After conducting thorough interviews and reaching out to former employers and references, businesses might be tempted to offer lower salaries to remote workers based in areas with lower costs of living. However, this practice could result in missing out on exceptional talent, as candidates may be lured away by companies that don't adjust salaries based on location.
When hiring remote talent from different states, asynchronous interviews and flexible shift options accommodating their time zones can be beneficial. This approach demonstrates consideration for the candidates' schedules and productivity patterns.
Once hired, onboarding remote employees presents unique challenges. Neglecting legal and compliance issues, such as tax implications and labor laws, and failing to assess candidates for their capacity for remote work during the hiring process can lead to performance and communication issues.
Personalizing benefits packages according to the employee's location is essential. Tailoring benefits plans to comply with state-level requirements and offering competitive perks demonstrates a commitment to employees' well-being and helps in attracting top talent.
Maintaining empathy and awareness for the remote working situation is crucial after onboarding. Regular check-ins are necessary to gauge employee satisfaction, as well as to prevent talent from being lured away by competitors. However, it's important not to overmanage remote workers, but to instead provide mentorship and support.
To further support remote employees, companies can offer stipends for creating home offices, encourage setting aside focused work time, minimize unnecessary meetings, and promote a healthy work-life balance. Proactively engaging with remote employees, assessing their well-being, and prioritizing empathy and trust can contribute to long-term success in remote work arrangements.