How do you manage and motivate your staff and volunteers in a remote or hybrid work environment?

1 Set clear expectations and goals

One of the key aspects of managing and motivating your staff and volunteers is to set clear expectations and goals for their roles, tasks, and outcomes. This helps them understand what they need to do, how they will be measured, and how they contribute to the organization's vision and strategy. Communicate these expectations and goals regularly and provide feedback and recognition along the way. Use online tools such as project management software, calendars, and dashboards to track progress and performance.

2 Foster a sense of community and belonging

Another important factor for managing and motivating your staff and volunteers is to foster a sense of community and belonging among them. This can help them feel valued, supported, and part of something bigger than themselves. Create opportunities for social interaction, collaboration, and learning through online platforms such as video calls, chat groups, forums, and webinars. Encourage them to share their stories, experiences, and feedback with each other and with you. Celebrate their achievements, milestones, and birthdays as a team.

3 Provide flexibility and autonomy

A third aspect of managing and motivating your staff and volunteers is to provide flexibility and autonomy for them to work in ways that suit their preferences, needs, and circumstances. This can help them balance their work and personal lives, reduce stress, and increase satisfaction and motivation. Allow them to choose their work hours, location, and style as much as possible, as long as they meet their expectations and goals. Trust them to manage their own work and empower them to make decisions and take initiative.

4 Offer support and resources

A fourth aspect of managing and motivating your staff and volunteers is to offer support and resources for them to cope with the challenges and opportunities of working remotely or hybridly. This can help them overcome obstacles, learn new skills, and grow professionally and personally. Provide them with access to technology, equipment, training, coaching, and mentoring that they need to perform their work effectively and efficiently. Check in with them regularly and ask them how they are doing, what they need, and how you can help.

5 Align them with your mission and values

A fifth aspect of managing and motivating your staff and volunteers is to align them with your mission and values as a non-profit organization. This can help them feel inspired, passionate, and committed to your cause and impact. Remind them of the purpose and meaning of their work and how it makes a difference in the lives of others. Share stories, testimonials, and data that demonstrate the results and outcomes of your work. Involve them in your strategic planning, decision making, and problem solving processes.

6 Recognize and reward their contributions

A sixth aspect of managing and motivating your staff and volunteers is to recognize and reward their contributions to your organization and its goals. This can help them feel appreciated, respected, and motivated to continue their work. Acknowledge their efforts, achievements, and feedback publicly and privately. Express your gratitude and appreciation for their work and dedication. Provide them with incentives, rewards, and opportunities that match their interests, values, and aspirations.