasionally, Gallup found. That's up from 39 percent in 2012. Tracing back to 2005, the number of Americans who work from home on a regular basis has jumped 103 percent, according to analysis done by Global Workplace Analytics, a San Diego-based firm.

The convenience benefits of telecommuting are undeniable. In addition to avoiding traffic jams associated with rush hour, remote employees often set their own schedules, seeing as their tasks are available to them through online programs and teleconferencing software.

Additionally, contrary to popular belief, workers also get more of their assignments completed. Based on a study out of Stanford University and published in the Quarterly Journal of Economics, home-based employees are 13 percent more productive than their office-located counterparts. They also tend to be more satisfied with what they do for a career and are less likely to seek out alternative employment.

With statistics like these, working from home – or allowing employees to do so – seems to be a no-brainer. However, several studies over the years suggest that remote workers are less likely to get promoted and receive performance reviews, according to analysis done by researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Additionally, other statistics suggest telecommuters can't help but feel disconnected from their co-workers, not around for company meetings or missing out on experiences that "you had to be there" to fully appreciate.

Cord Himelstein of Forbes Communication Council says business owners can enhance staff cohesion between remote and on-site employees by following a few ground rules. Here are a few of them:

1. Get to know your remote workers
It sounds simple enough, but perhaps due to an "out of sight, out of mind" mentality, it's easy to overlook your employees who aren't physically present. Himelstein said the best way to avoid this tendency is by making it a point to schedule one-on-one meetings and encouraging office-based employees to reach out more frequently.

"Communicate via video and keep remote employees updated on corporate and in-office news," Himelstein advised.

2. Make regular use of technology
Speaking of which, thanks to the video conferencing and instant messaging services, there's probably never been an easier time to maintain contact. Programs like Slack, FaceTime and GoToMeeting can all enhance interaction, Himelstein wrote.

3. Recognize remote workers' efforts
A great way to show care for your telecommuting employees is through company-wide emails, informing others of their co-workers' job well done

"While you may give someone kudos in the break room in front of peers, you will need to intentionally find an opportunity to recognize a remote employee in front of their peers," Himelstein cautioned.

No one wants to be working beyond their means. Working from home helps employees achieve a better balance between their professional and personal life. But just as there are company rules and policies in the office, you may need to establish guidelines for your remote crew as well. The Law Offices of Donald W. Hudspeth can help you parse out these particulars so nothing gets missed.

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