Six Signs a Remote Employee Is Poorly Managing Their Time and Is Stressed
It can be extremely difficult for a manager to pinpoint when an employee is struggling. Double that if the employee is working remotely. Here we discuss six signs that a remote employee is having difficulty managing their workloads and as result, is having increasing levels of work-related stress.

At-home employees need as much, if not more, support from supervisors and management as traditional in-office workers. Human resources specialists and anyone in a supervisory role should know these six telltale signs that an employee is struggling with time management and stress levels, and needs assistance to be more efficient and in a better place.
1. Late, Missing and Rushed
2. Changes in Communication Habits
3. Making Repeated Inquiries
Workers who are experiencing poor time management and stress may ask the same questions over and again. Feeling strained by expectations and not in control of your work makes it harder to process information well, sometimes leading to repeating questions or asking for the same directions on assignment. If an employee is doing this, it is a good opportunity to ask how they are feeling about their work and if they need resources to perform better and alleviate their stress.
4. Reduced Output Or Quality of Work
5. Difficulties with Scheduling Deliverables
An employee who is pushing back on project schedules and delivery dates may be having time management issues. Supervisors should also be on alert for employees who keep pushing back soft due dates.
6. Taking More Time Off
One of the bigger signs a remote employee is poorly managing their time and is becoming stressed is an uptick in taking time off. There may be more sick time or personal time usage because the employee is feeling overwhelmed.
Develop a Plan for Better Team Time Management
Of course, even better than responding to time management problems in the workforce is being a step ahead and preventing problems in advance. Training on time management and time management technologies can make all the difference for employees who have difficulty meeting deadlines and juggling responsibilities. Time management training can also boost the abilities of employees who do not have problems with time management, making them even more efficient.
An outstanding company will bring all of this together by folding time management training and regular check-ins with employees into a larger employee wellness plan. Shifts in the job marketplace have put employee wellbeing at the heart of employee retention strategies and creating a company culture that puts employees first. The future of work is the employee experience and companies who realise this and enact policies that facilitate it – like time management training and employee wellness programs – will reap the benefits of a productive, content and efficient workforce.
Feel free to check our other blog on the top 10 ways technology training can increase an employees productivity and hence, reduce work-related stress.