The responsibilities of those in the HR department have changed significantly since the rise of remote work. One of their new responsibilities is to help employees grow while WFH. If this concept seems foreign to you, here are a few tips to get you started.
With less paperwork flying through offices and more automated tasks, HR has more time and responsibility to attract and maintain an excellent workforce. But to keep them around, HR must find ways to help employees grow while WFH. Human resources representatives have shifted into a strategic role that relies on interpersonal relationships with employees and leaders.
Why Do Remote Employees Need the Support of the HR Department for Growth?
Remote employees need HR’s assistance to grow for several reasons.
HR provides essential resources and guidance for virtual training, fostering skill development crucial for career advancement. They facilitate career conversations, helping remote workers set goals and navigate professional growth opportunities within the organization. HR ensures remote employees are included in mentorship programs and have access to networking opportunities, which is crucial for building connections and advancing careers.
HR now plays a pivotal role in assessing and addressing remote workers’ unique challenges, offering tailored support for their well-being and development.
HR’s involvement is indispensable in creating an inclusive, supportive environment that enables remote employees to thrive and grow.
6 Ways HR Can Help Employees Grow while WFH
A common theme in these suggestions is about learning and development. Ensure remote employees know their career is not stagnant. There are opportunities to learn and grow. A survey by The Execu|Search Group showed that 86% of employees would leave their current career for one that offered more opportunities for professional growth.
With that said, HR personnel would be wise to:
1. Outline professional growth
Human resource professionals are experts at helping employees advance their careers. Just as you would in the office, ask employees about their goals. Help them set and stick to SMART goals. Be honest about the promotions timeline and what they can expect from the company.
Helping remote employees realize their goals ensures career progression, skill development, and job satisfaction. It aligns individual goals with organizational objectives, fostering a sense of purpose.
Clear professional growth plans for remote workers enhance motivation, engagement, and talent retention. This proactive approach by HR also contributes to a positive remote work culture, promoting continuous learning and adapting to evolving industry needs.
2. Encourage mentorships
Mentorships don’t need to happen in person. Virtual mentorships widen the pool of mentors and mentees, making it easier to find a perfect match. They promote professional development, knowledge transfer, and a sense of belonging.
Mentorships also facilitate skill growth, provide guidance in a virtual environment, and foster a stronger remote community. They enhance employee engagement, job satisfaction, and contribute to the overall success of remote teams by creating opportunities for learning and collaboration.
3. Encourage on-the-job upskilling (cross-training)
Alert employees of job openings within the company that will allow them to up-skill or further their careers.
HR can support remote employees with upskilling or cross-training if needed or desired by providing access to virtual training programs, webinars, and online courses. Offering financial assistance for relevant certifications and creating a culture that values continuous learning encourages skill development.
HR should also regularly assess skill gaps, identify emerging trends, and communicate growth opportunities, ensuring remote workers stay competitive and adaptable.
4. Provide consistent feedback
Consistent feedback for remote employees fosters communication, maintains performance standards, and promotes a sense of connection. It helps remote workers understand expectations, enhances productivity, and ensures alignment with organizational goals.
Regular feedback also cultivates a supportive work culture, boosts morale, and contributes to the overall success of remote teams.
5. Give recognition and praise
Similar to feedback, regular praise from HR boosts remote workers’ morale, recognizes their contributions, and reinforces a positive work culture. It fosters a sense of accomplishment, motivates sustained high performance, and strengthens the employee-employer relationship.
Acknowledging remote employees’ achievements publicly or through virtual channels also helps combat feelings of isolation, promoting a supportive and engaged remote workforce. Employees who feel recognized and appreciated tend to be happier, work harder, and repeat actions for which they receive praise.
6. Make learning part of company culture
From the moment you onboard an employee, make it clear that learning and improving are vital to the company culture.
HR should provide resources, incentives, and regular communication about the value of ongoing education to embed a culture that embraces learning as a core aspect of remote work. Recognizing and celebrating learning milestones through virtual channels reinforces the importance of skill development.
