Do you know how many of your workers are currently binge-watching a TV show instead of working?

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Maybe, over time, you can get to know each worker and recognize when they are giving their best and when not. But how to measure productivity for remote workers day in, day out, from the word go?

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We have compiled an extensive list of tips that can help you to start improving your tracking methods immediately.

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Rely on Hard Data

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For many tasks, regardless of the department, the progress can be recorded, calculated, and presented using exact metrics. KPIs, OKRs, the amount of logged and active time—all of these can help in determining an employee’s actual productivity.

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Let’s take a closer look at the two key methods of tracking that rely on numbers.

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1. Define Objectives & Performance Metrics

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Your company cannot successfully reach goals if you haven’t determined what those goals are. The same applies to your employees—they cannot contribute to objectives if they are not clear on what those are.

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Determine your long and short-term goals, and identifying the best productivity metrics for each employee will be easy. The most reliable individual metrics are Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Objectives & Key Results (OKRs).

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KPIs and OKRs offer a clear perspective on how individual efforts contribute to the company’s success. In addition, these productivity indicators also encourage employee growth and focus.

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2. Implement Tracking Apps

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Specialized software that facilitates task management and monitors progress is necessary for the success of remote teams.

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These tools provide an all-encompassing view of task completion rates and time management. They also allow fair distribution of work and enable leaders to assess productivity without micromanaging. In other words, these tools foster a culture of trust and self-sufficiency.

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One of the top-rated tracking tools is Insightful. This robust and scalable software goes beyond time tracking. It enables you to gauge active and idle, as well as productive, neutral, and unproductive time. You can also measure time per task, monitor usage of any unproductive websites, take screenshots, and take your team’s productivity to a whole new level.

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Focus on Improving Work Allocation & Task Management

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When figuring out how to measure productivity for remote employees, a part of the solution is a switch in management approach. Breaking down demanding tasks into smaller chunks and setting strict deadlines can go a long way.

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3. Break Down Tasks into Achievable Milestones

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Segmenting larger tasks into smaller, manageable milestones makes the progress of each employee fully visible. It also allows for adjustments tailored to individual preferences and work styles.

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Consequently, this approach can greatly enhance a sense of achievement keeping motivation and morale high.

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4. Establish & Communicate Clear Deadlines

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Setting and discussing realistic deadlines with employees helps them prioritize tasks effectively. This practice ensures that employees are aware of their responsibilities and timelines.

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With clear deadlines, it’s also easier to better plan and allocate resources, as well as prevent any misunderstandings over project goals.

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Make Sure Your Employees Know Where They Stand

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Employee productivity insights should not be kept between team managers and executives. Giving employees access to their own performance data can help them figure out their weak points and immensely improve their performance.

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5. Schedule Regular Progress Reviews & Feedback Sessions

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Consistent meetings and feedback sessions provide a platform to review progress and address concerns.

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Software like Insightful helps you gather important information about an employee’s work patterns and how these contribute to the person’s productivity. Regularly sharing this insight with your workers can serve their growth.

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6. Emphasize Open Communication

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Developing a culture of transparent communication ensures that employees are comfortable sharing their successes and challenges. Regular interactions, such as daily stand-ups or weekly summaries, foster a supportive work environment, which is elementary for remote teams.

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Show You Care for Every Individual

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Although not exactly a productivity tracking method, showing appreciation for each employee and their work can upgrade motivation and performance.

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7. Recognize & Reward Efforts

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Try creating a system where achievements are regularly acknowledged. Positive reinforcement through recognition and rewards considerably boosts employee morale and productivity contributing to a positive company culture.

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8. Ensure Employee Well-being

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A healthy work-life balance is fundamental to sustaining productivity and employee satisfaction in the long run. Make sure you support physical and mental health initiatives, and rely on Insightful to spot early signs of burnout in your employees.

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Conclusion

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Productivity monitoring for remote workers involves more than tracking their online hours. It's about ensuring alignment with strategic goals, adequate workload division, and fostering effective communication.

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Together with diverse incentives and employee well-being initiatives, the insights gained through productivity tracking can contribute to a significant growth in employee performance.

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Approaching productivity in this holistic manner builds a foundation of trust and mutual respect, essential for long-term success in remote work settings.

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