Time tracking software is not the most effective way to motivate remote workers, experts have said.
Employee engagement company Weekly10 said employers need to motivate remote workers in other ways such as realistic goals, incentive programmes, transparent feedback and celebrating success.
It comes after their research showed 16% of employees solely working from home between September 2020 and January 2023 – and 51% are more productive when working from home while 20% suffer from burnout in the office.
A spokesperson at Weekly10 said: “Employee engagement is the driving force of success. There are multiple ways to encourage this, such as harnessing positive attitudes and encouraging personal development.
“However, time tracking software is not the answer to improve business operations. While it tracks multiple factors – including the amount of time between actions – it is harmful to workplace productivity.
“It’s also unrealistic to expect employees to stay at their desks all day. Employees cannot work at full speed all day, every day without experiencing burn out. Plus, regular computer breaks can prevent eyestrain, musculoskeletal disorders and circulation problems.
“Alternatively, employees can measure outputs and inputs with regular meetings, use goal setting to establish clear expectations and build a culture based on trust, rather than using time tracking software.”
The company believes employee engagement can be encouraged by setting realistic professional goals with clear guidelines that coincide with personal development plans, then managers and team leaders can help workers achieve their goals.
They said incentive programmes could be created for the workplace to help reduce stress and meet the goals that have been set – with financial and social rewards such as commission, wage increases, profit sharing and bonus payments.
They believe employers should praise employees on video calls, in monthly catch-ups or during team meetings – and an employer could create an achievements channel for this very purpose.
Transparent feedback should also be practiced and encouraged so employees can understand the successes and potential pitfalls of their performance while feeling comfortable to voice any praise or concerns they have.
Weekly10 believe the best way to motivate remote workers is by prioritising health and wellbeing.
They said: “The health and wellbeing of employees is paramount. If they are suffering from a physical or mental ailment, for example, it will inevitably affect their performance at work. That is why they should feel comfortable confiding in managers and taking sickness leave.
“To promote health and wellbeing in the workplace, employers can organise online mental health catch-ups, virtual guided meditation classes and more. Then, in turn, remote workers are more likely to engage with the business.”
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What % burnout when working collectively from office/ on site?