Engaging Distributed Teams Through Technology
Low employee engagement is at a record high, costing the global economy an estimated $8.9 trillion or 9% of global GDP, according to a 2024 Gallup report. Cleaning and security employees working on distributed teams are particularly vulnerable to feeling less engaged, as they are isolated and dispersed locations making it difficult for them to stay connected.
Globally, more than 20% of employees experience daily loneliness, which directly impacts their productivity, according to research. However, companies that take steps to successfully increase engagement stand to reap a number of benefits, such as increased profit, raised retention rates and improved customer service.
To ensure workers stay engaged, integrated workforce management software can keep distributed teams motivated and supported, regardless of whether or not supervisors are on-site. With employee engagement software, it is possible to promote increased flexibility in the field, empower workers through self-service opportunities and better communicate with teams.
Managing distributed teams
It can be easy to overlook the importance of engaging and connecting with distributed teams – from management to back-office staff, to cleaners and guards in the field – simply because of the variance in how often distributed teams interact face-to-face with employers.
The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) states that employee engagement is a pivotal force for shaping workplace outcomes. Additionally, emotional commitment and behavioural dedication drive the retention, productivity and satisfaction that companies seek.
So, how can employers improve work environments when it comes to managing distributed teams, especially cleaners or guards, by keeping employees engaged while they work independently and offsite from a centralised office? The following is a list of pointers:
- Access technology that provides open communication channels
- Empower employees through technology-driven access
- Leverage technology as a tool to attract and retain a workforce
- Utilise dependable software that works in good times and uncertain times
A software solution with a self-service portal can offer a hub of information that workers can independently access within the field. Administrators can regularly update those portals with view-only information pertaining to payroll details, tax information or benefit packages. Employees who want that type of information can access those details anytime.
Improving company culture via communication
Social isolation and chronic loneliness are primary causes for some of the negative physical and mental health effects that workers experience, according to researchers. However, boosting engagement encourages positive employee experiences by placing employees first.
Industry-specific cleaning and security software can help support distributed workforce engagement. Instead of treating technology solutions as a lifeline, business owners can treat them as necessary improvements to operations and proactive precautions against crises. I
An investment in technology directly links frontline cleaners and guards to other areas of the business. Once implemented, technology can create open lines of communication by allowing workers to send and receive messages across platforms to keep workers engaged.
In-person work interactions are not necessary to provide a benefit. A Gallup study found that all forms of social time – particularly phone, video or texting – are associated with a better mood. However, technological interactions such as messaging have thresholds, which means that moods drop after moderate amounts.
With the right solution, distributed teams should be able to use mobile phone technology to ask questions, reply to work-site instructions, manage safety and job-site checkpoints and have a direct line of communication with a manager in real time.
Establishing workforce engagement with Timegate+
Across the globe, more employees than ever before are feeling less engaged. That knowledge, coupled with the fact that distributed teams are susceptible to low engagement, means that employers must find ways to keep workers engaged – and technology is a powerful solution.
Integrated software can help companies engage their workers, which could lead to improved productivity and increased profits. Timegate+ is the latest TEAM Software solution that can support connecting distributed teams while supporting scalable business growth.
Learn more in our guide to engaging your distributed teams through technology and holistic workforce management software.