How DSM Businesses Can Enhance Home Office Productivity with Effective Feedback

While the popularity of people working from home in Greater Des Moines (DSM) is starting to decline, remote and hybrid work settings are likely to remain for some companies.

There are pros and cons to in-person, hybrid and remote work in DSM, and there are varying opinions about which one is best. That said, many workers prefer to work remotely these days, or at least partially remote, thanks to the flexibility it offers, enabling them to have a more balanced work and personal life.

Businesses have also seen the benefits of allowing their staff to work remotely, primarily in that it eliminates significant overhead costs. That said, two of the biggest challenges of having remote teams are poor communication and a need for more connection and collaboration.

However, that doesn’t mean DSM businesses should give up on remote work. A quality feedback loop is the key to keeping lines of communication open and ensuring everyone is still working productively together.

Why Feedback is So Important in Remote Work Settings

DSM businesses have seen their fair share of remote work challenges since the COVID-19 pandemic ignited the trend. Many companies realized the need for better broadband connections when managing remote teams and adopting a more advanced digital infrastructure.

However, it’s not only the infrastructure that needs to change to better accommodate remote workers. While digital systems certainly make remote work easier, DSM businesses must also consider changing some of their operational practices.

While a consistent feedback loop might not have seemed necessary for in-person work, it is vital in remote work settings. When everyone is working separately in their own space, it’s easy for several things to fall by the wayside.

On the other hand, with a feedback system in place, management can identify potential problems that could be hindering remote productivity. Not only that but asking for feedback from employees and acting on that feedback can help boost motivation and retention.

Remote workers can easily start to feel like their voice no longer matters, so adopting an employee feedback system shows that your business still cares about employees’ needs and their growth and development, even if they aren’t in the office every day.

Of course, a quality feedback loop can also help remote workers feel more connected with their fellow employees, which can ensure everyone continues to work collaboratively with one another, communicating effectively and maintaining productivity levels.

Best Practices for Effective Feedback While Managing Remote Workers

Creating an effective remote work feedback loop doesn’t have to be difficult. A little thoughtful consideration and making it a point to set aside time every day for feedback processes can go a long way toward boosting performance and employee satisfaction. Here’s what you can do to receive and give effective feedback remotely:

1. Create a Safe Environment
It’s important to create a safe space so employees feel comfortable communicating with management. This means letting them know that you value their honesty and that they will not be punished for offering their constructive criticism. It’s also important to emphasize that their feedback will be kept confidential.

2. Check in Regularly
Consistency is key when checking in on remote employees. Schedule time for feedback sessions and make it a regular occurrence; don’t just wait to collect and give feedback quarterly or annually. Make time every week to check in, even if it’s just to see how your workers are doing and if they need anything. Checking in doesn’t always have to be about job performance either; it can also be a way to simply show employees that you see them both as a person and as a valued member of the team.

3. Encourage Communication
During feedback sessions, it’s essential to encourage employees to stay connected with their other team members. Communication goes both ways. Remote workers may need to be reminded that even though they might be working alone at home, they still have a whole team of people to support them if needed. Two-way communication is also vital between employees and their managers. Let remote employees know they don’t have to wait for feedback sessions to reach out if they need something.

4. Take Action
After receiving feedback from an employee, create an action plan for how any issues brought up will be addressed. This is essential as it shows employees that their opinions and needs do matter and that tangible improvements are being made. You can even leave employees with an action plan if there are things they might need to work on to move forward and have greater success.

The right tools can make feedback sessions and communication between workers and their managers much more efficient. Scheduling and project management tools can make it easier to keep track of sessions, the feedback provided and action plans, and communication tools like Zoom or Slack can enhance communication and make it easier for employees to reach out to managers and fellow workers when needed. While it can take time for feedback systems to feel natural and become a regular part of daily and weekly work processes, using the right digital tools can help. Once properly utilized, DSM businesses can gain a lot by implementing an effective remote workflow.

The Greater Des Moines Partnership celebrates the Greater Des Moines (DSM) entrepreneur community and helps small businesses succeed with one-of-a-kind resources and opportunities for networking. Find out how other entrepreneurs have found success by reading their stories and attending local small business events in the region.