The Covid-19 pandemic continues to change the way that we live and function. Many organisations have completely shifted to remote working, and while it might be more comfortable for some to work from their own home, team leaders and managers may be facing a set of new challenges when it comes to keeping their team motivated and engaged. 

So how do you motivate your team when you cannot meet them physically?

1. Hold weekly performance meetings 

During these meetings, you can cover a range of topics with your team. Each member can take their turn to describe what they worked on during the past week, what they are planning to work on for the day, what impact their previous week had on them and what they learned. You can also discuss any upcoming commitments with the rest of your team. 

2. Check in

Make sure that social continuity is kept and adhered to – check on your teammates by sending a quick message, or plan virtual check-ins at the end of the week to keep connected and avoid growing distant. Keep in tune with how your team members are feeling. When talking to your co-workers individually, take time to say thank you and help them feel valued or provide insights on their performance.

3. Trust your team 

Some people might look at remote working as a risk towards productivity. However, this might be a lack of trust in your team from your side – something which may have negative implications on your team's effectiveness. Trust is critical when it comes to creating a functional, productive and healthy workplace.

4. Set clear expectations 

Some of your team members may struggle if they have limited physical contact – they might even feel uncertain about what they need to achieve due to lack of direction. It is important for team leaders to be clear when it comes to communicating goals – especially if the team member in question is still relatively new. The more prepared your team is, the better they can achieve their goals. Explain what is urgent and which tasks can take the back burner for a while. 

5. Manage accomplishments, not activity 

Working from home can be quite distracting for some, especially if they have children they need to be taking care of during the day. Focus more on their accomplishments rather than their activity.  Even though your employee may not be working at the same time as you are, they can still be meeting their performance goals after work hours. 

6. Reward Performances 

As stated in the previous point, focusing on your team's accomplishments is a surefire way to keep morale up. The best way to show your appreciation is to reward your employees. This could either be done by giving them a raise, a bonus or even a token of appreciation on behalf of the company. Remember that even though you are not meeting them face-to-face or working the same hours, it does not mean that they are not giving their 100%. 

7. Organise online events

Once a month or so, you could organise a virtual lunch with your coworkers – you could even order a take out from the same place and it together online. This can also be reserved for special occasions or celebrations – including team building activities. You could play online drinking games (after-hours) or even Bingo. 

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