What is the very latest research on Remote workers? You may be surprised at the results. The problem with remote workers is still a big issue with many companies.
Have you noticed when you call your remote workers – employees or other companies their phones keep going to voicemail? What in the world is happening when they are supposed to be on the clock and in their home offices?
The latest research shows that nearly half of remote workers multitask on work calls and attend to household chores like unloading the dishwasher or doing a load of laundry, according to the recent SurveyMonkey poll of 3,117 full-time U.S. workers.
Now hold on to your hat — this is amazing.
A third take advantage of the flexibility of remote work to run personal errands, such as popping out to the grocery store or picking up dry cleaning. And it was reported that one in five remote workers confessed to taking naps during the workday. Multitasking during Zoom calls is another common pastime and problem.
Some 17% of remote workers said they worked from another location without telling anyone or watched TV or played video games. And a recent development in the Remote Work force, a small percentage admitted to working another job.
The study also found some facts that you may need to hear. Different generations also have different work habits. Here is what they found:
+ 26% of Millennials admit to taking a nap during the workday compared with 16% of GenX.
+ 18% of GenZ have worked another job compared with 2% of GenX and 1% of boomers.
+ 31% of GenZ have worked from another location without telling anyone, even on trips out of the country– compared
with 16% of GenX.
Here are some solutions I have found with companies we work with across the country.
First, hire employees with a good Work Ethic.
How do you assess that type of behavior? My Dependability Forecaster™ Test assess important behaviors such as Work Ethic, Following Rules and Truthfulness.
I have found that when companies assess job candidates before hiring them, they will find that those who are not reliable Remote Workers score low on Work Ethic, Following Rules and Truthfulness.
Second, during the job interview ask them for specific examples of working productively although no Manager or Supervisor watched over them. During the interview – does the job applicant displayed the following warning signs as reported in another study:
+ they will not turn on their Zoom camera during the interview
+ even during a remote interview, they dress inappropriately
+ they struggle with eye contact and seem easily distracted
+ they do not show up on time for the scheduled interview
Remember: Even if the job applicant is interviewed remotely, remember that their interview behavior is the best behavior you will see from them. Make sure that the behavior you see would represent your company well.
In summary, in order to hire Remote or Hybrid workers that are productive use these two methods:
Assess Job Applicants via pre-employment assessments such as my Dependability Forecaster™ Test.
1, Observe their every behavior during the assessment and interview process.
2. Observe their every behavior during the assessment and interview process.
Once you get applicants on your payroll, here is how to manage them:
- Skillfully Manage Productive Remote Workforce
Managing a remote workforce will be needed for a while. Manage this Remote or Hybrid environment so you have remote employees who get their jobs done in a productive and timely fashion. And realize Remote Workers still present many new and unique problems for employee engagement, productivity, emotions, and organizational culture. Implementing specific management actions will result in a productive workforce, a positive corporate culture, and hiring job applicants who quickly adapt and excel in remote working.
Solutions to Manage a Productive Remote Workforce + Supporting A Good Work Ethic
- List Work Tasks & Deadlines
Each week, give employees a list of work tasks they must complete by a certain day or time. Then, inspect what you expect: See if employees completed the list on-time. If yes, then praise the employee. If not, then offer to help the employee ‘shape up…or ship out.’
- Schedule Appointments with Each Employee
This helps managers in two ways. First, scheduling appointments with each employee shows you are serious about keeping communication flowing, even if you and the employee are in different locations. Second, appointments emphasize to the employee the need to keep to a schedule. Third, appointments make it easier for managers to keep tabs on their workers.
- Surprise Check-Ins
Occasionally, I suggest you call the employee on-phone. See if they answer quickly. Ask them what they are doing. Compare their work activities to their list of work tasks and deadlines. This is important to do with new employees especially until you feel that they are dependable.
- Ask Employee about Personal Life & Emotions
Yes – work is supposed to focus on work. But in this remote work environment, many employees will appreciate you asking something like this: “Let’s talk about some non-work things. What’s going on with you?”
Listen empathically. Focus on what the employee is doing and emotionally
5. Conduct Team Building Sessions
Even though your employees are working from home, they still need to be part of your team and have a rapport with co-workers. I have conducted and found that monthly team building sessions help with the possible loneliness or isolation some workers feel from working remotely. And this really helps build better coordination between employees and teams.
TESTS + ARTICLES + BOOKS by Dr. Mercer
Contact Dr. Mercer for more information on his Organization Change + Management Consultation.
Michael Mercer, Ph.D., is a book author, speaker & Industrial Psychologist. He authored the best-selling book on hiring in North America, “Hire the Best & Avoid the Rest™.” Dr. Mercer devoted many years to scientifically validating three
pre-employment tests, called the “Forecaster™ Tests.” The 3 tests are used by many companies. Dr. Mercer Consults and delivers presentations at many companies and conferences.
P.S. Dr. Mercer is coming out with his new book in early 2025. Stay tuned.
https://www.mercersystems.com/pre-hire-test-expertise/
#remoteworkers #hybridworkers #remotehiring #remotehiringproblems #workethic
