In today’s global business world, a remote work environment is still in somewhat uncharted territory. Managing a remote workforce is not just an IT issue; it is also a business issue with the challenge of managing staff productivity. If you are struggling with how to manage and mobilize your remote workforce, you’re not alone.

Technology and digital marketing roles, such as web development, web design, and content creation, are usually associated with remote work. However, healthcare is by far the most remote industry.

Lori Intravichit, CEO of Sunlit Cove Healthcare, said:

Most healthcare organizations worry about employees adjusting to remote work, yet the company and employees have made very few changes to accommodate this new environment. Well, it takes two to tango, and both parties should accept responsibility as a team. As part of nurturing the relationship, healthcare leaders should establish clear expectations and provide their staff with the resources and tools they need. Also, the employees need to adjust their at home work environment to avoid distractions during office hours.

Do not despair there are simple strategies to help you manage your workforce collaboratively with efficient work-from-home direction and leadership.

Nurture and motivate each individual employee

• If your team has 10 people, you have 10 different skill sets, needs, and personalities you need to understand and manage.
• Even though remote, your co-workers should feel included, not only by you as a leader but also by the whole team.
• Bring the entire team together.
• Build a strong rapport with each remote worker and let them know you are available to talk whenever they need you.
• Check-in as often as you feel necessary with remote workers to ensure they feel respected and valued. Do not underestimate the power of small talk and let them know how important they are to you and the entire team.

Did a resignation blindside you recently? Time to get on a teambuilding wagon. You can carve out an hour with your team to play games, send a motivational quote occasionally, find a personalized care package, a simple gift card to a coffee shop will go a long way. It is a thought and gesture that counts.

Communicate more

In a remote world, when in doubt, schedule a quick zoom call. It goes back to the basics: scope of work and deadline. Even when you have nothing to say, it does not mean that you should cancel a meeting; consistent interaction is essential.

You should set a daily meeting touchpoint with your team; the agenda for the call should be consistent and address what everyone is working on and if anybody needs help or is simply stuck on a task. The camera can stay off during the daily team meetings; we all have a bad hair day once in a while. As for each person, try to have a weekly one-on-one meeting. Give remote employees set time to ask questions, raise concerns, and collect feedback. For one-on-one sessions, both parties should have the camera one.

Trust your staff

Providing workers with the option to work from home requires leaders to trust employees to get the job done. Especially at the beginning, it may feel that work may not be completed at the same level as if workers were in the office. It’s important to stay focused on the goals and deadlines. It’s important to avoid a blame culture, as it’s a sign that trust levels are low when people blame others for failures. As a leader, you need to create an environment where team members feel comfortable approaching one another with problems without fear of being looked down on. Many leaders find that work from home employees are more productive when managed appropriately.

Takeaway:

During the pandemic, healthcare organizations discovered that many employees could be productive working at home. This has come as a surprise to many since healthcare organizations have traditionally discouraged remote work. Managing a remote workforce can be challenging, but identifying individual needs, increasing communication, and trusting your employees will make a difference. On the other hand, remote work is not for everybody, and it is vital to recognize it and work with that employee to find a fit within the organization.

Sunlit Cove Healthcare Consultants provide revenue cycle staff management services on a continuous or as-needed basis for a reasonable rate. No need to hire staff as volumes shift with the constantly changing environment. We work on a flat fee basis that will allow your budget not to fluctuate.

We will help you mobilize and manage your staff experience and ensure performance and productivity.

Schedule a free assessment today!

Free Process Review Services

Sunlit Cove Healthcare Consultants

We provide management and consulting services to help healthcare businesses run efficiently. Navigating the dynamic and complex revenue cycle management is a challenge for many health plans, health care vendors, and providers. Our consulting services are available to assist with your day-to-day operations and provide expertise in growth and change management. We manage all aspects of your enterprise from the development of the revenue cycle management process to the completion of your business cycle.

Revenue Cycle Interim Management: