Tag Remote

Showing appreciation to your employees is easy when everyone is in-office. What if your team is remote? How can you show your employees how valued and appreciated they are when they are miles (or even countries) apart? Employee appreciation ideas for your remote team to follow.

If you’re eager to show your remote team your appreciation and gratitude, we have a few ideas! Let’s look at some great (and affordable) employee appreciation ideas perfect for your remote team.

Affordable Remote Employee Appreciation Ideas

Employee Recognition

Sometimes the simplest gesture is the most rewarding. You can show appreciation to your remote employees by appreciating them publicly. Send a personal “Thank You” note to each of them and thank them for all they’ve contributed over the past year. Be specific, too.

Organize a virtual event to recognize employee contributions throughout the year. Individual and team achievements can be rewarded with certificates and awards.

Buy Them Lunch

Who doesn’t love good food? If a company gathering for lunch or dinner isn’t possible, consider gift cards for a restaurant or for a popular food delivery service such as Grubhub. You can gift lunch, dinner, or an allowance for coffee in the new year.

Wellness Package

The 2020 pandemic taught us that health should always be a top priority. Employee wellness has become a major focus for most companies as we become more wellness conscious. A wellness package is a wonderful way to show your remote employees your appreciation and let them know their health matters to you. You could offer virtual employees a variety of wellness bonuses and perks, such as healthy meal subscriptions, fitness app subscriptions, spa or massage gift certificates, or gift cards for healthy snack baskets.

Paid Time Off

How about a vacation? Times are stressful, and many remote employees would benefit from some extra time off. Adequate rest minimizes burnout and allows employees to work at their best. Consider gifting remote employees a week off or a time allowance for vacation.

Career Development

Just because employees are working from home doesn’t mean professional development should be on hold. Encourage your employees to grow professionally by offering online learning opportunities. There are many online schools and websites that provide a variety of courses to expand skillsets and stimulate career growth.

Conclusion

Working from home can be lonely, and the distance from coworkers and managers makes it difficult to see and feel validation and appreciation in your job. Making the effort to recognize and reward your remote employees will encourage and support them. It will also foster company loyalty and pride in their role and their work. With some simple gestures of gratitude and affordable gifts, you can help your employees feel appreciated and focused on their personal growth and company growth.

If you’re searching for more people to add to your remote team, let our team at ABBTECH lend you a hand!

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has led many businesses to let employees work remotely. This has made work more accessible to people than ever before. Remote jobs definitely expand accessible work options.

A remote job provides an accessible work option to people around the world. You can pursue remote jobs at companies in myriad industries. In doing so, you may discover a remote role that suits you perfectly. And you may be able to take another step forward in your quest to accomplish your career goals.

Why Accessible Work Options Are Key for Today’s Businesses

Prior to the pandemic, most companies did not offer a “flexible workplace” benefit. Businesses often wanted employees to work on site rather than remotely.

When the pandemic began, many companies shifted their focus. They wanted to keep employees safe and remain productive. To achieve their goal, companies that previously required workers to complete tasks on site let employees work from home.

Companies are still adjusting to the “new normal” of the pandemic. During this time, they are considering every available option for work. Some companies have found that letting employees work remotely can be beneficial for several reasons.

Businesses can save money by allowing employees to work offsite. They don’t necessarily have to provide workers with office space or equipment like they did in the past. Instead, companies can let workers complete tasks at home and save money when they do.

Of course, the benefits of working remotely are significant for employees as well. For many employees, they can avoid a long and arduous commute to their jobs if they work remotely. Meanwhile, some workers prefer remote roles so they can maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Should You Pursue a Remote Job?

A remote job offers unmatched accessibility. You can accept a remote role in which you perform your job from the comfort of home. Most remote jobs let you engage with peers and managers via phone call, video chat, and other communication methods. Remote jobs expand accessible work options. You can consistently stay up to date on work tasks and handle them as they come your way, too.

If you pursue a remote job, you may find that many opportunities are available at companies around the world. Businesses are willing to offer remote work to quality job candidates, regardless of location. They may also provide equipment and training to ensure remote workers can perform their best.

Of course, before you pursue a remote job, it helps to update your resume. This ensures you can highlight skills and expertise that show employers you are a viable candidate for remote jobs. You can then start sending your resume to employers and find a remote job that meets your expectations.

Want to Land a Remote Job in IT? Partner with ABBTECH

ABBTECH is a leading IT talent recruitment agency. We help IT job seekers pursue in-house and remote jobs. Our team can meet with you and find out what you want to achieve in your IT career. Next, we can put you in touch with employers that can help you fulfill your career goals. To get started, explore our job board today.

