How to measure productivity in home-based staff compared to office-based staff?

KPI for remote workers:

While the Scottish Government relaxed measures further last Monday, remote working is still advised across the UK, with calls for employers to consider hybrid working models in the long term. Remote working has become the “new normal” over lockdown and poses the problem: Achieving optimum performance in both home-based staff and office-based staff.

It’s important that you have a hybrid system in place which is tailored to your employee’s individual needs and department-specific targets. The CIPD reiterate that this is not a “one-size fits all” policy and businesses need to consult with their people to achieve a suitable balance. Furthermore, employees can ask to work at home, but employers do not have to agree. Measuring productivity in the workplace from home is difficult without regular real-time conversations and check-ups. However, if done correctly, this could encourage employers to confidently embrace hybrid working.

KPI

KPI’s (Key Performance Indicators) need to be adjusted accordingly. For example, an employee working remotely may be capable of easily surpassing targets which they had previously struggled to meet in the office environment. Despite the data showing wins, you could be losing out due to outdated goals. By acknowledging new standards, weekly or monthly targets can be higher or lower. This could involve sales numbers or subscriptions – metrics which are relevant to your company’s productivity!

Feedback

Employee feedback is crucial for keeping home-workers in the loop. Office feedback is undoubtedly more practical, with less distractions and in-person supervision or coaching opportunities. This allows staff to voice their issues in-person and identify areas for improvement quicker. In turn, these can be rectified 1-2-1. This often produces more clarity and understanding on the employee’s behalf. Whereas, this chain of communication can be trickier for home-based staff, relying on emails and video calls. However, regular team video call meetings on the weekly schedule can prevent staff at home from feeling isolated. Furthermore, these can act as regular deadlines and recaps to keep motivation high and simulate some of the office intensity.

Self-discipline

Self-discipline is needed for home-working to be effective. It requires the right tools and environment, allowing the employee to utilise the same benefits as an office. From providing suitable tech to covering work expenses, key details ensure your staff can reach full capacity at home. By removing potential disadvantages, staff can complete tasks away from typical office hours. Careful planning then allows productivity to be accurately measured against office work. This maximises the advantages of home working and the flexibility it offers.

Hybrid working is flexible and measuring productivity needs to be flexible too!

We can help you with productivity in the workplace

We hope this helped answer your questions on measuring KPI for remote workers. If you would like any help with hybrid working, feel free to contact us here.