From recruitment automation to the digitalization of all business operations and virtual offices, we are seeing a significant digital transformation in the workplace. And now there is no doubt that the modern workforce continues to strive for companies and businesses to catch up to the demands of technology in the future of work. One of these demands is the rise of remote teams and hybrid workers.
Having a remote team means that you have a group of employees that are working from various locations and time zones. They can have different cultures and work backgrounds that can help your company adjust to the new normal, gaining you a competitive edge in the global market. While the pandemic has certainly impacted how traditional work is viewed all around the world, the concept has been around for quite some time now ever since the emergence of technology in the workforce.
Ensuring your remote team stays productive and motivated in these trying times can be extremely difficult. Here are some challenges and problems you might face with managing your remote team in the new normal:
● Differences in cultures and timezones
● Respecting boundaries and work schedules
● Lack of clear work processes
● Relying on proper tools and project management software
● Measuring employee performance
● Building rapport within the team
● Social isolation and burnout
So as a manager, how do you effectively manage your remote team? Don’t fret, we got you covered. In this article, we will give you a few tips and tactics to help you become a pro at managing your remote employees.
Communication is key
When managing employees at a long distance, you’d better expect some changes in the way you communicate with your team and how the progress of certain tasks is delegated and monitored. A great method to ensure that information does not get lost is to create multiple communication channels instead of just one platform. By setting up appropriate communication channels, your team can stay engaged in their respective duties and responsibilities.
Create guidelines on your team's communication process such as how information is relayed (chat, text, email, call); when communication is taking place (regular meetings, check-ins), the turnaround time for deadlines, and among other important elements of your communication structure.
Set expectations and boundaries
Traditional office jobs make it easy for employees to just head over to their managers and inquire about their tasks. But when you're working remotely, teams are susceptible to having work oversight concerning one's primary duties and responsibilities. Prevent this by setting clear expectations and work processes for remote employees. You can also provide resources for them with comprehensive how-to guides and templates to help employees, especially new hires, in navigating deadlines and procedures.
Don't forget to set boundaries on remote work schedules and the usage of communication channels for employees. These details are paramount and should be discussed and established with the team as early as possible.
Promote diversity among your workforce
The beauty of remote work is having the chance to work with people from all around the world toward one unified goal. But that's not always the case when you're a manager managing a multicultural remote team. Disagreements and disputes may often occur that could harm your team dynamics and slow down progress.
As a manager, you should be able to foster a positive remote environment for all your employees. Start by looking at ways to promote dialogue about what works for them. Work ethics across various cultures could also play a part so be sure to educate yourself to help your diverse workforce thrive.
Provide the right tools and equipment
Your company must also provide the proper tools, software, and equipment specifically suited for remote work. Tools like Zoom, Trello, and Slack are project management tools for your team to efficiently collaborate and organize tasks better. You can immediately ping and keep your team updated on relevant conversations, project deadlines, and other work-related news to make your remote work a little bit easier.
Don’t hesitate to shell out new equipment such as laptops to your remote team. This would allow you to track the progress of tasks and enhance data security. Remember that to have your team achieve success, you need to set them up for success.
Engage in team bonding
If you’ve ever worked in an office, you would know that a good place to rest and chat with your co-workers is beside the water cooler. This may also be a pantry, a small kitchen, or a coffee machine, as long as it allows you to take a break from work and reconnect with your colleagues.
A virtual water cooler, on the other hand, is an online space where remote workers can relax and bond with each other. Choose any collaborative video conferencing platform to facilitate your virtual water cooler, create interesting team bonding activities, invite your team, and enjoy a virtual night of camaraderie and fun.
Offer emotional support
Expect that not everyone is at their best at all times, so if you want to lead and motivate your teams better, you ought to check up on them from time to time. Schedule one-on-ones with your team and ask if they have any worries and concerns they would like to discuss with you.
Empathy goes a long way for teams working remotely. It can be hard to handle stress and manage your time working simultaneously if you’re always cooped up in your house. Know how to actively listen and understand their struggles, and offer every bit of help that you can as their manager.
Manage your remote teams like a pro with Rem.Up
Offering remote work is a big game changer in today’s workforce. It is often a major deal breaker for job seekers nowadays because of the flexibility it offers, while a company can reap some amazing advantages with this work setup. Your business could also enjoy these awesome benefits when you leave the heavy lifting of maintaining your day-to-day business operations to Rem.Up Consulting. We assist medium to large businesses in optimizing their corporate strategies by connecting them with top global consultants and freelancers. Book now for a free consultation, and don’t hesitate to browse through our website for additional information.
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