With remote employees located in Colorado, California, and across the state of Texas (that’s 3 time zones!), daily operations for the team at Texas Tech University (TTU) could easily become complicated. Staff at TTU decided to face this challenge head-on and came up with some great ways for remote staff to feel engaged. TTU Jamie Hansard, Executive Director, and Jason Hale, Director of Recruitment, shared their strategies at an inspiring session at the AACRAO Annual Meeting in Orlando.
According to a recent Gallup poll, 43% of employees work remotely at least sometimes. Additionally, 51% say they would change jobs to have one that offered them flextime. Texas Tech University took this information and created a remote employee program that allows people the option to work remotely, but also found ways to keep those employees engaged with those on-site.
Once a remote employee is hired, what are the next steps? They found that employees primarily want four things: to be included, a way to check-in, professional development opportunities, and time to connect in person.
Feeling included
As a way to feel included, Texas Tech incorporated team building, technology, and engagement into their employee plan.
Team Building & Engagement
As a team building exercise, employees are asked to take the Strengthsfinder test, to not only help for their own professional development, but as a way to understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Community service projects are a huge part of the Texas Tech culture, and staff from every location are encouraged to participate.
Technology
In terms of technology, each remote staff members is provided a webcam for video conferencing, so each meeting that is held on-site includes a video conferencing feature. As additional measures of communication, staff:
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Utilize a group texting app, GroupMe
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Join a Facebook group created by team members
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Utilize REPu, where employees can upload presentations, videos, and use as a networking tool
Check-in opportunities
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1:1 meetings with manager monthly
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Handwritten notes to staff
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Regional site visits each semester
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Events in all regional areas
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Campus visits for remote staff (at least once per year)
Professional development
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New employee onboarding and training process
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Town Hall Meetings
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Annual August training meeting
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Utilize state and national organizations: TACRAO, SACRAO, AACRAO TACAC, NACAC, RMACAC, WACAC CiVSA
Connect in person
Many of the options listed above allow remote employees to connect with their colleagues in person, whether it’s at a conference, a training, site visit, or community service project, remote employees never have to feel alone.
With remote work on the rise, it is important that colleges and universities stay competitive and offer flexible working options. But hiring remote employees is not enough: it’s about keeping them engaged and connected. With seemingly unlimited technology options, staying connected is easier than ever - it’s about finding the resources that are right for you and your staff.