How to Manage

manager overseeing a team in a modern office setting

Leaders at companies that have or are initiating changes in permanently allowing employees to work remotely will need to adapt, but it’s also important to remember that remote work is a two-way street. A Gallup survey just before the pandemic revealed that 40% of employees strongly concurred that the company’s mission makes them feel that their work is important. Managers must also continue to remind remote workers of the company’s mission and keep steering them to it. And employees need to feel that their bosses still care for them as people. Only 23% of employees believed strongly that they could apply their company’s values to their everyday work. Building a strong workplace culture is not easy under normal circumstances and will be even more challenging for companies that open up remote capabilities. It will take a team effort by management for remote working to succeed. The Gallup survey uncovered four common needs. The first was hope, as employees wanted to get excited about a better future. The second was stability as, even though the pandemic didn’t drive this home, employees wish to be assured that some things will remain steady even under the most trying times. Trust was another priority as workers want messages from leaders to be consistent with their actions. The fourth need was compassion from leaders who listen to them with understanding. Here are three suggestions for leaders.

Step One

In a virtual or remote environment, big changes must be made to maintain employee morale and confidence. The main objective of these changes is reaffirming that the company still cares about its employees and is making major changes to accommodate their remote work. One change might include a new way of meeting like virtual team lunches, including celebrations. How about video check-ins and virtual brainstorming sessions? A culture of doing things differently must be agreed on and implemented.

Step Two

Display adaptability and empathy. Each remote worker is facing new and different challenges. For one, it might be the absence of privacy because of the presence of other family members. For another, it could simply be adjusting to this new regimen. Demonstrating care for each employee is critical all the time but particularly in the early beginnings of this new structure. Gallup found that only 40% of workers felt their boss cared about them. It’s a number that companies can’t afford to experience further decline.

Step Three

Recognition is and has always been an integral part of managing employees. It’s easy to fall into the adage of “out of sight, out of mind.” With more remote workers, it’s even more critical not to forget those who excel in their work or have developed innovative ways to maximize their efforts from afar. What may be helpful as well is revisiting and revising the way remote employees record and report their work and results. Using part of team virtual meetings is one way to recognize such success.

Written by

Lauren McGuire

Lauren McGuire is a seasoned digital marketing and operations leader with over a decade of experience driving growth, innovation, and integration across diverse industries. She's had great success leading national digital operations spanning Paid Media, Influencer, and Social channels to deliver scalable, high-impact solutions. Known for her ability to design and implement systems that streamline workflows, foster cross-functional collaboration, and enhance performance, Lauren has played a pivotal role in shaping digital strategy for major brands in corporate, consumer, travel, healthcare, and lifestyle sectors. She is a trusted partner to senior leadership, guiding new business development, integrating emerging technologies like AI, and ensuring readiness for rapid market shifts. Lauren's career includes leadership roles in the agency world where she consistently delivered measurable results in media performance, team development, and revenue growth. With expertise in digital strategy, operational excellence, and advanced marketing techniques, she thrives on turning complex challenges into clear, actionable plans that drive sustainable success. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a specialization in Public Relations/Advertising from Loyola University Maryland, along with a Business Administration minor from the AACSB-accredited Sellinger School of Business.

View all articles by Lauren McGuire →

Keep Reading

View all posts →

ces sizzle reel 2025 cover art with futuristic graphics

5WPR News

CES 2026 Trends: Functional AI, Purpose-Driven Robotics, and the Power of Communications

January 13, 2026

a man in a suit stands in front of a brick wall

5WPR News

From Brand Awareness to Loyalty: The Strategic Importance of PR in Branding

October 1, 2024

5WPR News

The Illusion of Neutrality Part One: The Pitfalls of Passivity

September 17, 2024

Get in touch

Let's build your next chapter.

Tell us what you're working on. A senior strategist will respond within one business day.

Email: info@5wpr.com
Phone: 212.999.5585
Offices: New York · HQ469 7th Avenue, Floor 8
New York, NY 10018
Miami100 SE 2nd Street, Floor 38
Miami, FL 33131
Tampa110 South 12th Street
Tampa, FL 33602

How to Manage

Step One

Step Two

Step Three

Related Articles

CES 2026 Trends: Functional AI, Purpose-Driven Robotics, and the Power of Communications

From Brand Awareness to Loyalty: The Strategic Importance of PR in Branding

The Illusion of Neutrality Part One: The Pitfalls of Passivity

Let's build your next chapter.