I just hired my first remote employee and I'm looking for some recommendations on software to help monitor their work to ensure they're not misusing company resources or time. What options do you all prefer for this?
5 Answers
Before jumping into software, think about these questions: Was using monitoring software part of the employee's agreement? Is the device they're using company-owned? And importantly, if they are hitting their deadlines, do you really need to monitor them at all?
Let's be real. You wouldn't track someone's bathroom breaks in the office, right? Instead of counting hours, focus on if the work gets done well and on time!
For sure! It seems ridiculous to track every little thing.
Yeah, logic should prevail in management; unfortunately, it often doesn't.
Honestly, the best approach is to trust your employee and evaluate their performance after a few months. If their work remains the same or improves, it's not necessary to micromanage. If their productivity drops, then you can revisit your agreement about working from home.
Exactly! Focusing on deliverables makes way more sense than tracking time. Good managers assess based on what gets done, not how long someone is visible.
I wish that were my call! I'm just in charge of setting things up for them.
We typically only use monitoring software if HR or the manager identifies a problem; it’s not standard. Otherwise, it’s really about whether the employee completes their tasks as expected.
This isn't a tech issue; it's more about management. If an employee's output is consistent, why monitor? Just trust that they’ll do their job, like you would with in-office employees!
Right? Instead of software, rely on established performance metrics and communication.
Great questions! Monitoring feels hostile, especially when employees can slack off just as easily in the office. Establishing clear expectations and respecting them is key.