Although everyone manages their employees slightly differently, here are a few recurring principles that build employee trust and increase productivity:
- Be generous with positive feedback. This is fundamental for any employee, not just your Filipino VA’s. Recognize and verbally acknowledge the things your VA has done right before giving any negative feedback.
Such as:
(POSITIVE) You’ve done great work on this task, and I especially appreciate your attention to detail.
(FEEDBACK) I don’t love the wording that you used. Do you have any ideas on how we can fix that? (Or give them specific instructions on what you Do want.)
(POSITIVE) Again, thanks for your hard work, and please let me know if you have any questions or if I can help with anything. (Offer your help and let them know you’re not upset.)
You’ll be amazed at how this simple method affects your employees’ enthusiasm and loyalty.
- When you receive your End of Shift Report, if you don’t have any criticisms or feedback, still respond. It can be as simple as “Great work. Thanks for getting that done.” A little appreciation goes a long way.
- Your VA’s may get tired of the same monotonous tasks day after day. Once they’re comfortable with their daily tasks, give your VA’s opportunities to grow. Ask them to figure something out for you or give them a new project. Be sure to include plenty of feedback and instruction with new tasks, and be encouraging.
- Utilize a Project Management System such as Asana. We strongly recommend that you join their workspace as it makes you aware of the status of every task your VA is working on or has completed. This eliminates you sending an email and then worrying about whether or not if it’s completed. Just check the status in Asana. This also keeps a permanent log of everything your VA has done for you.
- Communicate, Communicate, Communicate! Stay connected to your employees; it keeps them on-task and keeps you updated. Review their End of Shift Reports (EOSR) and discuss their productivity with them. Be sure to respond to their questions and/or suggestions. Don’t rely completely on email, text and Asana. When you have time, pick up the phone and chat.
With all of the communication, don’t fall into the trap of micromanaging! Just because you are communicating with your VA every day doesn’t mean you have to scrutinize their every move. Let them do their jobs and let them know they’re appreciated.
- Remember: not all communication has to be professional. Show interest in your workers’ families, ask them how they like their jobs etc…You’ll find that your business relationships will improve with your communication.
7. Don’t forget to compensate them fairly. Make sure they are receiving a salary package which is at the top end of the industry. Include regular bonuses and other perks. Your Filipino VA’s have families, bills, and mortgages. Reward them for exceptional work. Give them bonuses from time to time to say thank you. It doesn’t have to be much. A bonus of a couple of hundred dollars given periodically is a great way for you to say thank you. In my experience, overpayment builds extreme loyalty.
Remember, Global OfficeWorks has an entire management team in place to support you. Whenever we can be of any assistance, please reach out to us at any time.
