Performance management is a procedure used to make sure the workforce is productive and conforms to the business’s objectives. As employees are working from home due to the Coronavirus crisis, companies are faced with new challenges, one of which is supervising performance among employees. Monitoring development, improving connections, preventing disputes are few of the many concerns involving remote performance management. However, with the correct strategy, performance management can be efficient and effortless.

To ensure that employees are performing well, they must have all the necessary training and supervision first. While guidance from seniors is helpful, it can be difficult to do so optimally without being in proximity. Thankfully, digital technologies are highly advanced and efficient. One such tool is the remote performance management system. It improves workforce engagement and allows managers to monitor and ensure that the workforce is progressing in the right direction. They consist of several features such as division of tasks, deadlines, resources, etc. However, utilizing these tools can cause negative effects as well. Tracking can create micromanagement as employees are under constant scrutiny. Therefore, opting for an employee-led performance management tool will enable the staff to decide on the way their information is handled and boost trust between employees and managers. It will push employees to be more confident, independent and take more initiatives.

Another drawback is that the tool can create further workloads on employees, in which case they will refrain from using it. Therefore, choosing a simple interface for first time use in contrast to a system with multifarious features is better.

Subsequently, when employees are separated, it can be difficult to be connected or establish belongingness – which is an essential part of company culture. To ascertain that remote workers are motivated and productive, they must be clear with how their work contributes to the finished product. This ensures that they do not determine their tasks to be negligible in the big picture. Additionally, this will make sure that everybody is on the same page and prevent miscommunications. An online platform where everybody can inform each other of progress and changes will allow for free communication and improve cohesion.

Lastly, the best way to improve performance is to praise and incentivize the workforce. Online notes for feedback come across as negative, due to the lack of body language indicators. To balance this, managers must reassure employees about their work to maintain motivation and performance. Feedback must also be obtained from employees to let their voice be heard likewise.

All things considered, performance management is solely successful when a mutual effort and is observed. Although doing this while remote working can be challenging, with the suitable strategies and mindset, it is possible.

References :

1. Performance Management In The Age Of Social Distancing, Apr 4, 2020, Forbes.
2. These Are the Real Tools You Need to Manage Remote Workers, Dec 22, 2019, Forbes.