Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned teleworker, you have your own way of working outside the office. It’s also essential for managers to know their team members and to know how to best support the unique needs of each of their employees. Each type of worker has their own set of characteristics and along with that, their own unique challenges and way to maintain productivity. Which one do you identify with most?
The Natural:
• This employee loves to work independently and thrives outside the structure and confinement of a traditional office. However, they still need critical resources to continue their performance of producing great work.
• Managers: PRO TIP – The key to their optimal support is effective communication. Get their feedback on what can you do to support them, which in turn will help you create the most beneficial work experience for everyone.
The Hybrid:
• This remote worker really doesn’t have a preference either way they work, they enjoy a mix of remote and in-office work.
• Managers: PRO TIP – They maybe be somewhat of a challenge to keep engaged, but create a bit of structure for them with monthly check-ins to reevaluate their schedule and stay flexible.
The Honeymooner:
• This is a seasoned veteran employee, but a newbie to the remote work scene. Working from home is a novelty, and the newness wears off once the anticipation of facing new challenges of work/life balance sets in.
• Managers: PRO TIP – It may be hard to foresee how well this employee will acclimate and
perform with added potential pressures of homeschooling or childcare and teleworking.
Having open communication is a critical component to keeping them engaged. It may be
helpful to match them up with a fellow remote worker who’s savvy and seasoned in the ins and outs
of the remote work world.
The Overachiever:
• This employee is super successful and productive working remotely, although they
are extremely focused no matter what the work environment. Alternatively, they may get
burned out in trying to find the right work-life balance. It’s important for them to set
regular working hours.
• Managers: PRO TIP – Reassure and communicate to these employees their value and contribution
to the team while keeping them aware of normal business hours.
The Solo Act:
• Just as the name suggests, this person works best on solo projects. Not requiring a lot of
supervision, this does come with a bit of a downside that innovation may be missing in some of
their work product. This employee should keep open opportunities to collaborate with other team
members.
• Managers: PRO TIP – Encourage and support working on collaborating with others
while still acknowledging their strengths. Promote the benefits of bringing others on board to
their projects, such as gaining different perspectives and increased success, which in turn, will
make work more meaningful.
The Introvert:
• Not one to mix in with office gossip or banter, they are more reserved and inclined to thrive
while working remotely. They can, however, tend to be forgotten if they don’t have the
normal face time with in-person interaction with their coworkers and managers.
• Manager: PRO TIP - Keep interaction with these employees with Skype meetings and regular
check-ins, making them feel included and engaged.
The Creature of Habit:
• Likes to have every hour down the minute planned out during their day. This gives them a
sense of perfect balance between any personal tasks and accomplishing their work tasks
smoothly, without any hiccups. Any last-minute meetings may cause a bit of stress for this
creature of habit.
• Managers: PRO TIP - If you embrace their need for structure by assigning tasks
and projects based on repetition;
facilitating in their routine will assist in their successful work environment.
The Natural:
• This employee loves to work independently and thrives outside the structure and confinement of a traditional office. However, they still need critical resources to continue their performance of producing great work.
• Managers: PRO TIP – The key to their optimal support is effective communication. Get their feedback on what can you do to support them, which in turn will help you create the most beneficial work experience for everyone.
The Hybrid:
• This remote worker really doesn’t have a preference either way they work, they enjoy a mix of remote and in-office work.
• Managers: PRO TIP – They maybe be somewhat of a challenge to keep engaged, but create a bit of structure for them with monthly check-ins to reevaluate their schedule and stay flexible.
The Honeymooner:
• This is a seasoned veteran employee, but a newbie to the remote work scene. Working from home is a novelty, and the newness wears off once the anticipation of facing new challenges of work/life balance sets in.
• Managers: PRO TIP – It may be hard to foresee how well this employee will acclimate and
perform with added potential pressures of homeschooling or childcare and teleworking.
Having open communication is a critical component to keeping them engaged. It may be
helpful to match them up with a fellow remote worker who’s savvy and seasoned in the ins and outs
of the remote work world.
The Overachiever:
• This employee is super successful and productive working remotely, although they
are extremely focused no matter what the work environment. Alternatively, they may get
burned out in trying to find the right work-life balance. It’s important for them to set
regular working hours.
• Managers: PRO TIP – Reassure and communicate to these employees their value and contribution
to the team while keeping them aware of normal business hours.
The Solo Act:
• Just as the name suggests, this person works best on solo projects. Not requiring a lot of
supervision, this does come with a bit of a downside that innovation may be missing in some of
their work product. This employee should keep open opportunities to collaborate with other team
members.
• Managers: PRO TIP – Encourage and support working on collaborating with others
while still acknowledging their strengths. Promote the benefits of bringing others on board to
their projects, such as gaining different perspectives and increased success, which in turn, will
make work more meaningful.
The Introvert:
• Not one to mix in with office gossip or banter, they are more reserved and inclined to thrive
while working remotely. They can, however, tend to be forgotten if they don’t have the
normal face time with in-person interaction with their coworkers and managers.
• Manager: PRO TIP - Keep interaction with these employees with Skype meetings and regular
check-ins, making them feel included and engaged.
The Creature of Habit:
• Likes to have every hour down the minute planned out during their day. This gives them a
sense of perfect balance between any personal tasks and accomplishing their work tasks
smoothly, without any hiccups. Any last-minute meetings may cause a bit of stress for this
creature of habit.
• Managers: PRO TIP - If you embrace their need for structure by assigning tasks
and projects based on repetition;
facilitating in their routine will assist in their successful work environment.