Managing remote workers can feel a bit like being a ghost in the machine—you want to make your presence known, but not in a “where’s my employee? Are they really working?” kind of way. So, how do you maintain a strong connection with your remote team while keeping things professional and not resembling the creepy boss from every workplace horror story? Here are some tips to help you balance authority with trust, communication, and a dash of humor.
First, let’s talk about communication. It’s easy to overdo it and constantly ping your team with questions like, “What are you working on? Are you done with that task yet? Are you eating lunch right now?”—you know, the kind of questions that make you sound like you’re in their personal space, even when you’re not. Instead, schedule regular check-ins, but keep them brief and purposeful. A daily 10-minute check-in via Zoom or Slack is plenty to ask for updates, troubleshoot problems, or just check in on how they’re doing. And for the love of all things good in the world, avoid the dreaded “Hey, just checking in!” text every hour. Trust them to do their job.
Next, remember to embrace trust. Just because your employees are out of sight doesn’t mean they’re out of your mind. In fact, they probably feel like they’ve gained the freedom of working from home, which is the dream, right? But if you’re tracking every keystroke or requiring them to share every step of their process, you’ll quickly lose the respect of your team. Instead, focus on results and outcomes, not how many hours they’re glued to their laptop. If they meet deadlines and their work quality is top-notch, you’re doing fine. No need to turn into a surveillance system just to feel in control.
Now, let’s address the “creepy boss” vibe head-on. Nobody likes a micromanager, and no one wants to feel like they’re being watched 24/7. So, avoid the “big brother” approach. If you find yourself hovering in your team’s digital workspace, asking for updates on the minute or questioning their every move, take a step back. Maybe they’re just waiting for their internet to load—give them some space! Be clear about expectations and deadlines, but let your team do their work without the unnecessary “where are you?” messages. Think of it like this: you’re the coach, not the referee.
Finally, remember that remote work doesn’t mean you have to be disconnected. Regular team meetings, virtual coffee breaks, or even just a quick “How’s everyone holding up?” can keep morale high and ensure your team feels valued, even from afar. A little humor goes a long way. If you’re always serious and stiff in your interactions, you’ll quickly become that boss everyone avoids. Be human, throw in some lighthearted moments, and don’t be afraid to share a funny meme or two. Trust us—your team will thank you for it and probably feel a lot more comfortable doing their best work without the “creepy boss” looming in the background.
In conclusion, managing remote workers doesn’t require micromanagement, constant surveillance, or an overbearing presence. Instead, focus on communication, trust, and understanding. Keep things light and professional, but also make room for those moments that keep your team connected and engaged. Remember: you’re leading, not stalking. So, let your team thrive, and you can still look cool while managing them from afar—without the creep factor!
Elga Lejarza
Founder/CEO
HRTrainingClasses.com
