The virtual work environment provides unique performance management challenges. Addressing these proactively will have a positive impact on productivity, morale, and results. At the same time, the virtual workplace offers some distinct advantages to the performance management and evaluation process.

Gone are the days of "face time" and the perceived sense that you know they're working because you can see them sitting at their desk or workstation. In reality, the way you know that someone is working - and doing the right things the right way - is to have clear outcomes. In other words, you don't really know that work is getting done unless you know what's expected, how it's to be done, and how it will be measured. This is where the virtual workplace has a positive impact on your need to manage
performance effectively by requiring that clear expectations, behaviors, and measures be defined.

When team members work remotely, you can't totally control how they do their jobs, but you still need to manage their overall performance and results. It can be difficult - for leaders and employees - to discuss performance issues from a distance. Having a clear process with specific steps provides a guide and keeps everyone on track.

Tip is from How to Lead From a Distance: Building Bridges in the Virtual
Workplace by Debra Dinnocenzo