Business owners are being told of ways to keep remote workers engaged, among rising concerns phones are limiting productivity. Business specialists at TelephoneSystems.Cloud are advising managers and business owners to limit distractions among employees.

This comes after it is revealed employees spend an average of two hours per day on their phones for non-work activity. Research also found 80% of employees admit to using their smartphones for personal activities at work.

Balancing employees’ work and phone use is essential to managing a productive workload, according to the business specialists.  A few daily phone check-ins can slowly turn into remote workers avoiding their work commitments and tasks by aimlessly scrolling on social media for large chunks of time.

Regular check ins, encouraging screen time monitors and time blocking can really help business owners and managers to increase productivity within their team.

Juliet Moran, founder of TelephoneSystems.Cloud said: “As business owners, it is important to have complete trust of your workforce, especially if you have fully remote or hybrid workers.

“Picking up mobile phones several times during the work day interrupts workflow and decreases productivity, but as a manager you don’t want to come across as overbearing and controlling.

“Managers should promote a healthy work environment, and rather than completely banning phone use, encourage employees to set healthy habits with their phone during work hours.

“Engaging remote employees requires long-term commitment and a strategic approach. We suggest enforcing regular check-ins, encouraging time blocking and even screen time blockers for those who really struggle to avoid distractions during the working day.”

Here are tips to keep remote workers engaged, from TelephoneSystems.Cloud

1. Regular check ins 

Setting up regular check ins with colleagues and employees gives them points in the day to work towards. Breaking up the day like this limits the temptation for distractions and keeps employees on track. Increasing interactions with remote workers can also help to avoid burnout and keep them engaged.

2. Encourage screen time blockers

Using apps and screen time blockers to monitor and control screen time while working can help employees to avoid constant distractions during work hours, such as notifications, phone calls and social media.

3. Time blocking 

Rather than trying to ban phone use altogether, try introducing time blocking or designating specific times of the day for employees to have personal time when working from home. This will help them to separate personal and work time, and limit the need for them to pick up the phone at several points throughout the day.

4. Foster social interaction 

Fostering positive team relationships and interactions through things like virtual team meet ups and video chats can help to keep employees engaged throughout the day. This will help to lessen the potential for your workers to become bored or unmotivated.

5. Measure engagement 

Managers who are concerned with the productivity of their teams can introduce ways to measure engagement. This can be done through different programmes and trackers, based on the needs of the team or company. This can provide a way to keep your thumb on the pulse of remote employees and a way to track tasks and projects.