The world is facing an unprecedented Human Challenge with COVID-19, that can bring a busy workforce to a standstill. O.C. Tanner institute is doing regular pulse surveys to keep tabs on how the COVID-19 situation is impacting workplace culture and the employee experience. We are fortunate to have interviewed Gary Beckstrand, VP, O.C. Tanner to get to know his personal view on how to manage the remote workforce: how to overcome the challenges of remote work, how to build remote team culture, how to communicate with remote teams, how to inspire remote employees…
In these very uncertain times, workforce management matters more than ever! And the virus requires an unprecedented response. We face this challenge together where the HR leaders are heroes: worried about work-life balance, trying to encourage, inspire, and empower to get trough the pandemic times; looking for new ways to infuse team spirit, help to boost cooperation and improve the way remote teams work!
Q Gary, please, share your opinion, what are the most effective and successful ways to manage remote teams? As we know, the vast majority of organizations (88%) have encouraged or required employees to work from home, according to a Gartner survey of 800 global HR professionals, and it is the challenge we are facing today.
We are conducting weekly global surveys to evaluate the impact of COVID 19. We asked remote employees what they needed most from their organization to better connect them with others. The answer? Video. Most workers are connecting via conference calls, but video conferencing is what people are asking for. Video conferencing was 13x more requested than any other thing.
Q Has your company switched to remote work? What methods and tools have you applied to keep the efficiency of your employees on the same level?
Yes, every employee who can do their work remotely has been asked to do so. We are leveraging a few helpful communications technologies. Zoom and Microsoft Teams have been most effective for us. These tools provide “face-to-face” access and real-time communication and collaboration. We’re encouraging all teams to have daily “virtual huddles”. Our leaders are connecting more frequently one-to-one with their direct reports as well.
Q What are the positive aspects of going remote (self-isolated)? Does this mean more time for self-development and family?
This week’s research indicates the following benefits of working from home:
- 14% increase in work/life balance;
- 25% decrease in feeling like the organization is putting the employee at risk;
- 22% increase of trust in leaders’ concern for the wellbeing of employees.
However, there are negative impacts as well. For example:
- 24% increase in worrying about losing one’s job;
- 33% decrease in the observed productivity of others;
- 49% increase in avoiding collaboration with others;
- 10% increase in reporting insincere recognition efforts.
Q How do you think, what is the most effective way to remain productive while working from home? How to stay inspired and adapt to remote work when you are overloaded with the news about COVID-19?
Establish a consistent routine. Increase your communication with team members. For example, establish a group chat for your immediate team, so all can stay in touch and get consistent information. In order to stay inspired, take a step away from daily news for a bit each day and escape into a great novel.
About the Interviewee: Gary Beckstrand is a Vice President of O.C. Tanner, a $500+ million global recognition and workplace culture company. He is also the author of the book – ‘’Appreciate: Celebrating People, Inspiring Greatness’’.
With nearly 30 years of research, business development, and leadership experience, Gary has seen what works (and what doesn’t) in top companies around the world. His expertise has been sought by numerous Fortune 100 companies and been featured frequently on inc.com, entrepreneur.com, and Forbes.
Gary has spoken to tens of thousands of business leaders at conferences and companies all over the world. Prior to joining O.C. Tanner, Gary held leadership positions at Frito-Lay, Kellogg’s, and Franklin-Covey.
Meet him at HR Vision Europe, at our upcoming flagship, two-day event with 3 streams running in parallel, enabling deep dive conversations focused on the future of work, digitization, leadership, L&D, culture and employee experience, D&I, future talent acquisition strategies, and more!