Building an effective remote onboarding program can be tricky. You risk miscommunications and other errors during the remote onboarding process. These mistakes can disrupt new hires’ first few days with your company. Even worse, they cause new hires to rethink their decisions to join your business.

An effective remote onboarding program is a must-have. This program is well-equipped to help remote new hires hit the ground running right away.

Tips for Building an Effective Remote Onboarding Program.

1. Establish a Simple and Straightforward Pre-Hiring Process

Give remote new hires plenty of information they can use to streamline the onboarding cycle. In the days before a new hire joins your team, set them accounts for them in your systems. You can also ensure any paperwork an employee needs is sent to him or her and completed accordingly.

2. Give Remote New Hires the Right Technology

Ensure your remote new hires have the technology they need to succeed. For instance, you can ship a laptop to remote workers and confirm they receive it before their start date. You can also provide setup instructions for their computer. Meanwhile, you can ensure a remote worker’s computer is equipped with software and tools needed for work. If these software and tools are preinstalled, a new hire won’t have to worry about setting them up on their first day.

3. Make Orientation and Training Collaborative

Revamp your orientation and training programs to meet the needs of remote new hires. Virtual orientation sessions allow remote workers to connect with their peers and superiors. Games and other training options are engaging to remote personnel. Remote workers can quickly get acclimated to your company and their role with these orientation and training programs in place.

4. Prioritize Communication

Keep the lines of communication open with remote new hires as much as possible. You can schedule frequent check-ins with remote workers during their initial days with your company. These check-ins allow you to find out how remote employees are adjusting to your company and offer support. Moreover, you can help remote workers establish a healthy work-life balance and avoid work-from-home fatigue.

5. Get Feedback from Your Remote Workers

Learn from remote workers as you implement and execute your onboarding program. There is always room to improve your program. Remote employees can offer tips and insights to help you do just that. Collect and apply feedback from remote personnel to enhance your program regularly.   

The Bottom Line on Building an Effective Remote Onboarding Program

Hard work and patience builds an effective remote onboarding program. With the right approach, this establishes and maintains a remote onboarding program that serves your company well long into the future.

Of course, ABBTECH can assist if you need extra help recruiting remote IT workers. We can put you in touch with top IT talent from around the world. For more information, get in touch with us today.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) can cause serious problems for remote workers. However, there are safe and healthy ways to cope with SAD symptoms. With a clear understanding and its potential impact, remote workers can manage seasonal affective disorder. Plus, they can find the best ways to feel and perform their best at work and outside of it.

Now, let’s answer some of the biggest questions surrounding SAD and how to manage it.

What Is Seasonal Affective Disorder?

SAD is a form of depression that begins and ends around the same times each year. The disorder often occurs in winter and resolves in summer. But, it can affect individuals during any season.

The symptoms of SAD vary depending on the individual. Common SAD symptoms include:

• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and hopelessness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Insomnia or sleeping too much
• Appetite changes
• Suicidal thoughts

SAD symptoms can crop up without notice. And they are unlikely to subside on their own.

If you experience SAD symptoms, consult with a doctor. From here, you can work with your doctor to determine the best course of action. This is one way remote workers can manage seasonal affective disorder.

Is Seasonal Affective Disorder Common Among Remote Workers?

Remote employees are prone to work-from-home fatigue and similar problems. These workers may find themselves alone for extended periods of time, particularly in winter.

Winter brings cold temperatures and limited sunlight. Remote workers who spend long periods of time indoors may have reduced exposure to sunlight. This can affect an individual’s internal clock and the production of serotonin and melatonin. These are the body’s “feel-good” hormones. The result: remote workers may feel more sluggish in winter. They may struggle to stay focused, feel great, and work at peak levels.

Is Seasonal Affective Disorder for Remote Workers Preventable?

SAD cannot be prevented, but it can be managed. Some of the best ways remote workers can manage SAD symptoms include:

• Use Light Therapy: Set up a phototherapy box in a workspace. This exposes remote workers to artificial light that can help them keep their circadian rhythm on track.
• Engage in Social Activities: Reach out to work colleagues, family members, and friends. Connect with these individuals virtually or in person. Then, you can enjoy fun activities together.
• Establish a Schedule: Make a work schedule and stick to it. In addition, ensure you have plenty of time to wind down at the end of the work day. Try to get seven to nine hours of sleep every night.

Consult with a doctor to receive a medical evaluation regarding any SAD symptoms. Your doctor can then offer a personalized treatment plan to help you manage your symptoms now and in the future.

Tired of Your Job? ABBTECH Can Help

If you feel exhausted and worn-out from your job, ABBTECH can assist. We offer job placement assistance to job seekers of all skill and experience levels. Our recruiters can keep you up to date on job openings. Browse our job board today!