How You Can Become a Great Virtual Employer

Working with remote hires is not very different from working with in-house employees. No doubt, there are many challenges you’ll need to overcome. However, with a smart, carefully thought out approach, you can get your freelancers to deliver the best they can. You can find the best of talent and skills from around the world, but making use of those talents for the success of your company depends a lot on your skills as an employer. So, what can you do to develop that efficient, working relationship with your workers? What are the specific points of interest a great virtual employer must keep in mind? Read ahead and find out.

Encourage Communication

Communication is the vital key that can ensure the smooth running of operations. Here’s what you need to do.

1. From the time you begin working with a remote hire, make yourself available to answer queries. Set up fixed times during the day when you can make contact despite the difference in time zones. Or, encourage them to send in questions by way of email. Be prompt in replying to them. You’ll ensure that the project is completed within deadlines.
2. Have an open attitude to each query no matter how small and insignificant it may seem. Attention to detail is one factor that can make the distinction between excellent and mediocre work.
3. Adopt time tracking apps that take screen shots. This strategy can help you check and verify if the freelancer is logging in hours accurately. You can also eliminate any ambiguity when it comes to making payments.
4. You could get employees to share documents with you as they work. Take the time to monitor them, and offer feedback and comments. Depending on the kind of project you’ve assigned, you could ask for regular updates instead.
5. Encourage your people to be proactive and to come to you with suggestions and ideas. Being experts in their line of work, they are likely to have a better handle on the task.

By using these actions, you can ensure that the project is progressing as per your requirements.

Draw up Detailed Contracts and Agreements

When crafting the contract between your company and the freelancer, make sure you put down every single detail of the scope of work you’re expecting and the payments you’ll be making. If you need to, work with a professional. By having the necessary paperwork in place, you’ll ensure that your remote hires know exactly what you expect from them. Documentation also helps serve as references in case there is any miscommunication anywhere. Spell out deadlines clearly, so there is no possibility of delays.

Be Specific in Your Requirements

Having hired the best of talent out there, you’ll expect them to deliver what you need. However, for them to do that, they’ll need you to specify every little detail. Never give vague instructions like, “Take care of the About Us page” or “Design the Home page.” Instead, take the time to work with them to tell them what you’re expecting to see. For example, you might have seen some website you really liked or you might have an idea in your mind about what you want yours to look like. Talk about your expectations, visions, and goals for the company. The more detailed information you give out, the better products you’ll receive. If you have examples, send them.

Always Insist on High Quality

Just as you aim at providing only the best of products and services to your customers, insist that your remote hires deliver only the best of products to you. If it is content you’re looking for, insist on carefully proofread and plagiarism-checked work. If you’ve ordered a website, make sure it is user friendly and there are no hiccups and snags that visitors might encounter.

Use these simple tips and you’ll soon develop an efficient working relationship with your remote hires that is based on open communication, mutual respect and clear expectations.

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