Tips For Hiring Remote Workers

Despite all the setbacks the pandemic might have caused, businesses have learned to adapt to the situation. Most have utilized new technologies, created new goals, and adjusted work schedules in order to succeed during the pandemic. The most common change that occurred in the workplace was the increase in remote work. Even with businesses returning to normal, it looks like remote work is here to stay.

What Is Remote Work?

Working remotely has become the norm with many companies today. Even if you have been working in person for a while now, chances are your job allows you certain days to work from home, or has a few full-time remote workers. Remote work is defined as employees working from a location other than a traditional office environment. This could be any place such as your home, a coffee shop, a library, or anywhere else that offers access to the internet.

Benefits of Remote Work

While hiring remote workers can be more difficult than hiring traditional employees, it does come with many advantages. Some of these benefits include:

• Greater flexibility
• Better work-life balance 
• No geographical limitations
• Less commuting stress
• Lower overhead costs 
• Decreased carbon footprint 
• More comfortable environment
• Increased inclusivity

Tips For Hiring Remote Workers

If you think hiring remote workers could be a great addition to your team but you don’t know where to start, we are here to help! Here are some of our tips to help you hire the right person for the job:

Make Use of New Technology

Even though you cannot meet with this potential employee face-to-face, new technology allows for a smooth interview process. Instead of relying on emails and phone calls, schedule a video chat so you can make a more accurate evaluation. Online services such as Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, Facetime, and many more can still offer the same personal connection you could get in your office. Similar to the benefits of remote working, virtual meetings offer the same cost efficient and flexible advantages.

Ask the Right Questions

A remote worker will need a different set of skills to be successful than a traditional employee would, therefore you should ask a different set of questions. Because remote workers make their own schedules most of the time, it is important for you to ensure they have decent time management skills. Remote workers will also need a good sense of self-direction and self-discipline since they do not have the ability to constantly check in with the rest of the team. Testing your potential employees on their technological abilities is crucial in order to maintain regular communication with them and keep business flowing as planned.

Arrange Personality and Skills Tests

Although remote workers will not be in the office with other employees, it is still important that they fit in and add to the company’s culture. Personality and skills tests can reduce the chances of hiring the wrong person for the job. These tests will help you understand the candidates better and give you some insight on their unique traits. You can also use the information you gain from these tests to see how employees coordinate with others, solve problems, and manage their workload.

Contact Their References

If you still feel unsure about hiring a remote worker, you can always contact some of their references to make sure they are a good fit at your company. Previous managers and coworkers can be a great resource to you, and they can let you know about some of the candidate’s accomplishments at their last job. Performing reference checks can also help you confirm that the person you are interviewing is in fact who they say they are. 

Create a Welcoming Environment

Just because you are interviewing a potential employee online, does not mean you should not treat it the same as an in-person meeting. The candidate will benefit from you being as open and informative as possible so that they can get a better understanding of your company’s needs. You can even get creative and take them on a virtual tour of the building or introduce them to other employees so that they feel included and know the ins and outs of the work culture.

How Name Tags Can Benefit Remote Workers

Because remote workers are not meeting face-to-face with other employees, keeping them in the loop is necessary for them to be successful. Giving them the opportunity to have their own personalized name tag or desk plate can make a big difference when it comes to open communication and inclusivity. Here are just a few of the benefits of getting your remote workers their own custom name tags and desk name plates:

• Makes them feel valued and appreciated
• Shows them they are a part of the team 
• Improves their productivity even at home
• Highlights specific job roles and duties
• Helps to build trust among coworkers

Check out some of our custom name tags and name plates that can help your remote employees feel like truly belong at your company:

Name Tag With Job Title

A name tag that includes your remote employee’s full name and job title can be a great way to  help them feel confident and proud of their new role.  This custom name tag could also be beneficial for other workers to know exactly who they are communicating with online.

Full Color Acrylic Desk Plate

A unique desk plate that displays your remote employee’s name could help them stay motivated even when working from home. Giving them the chance to decorate their own space with this name desk plate could also increase productivity and overall energy.

Customizable name tags or desk plates can be a great way to make your remote employees feel included and special.  It is beneficial for the whole team when everyone is working together and communicating properly.