Knowing the key differences between monitoring and managing employees abroad is key to succeeding in a changing environment. Now, if this is your first time having any type of remote employee, then don’t worry. A lot of managers find themselves in this position and find that it’s very similar to managing and monitoring employees in an office. 

The first thing you have to keep in mind is that managing is related to task management and communication-related duties. While monitoring involves keeping track of KPIs (Key Performance Indicators), metrics, and other things. Let’s start by looking how managing is done with employees abroad first.

Managing Employees Abroad

In an office setting, you might have done scheduled meetings to keep everyone on track, let team members know their schedule, or hear any concerns. This is going to be the same with employees abroad. We all know that communication is key to successful management. What will change is how it’s done.

You’ll most likely use some sort of communication software like Slack or Zoom and have your meetings that way. With good communication, everything else will fall into place. What you want to avoid is thinking that you have to over do it. 

Over Communication Can Lead to Bad Management

It’s normal to feel like your employees will not work as hard if they are out of an office environment. This isn’t true. Recent developments have shown that remote employees tend to work a little harder.

So don’t feel like you need to micromanage and keep them wrapped up in Slack all day. Relax, leave them alone and only get involved if something comes up during monitoring, like poor KPIs.

How to Make Managing Overseas Employees Easier

Some companies like to hire what’s called an employer of record (EOR) or a professional employer organization (PEO). What EOR and PEOs do is handle your HR needs for overseas employees. This option can work out great with the right EOR or PEO. You can save a lot of time and have live support from people native to the country where your employees are at.

Monitoring Productivity of Remote Employees

Tracking KPIs not only helps your company but your employees as well. Some don’t like it but you can’t improve something until you measure it. This is why monitoring productivity is so important. If you can keep an eye on productivity, then you can see what improvements your team needs to make. 

This type of focus on productivity is actually good for everyone in the process. Not only will remote employees get accurate feedback, but you’ll be able to implement changes that have a positive effect. This can make your team feel like your invested in their success and not just keeping an eye on them.

Keep KPI Goals Realistic and Achievable

No one likes to get a goal that seems to set them up for failure. A problem that most remote employees face is a lack of in-person support. Office environments typically don’t have this problem.

Your goal for successful monitoring should include open accessibility and good communication. Your employees should feel comfortable coming to you for certain problems.

Working With BrightR for Your Remote Employee Needs

BrightR helps companies looking to form a presence in Canada by helping them hire Canadian residents. They can help you get an employee you already have settled in Canada if you’re sending a team over. BrightR also offers consulting services so you can get the right professional help from experts that know the area. 

If you need a team set-up in Canada or are looking to hire Canadians, then click here to contact someone from BrightR and get started today.