Change is a constant in any workplace, but it can be extra challenging when teams are scattered across different locations. Remote employees might feel disconnected from the big picture, making it harder to get everyone on board with new plans. 

Here are steps you can try to overcome this challenge and help your remote team embrace change.

STEP 1: Identify and acknowledge the problem.

It’s completely normal for people to resist change, but this can be even stronger for remote workers who might feel isolated from the company. Some common signs of this resistance include:

• Decreased productivity.
  You see a dip in the quality of work or a slowdown in output.
  
• Increased errors.
  You see errors or lapses that were rarely seen before.
  
• Negative attitude.
  You notice a change in attitude, marked by a tendency to complain or withdraw.
  
• Lack of collaboration.
  You notice less involvement in team activities.
  
• Increased turnover.
  Staff members are leaving the company because they’re unhappy with their jobs.

STEP 2: Understand the causes of resistance.

A lot of things can contribute to resistance to change among remote employees:

• Fear of the unknown.
  Not knowing how a change will affect their day-to-day work or how it will impact their time outside of work can be really stressful.
  
• Lack of communication.
  Not clearly explaining a change can cause confusion and distrust.
  
• Feeling overwhelmed.
  Remote employees may already be juggling multiple responsibilities, making it difficult to incorporate new systems or methods into their routines
  .
• Lack of involvement.
  When employees feel left out of the decision-making process, they’re more likely to push back against changes.
  
• Technological Challenges.
  New software or tools that are tough to use can slow people down and make them upset.

STEP 3: Overcome resistance by practicing adaptation.

To overcome people’s resistance to change, it’s important to create a trusting environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns. 

Talk to them about the reasons for the change and provide support to employees throughout the process, you can help ease their worries and build enthusiasm for what’s to come.

• Explain why things are changing, what’s good about it, and how it helps the company. You can use emails, videos, and messages to make sure everyone knows what’s up.
• Get ideas from employees before and during the change. Show them that you care about their thoughts.
• Help people learn how to use new things, and offer ongoing help when they need it.
• Let employees share their worries and tell them the truth about their concerns.
• Celebrate people who handle change well by rewarding them for being flexible.
• Help remote employees feel like they belong. Plan online activities to connect.

An Employer of Record (EOR) like Filta can be a huge help when managing changes for remote workers. 

We can take care of HR and payroll so that managing changes can be simpler and easier for everyone. We can offer expert advice on strategies, help to communicate changes effectively, and maintain legal compliance. This frees companies to focus on core business and manage global teams while we handle complex labor laws and act as a buffer between the company and employees during transitions.

By choosing Filta’s Employer of Record (EOR), companies can focus on implementing change initiatives while relying on us for administrative and HR support.

Helping remote workers adjust to new things isn’t easy. To do it right, you need a smart plan. By understanding their hesitation, listening to their ideas, providing the right tools, and partnering with an Employer of Record, companies can help their remote teams adapt better and be stronger in the long run.

Go to www.filtaglobal.com to learn more about how Filta can help you and your team through challenging times.