Engagement strategies for managing remote employees

The best engagement strategies for managing remote employees are to keep them informed, included, and connected. Here’s how: with good intentional communication, the right tools, and a strong digital culture. 

Remote work is no longer a perk. It’s part of the modern workplace. According to the 2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 22.8% of workers now work remotely at least some of the time. Companies are discovering the benefits – cost savings, higher retention, increased productivity – but only if remote employees are fully supported and engaged. Simply allowing remote work isn’t enough; organizations must create an experience that mirrors inclusion, collaboration, and culture for everyone, no matter where they are.

Responding to the rise of remote and hybrid work

The shift to remote and hybrid work happened fast, leaving many companies scrambling to adapt digital workflows for distributed teams. Some organizations hesitate to fully embrace remote options because they worry about oversight, communication gaps, or the lack of tools that truly unify employees.

Prohibiting remote work today can hinder your competitiveness in the talent market. Millennials and Gen Z, in particular, highly value flexibility. But even companies that allow remote work often fall short of supporting it properly. Remote employees need easy access to the right information, the ability to collaborate effectively, and visibility into company culture and leadership decisions.

Without this, remote workers can feel disconnected – impacting productivity, engagement, and even retention. A recent Appspace study found 66% of employees prefer working remotely most days, yet 57% are required to come into the office more than they’d like.

Challenges of remote work

Remote work introduces unique hurdles:

• Disconnected teams: Missing timely information or informal knowledge-sharing moments can leave remote employees feeling isolated.
• Technology fragmentation: Multiple apps without integration create silos, making collaboration harder.
• Isolation from culture: The spontaneous knowledge transfer and social interactions of a physical office are hard to replicate online and can leave remote workers feeling lonely and cut off.

Recognizing these challenges is the first step to solving them. Engagement strategies for remote employees aren’t just “nice to have” – they’re essential for maintaining productivity, culture, and overall business success.

3 ways to engage and manage remote workers effectively

1. Be hyper-aware

Remote employees shouldn’t feel invisible. Factor in their needs for every project, meeting, and company initiative. Use video conferencing for team meetings, maintain clear presence indicators on chat platforms, and consider small touches like sending swag or desk drops for company announcements. These actions reinforce inclusion and set the tone for collaborative culture.

2. Make it easy to work from anywhere

Ensure all employees – remote or on-site – have equal access to the tools, content, and people they need. Centralize resources on your intranet or digital workspace so employees don’t waste time context-switching between apps. Unified, accessible platforms empower employees to collaborate efficiently from any location.

3. Bring your culture online

Digital spaces should reflect your organization’s culture. Employee profiles, social hubs, and interactive content help remote employees feel connected. Facilitating casual interactions online, much like water-cooler conversations in the office, strengthens relationships, trust, and engagement.

Practical tips to improve communication with remote employees

Beyond technology, the key to remote engagement is intentional communication. Here are actionable strategies:

1. Clearly communicate expectations and goals
   Set clear objectives and make them visible through your intranet, employee app, and even digital signage. When everyone sees the same information at the right time, employees feel informed and included.
2. Choose the right tools
   Invest in tools designed for distributed teams – video conferencing, chat platforms, project management apps – and integrate them wherever possible. Reducing context-switching lowers frustration and keeps employees focused.
3. Optimize onboarding and learning
   Give remote hires a strong start with warm virtual welcomes, team introductions, and access to all essential resources in one hub. Offer online training and development opportunities to build skills and confidence.
4. Set clear communication guidelines
   Define frequency, response expectations, and preferred channels. A clear policy means everyone knows how and when to communicate, reducing misunderstandings and frustration.
5. Prioritize regular check-ins
   Schedule one-on-ones and team meetings to provide feedback, address challenges, and strengthen connections. Regular touchpoints combat isolation and reinforce belonging.
6. Encourage social interaction
   Plan virtual team-building, coffee chats, or forums where employees can engage informally. Even small gestures create camaraderie and trust across teams.
7. Be flexible
   Accommodate different time zones and work styles. Flexibility shows that you value employees’ circumstances and helps maintain morale and productivity –  support asynchronous working, for example.
8. Acknowledge achievements
   Celebrate contributions publicly via digital platforms. Recognition reinforces engagement, motivation, and a sense of belonging.
9. Ask for feedback and adapt
   Continuously evaluate what’s working and what’s not. Remote engagement requires iteration – listen to employees, adjust tools, and refine processes.

Future trends in remote employee engagement

The landscape of engagement is evolving rapidly. Key trends leaders should consider include:

• Generative AI and automation: Automating routine communications and leveraging AI to create personalized content keeps employees informed without overwhelming them.
• Data-driven insights: Advanced analytics help leaders understand engagement patterns, measure the impact of messages, and optimize communication strategies in real-time.
• Personalized content delivery: Tailoring updates and resources based on roles, locations, and teams ensures employees get relevant information when they need it.
• Enhanced support for frontline employees: Mobile-first engagement tools now bridge the gap for deskless workers, giving them instant access to the same updates as office staff.
• Integrated digital experiences: Centralized platforms connect apps, communications, and culture, creating a seamless digital workplace that mirrors the collaborative benefits of physical offices.

By embracing these trends, companies can keep remote employees informed, engaged, and productive, while fostering inclusion and equity across all teams.

Read this: Remote work: 5 trends for the future

How Appspace supports remote teams

Turning these strategies into reality starts with the right tools – and Appspace is built to help remote employees feel informed, included, and connected every day. Here’s how:

• Centralized communication hub: A single digital destination for updates, resources, and conversations means remote employees can find everything they need without juggling multiple apps.
• Mobile-first access: Deliver targeted, role-specific updates and alerts directly to employees’ devices so no one misses key information.
• Bring your culture online: Customizable digital spaces, recognition walls, and social hubs let leaders celebrate wins, showcase values, and reinforce culture virtually.
• AI-powered personalization: Generative AI surfaces the most relevant content, summarizes updates, and highlights key actions, making communications faster and easier to act on.
• Insights and analytics: Track engagement, monitor interactions, and identify gaps so leaders can optimize communication and ensure remote employees feel supported.

With Appspace, remote engagement becomes measurable and practical – leaders can unify communication, strengthen culture, and give every employee the experience of being fully present.

Leader takeaway

Remote employees aren’t just out-of-office – they’re integral to your culture and success. Leaders who proactively provide tools, communication channels, and opportunities for inclusion will see higher engagement, retention, and productivity across their workforce. By creating an inclusive, informed, and connected environment, you’ll empower remote employees to thrive – boosting productivity, retention, and company culture.

Ready to engage your remote workforce?

Remote work offers enormous potential – but only if employees feel connected, informed, and valued. Appspace helps organizations bridge the distance with centralized communication, mobile-first access, AI-powered personalization, and social tools that bring culture online.

Give your remote employees the experience they deserve and unlock the full benefits of a distributed workforce. Schedule a demo today to see how an Appspace intranet can transform your remote engagement strategy.