1 The Regional rep has left the building… Scott Argo & Erin Chadwick Georgia Regents University

2 Georgia Regents University ž Georgia’s Public Academic Health Center ž Located in Augusta, Georgia ž Formerly Georgia Health Sciences University and Augusta State University ž Comprehensive Research University ž 2 Augusta Campuses ž 5 Remote Clinical Campuses throughout Georgia ž Approximately 10,000 students

3 Why Remote Employees?  Presence in specific territory  Accessibility to potential students  Cost effective solution to recruitment

4 Before you Start…  Make sure you are up for the task of managing remotely Passion Availability Patience Reliability

5 Hiring: Rules for Success  Surround yourself with the very best people  Give them something meaningful and challenging to do  Keep them engaged  Reward them

6 The Hiring Process  Establish a screening committee  Phone interview first  Take your time Allow staff interaction Campus tour (training from the beginning) Lunch and learn Require a presentation

7  Working hours  Working location  Technology & usage  Performance objectives  Physical home office space Communicate Expectations

8 Provide the Right Tools  Laptop/Docking Station  Tablets  Phone  Hotspot/Wi-Fi  Office Supplies

9 Manager Tip #1 Integrate Employees ž Encourage ownership ž Share information ž Define employees role ž Say thank you

10 Manager Tip #2 Communication is Key ž Managers must work hard to ensure that their employees do not feel isolated ž Develop interpersonal communication ž Use multiple avenues

11 Manager Tip #3 Establish Trust and Respect  A manager’s communication style sets the tone for how the team will communicate with each other  People need reasons and explanations behind actions; this conveys respect for their thoughts and feelings  Respect is earned, not demanded. Those that demand respect actually destroy it 

12 Manager Tip # 4 Build a Team Culture  Foster inter-team communication  Create partnerships amongst remote employees for projects  Form virtual water coolers and opportunities for small talk, re-living past successes, humor and experiences 

13 Manager Tip #5 Create Accountability through Self Monitoring  Clearly outline goals  Create responsibility  Generate individual accountability with a self-monitoring system 

14 Manager Tip #6 Training is Key  The speed at which you build competency with employees is important due to costs and limited visual interaction  On-going mentoring and training is critical to keep employees connected to the organization  Managers should think of each remote employee’s development as a continuous process

15 Manager Tip #7 Handle Conflict Promptly  Don’t ignore employee performance issues until a more convenient time (out of sight, out of mind)  Often there is no one that can pick up the slack of a remote employee – fix it fast so a gap does not develop

16 Employee Tip # 1 Get Organized  Demonstrate outstanding organization and attention to detail  Each time you follow through on one of your projects, you will gain more trust and be included in higher-level ones 

17 Employee Tip #2 Check-In Frequently  Remain in touch…if you aren’t seen or heard, you are not thought of for new opportunities  Use multiple forms of communication such as Skype video conferencing and instant messaging, and don’t be afraid to pick up the phone  Identify the best means of communication

18 Employee Tip # 3 Network  Build your soft skills by networking in person and via social media with co- workers and other people in your profession.  Make time to go to your company’s training programs and holiday parties  Participate in as many networking events and conferences as you can 

19 Employee Tip #4 Pace Your Work Day  Without formal meetings and lunch breaks, you need to manage your own schedule  For every hour you work, take a 5-10 minute break. By doing this, you are mimicking the natural pace of office life

20 Employee Tip #5 Work in a Productive Space  Your dining-room table, the living room, or your neighborhood Starbucks may do the trick  Use a variety of work settings to avoid boredom; mix things up and get the creative juices flowing

21 Employee Tip #6 Use Collaboration Tools  It is important to show you are engaged throughout the day  By using tools such as Google Docs, colleagues can see your real-time edits, comments and projects

22 Employee Tip #7 Communicate in a Timely Manner  Make replying to your managers’ s a high priority  When you respond, be clear and concise. The connections are not always clear

23  Contact Information  Scott Argo    Erin Chadwick  