Challenge 2: Tracking Productivity Without Micromanaging
Posted: Wed Jan 22, 2025 4:23 am
It's hard to measure productivity when employees are working remotely. As a virtual project manager, you may be micromanaging your team (for example, checking in on task progress too often) without even realizing it.
Micromanagement can lead to frustration, hamper employee autonomy, and make employees feel like you don't trust them.
Solution:
**Instead of focusing on the number of hours employees work, emphasize tangible results, i.e. project outcomes.
Use project management software: Use a comprehensive virtual project management tool like ClickUp to keep your team organized without the need for constant checks.
Provide autonomy with regular meetings: Schedule weekly or biweekly meetings to review progress, answer engineering directors email list questions, and provide feedback. During these virtual meetings , focus on collaboration and problem-solving, not micromanagement.
Pro Tip: Set goals using frameworks like OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) or KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) to link individual contributions to a larger outcome and effectively track productivity.
Challenge 3: Employee burnout
Despite offering flexibility, remote working often blurs the boundaries between work and personal life. Long working hours can be stressful and employees may find it difficult to “switch off” at the end of the day, leading to burnout.
Solution:
**Promote the importance of setting clear boundaries between work and personal time. Encourage employees to use time blocking methods to schedule their work hours and protect their personal time.
Wellness programs or mental health days: Prioritize mental health by offering wellness programs, mental health resources, online counseling services, and mental health days. Create an open environment where employees feel comfortable talking about their issues.
As a leader, your actions set the tone for the team. If you tend to work late or send emails outside of work hours, your employees may feel obligated to do the same. Set a positive example by signing off at a reasonable time and prioritizing personal time.
Pro Tip: Organize “no meeting” days or set aside specific hours when employees are not supposed to work (e.g. no emailing after 7pm) to help them set these boundaries.
**Also read Best practices in software project management: Tips for the right attempt
Micromanagement can lead to frustration, hamper employee autonomy, and make employees feel like you don't trust them.
Solution:
**Instead of focusing on the number of hours employees work, emphasize tangible results, i.e. project outcomes.
Use project management software: Use a comprehensive virtual project management tool like ClickUp to keep your team organized without the need for constant checks.
Provide autonomy with regular meetings: Schedule weekly or biweekly meetings to review progress, answer engineering directors email list questions, and provide feedback. During these virtual meetings , focus on collaboration and problem-solving, not micromanagement.
Pro Tip: Set goals using frameworks like OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) or KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) to link individual contributions to a larger outcome and effectively track productivity.
Challenge 3: Employee burnout
Despite offering flexibility, remote working often blurs the boundaries between work and personal life. Long working hours can be stressful and employees may find it difficult to “switch off” at the end of the day, leading to burnout.
Solution:
**Promote the importance of setting clear boundaries between work and personal time. Encourage employees to use time blocking methods to schedule their work hours and protect their personal time.
Wellness programs or mental health days: Prioritize mental health by offering wellness programs, mental health resources, online counseling services, and mental health days. Create an open environment where employees feel comfortable talking about their issues.
As a leader, your actions set the tone for the team. If you tend to work late or send emails outside of work hours, your employees may feel obligated to do the same. Set a positive example by signing off at a reasonable time and prioritizing personal time.
Pro Tip: Organize “no meeting” days or set aside specific hours when employees are not supposed to work (e.g. no emailing after 7pm) to help them set these boundaries.
**Also read Best practices in software project management: Tips for the right attempt