As the world becomes more digitized, remote work is becoming increasingly popular. In fact, according to Global Workplace Analytics, remote work is expected to reach 50% of the workforce by 2020. Managing a remote team presents unique challenges, but with the right strategies in place, it can be a highly successful and rewarding experience for both managers and employees.
Here are some best practices for managing a successful remote team:
Clearly Define Roles and Expectations
Remote workers must be clear on their job duties, timelines, and deliverables. This requires managers to clearly define roles and expectations at the beginning of each project or task. This can be achieved through detailed job descriptions or a comprehensive onboarding process.
When the roles and expectations of each team member are clear and well-defined, employees will feel empowered and are more likely to succeed. It is also helpful to set clear goals and deadlines for each project so that everyone knows what they are working towards.
Communicate Effectively
Communication is key to managing a remote team. Good communication involves setting expectations for how often team members will communicate and what communication channels will be used.
There are many options for communication channels, including email, instant messaging, video conferencing, and project management tools. Managers should set guidelines for which communication channel to use for specific purposes, such as using instant messaging for quick questions and email for longer messages or updates.
Regular check-ins with team members are also critical. This can be achieved through weekly video calls or team meetings, as well as one-on-one meetings with each team member to discuss their progress and any challenges they are facing.
Foster a Positive Company Culture
Without face-to-face interactions, it can be difficult to foster a positive company culture. Managers need to put in extra effort to create a positive work environment and a sense of belonging for remote workers.
One way to do this is to hold virtual team-building events or group activities. This can include everything from virtual happy hours to online games or team challenges.
Encouraging team members to communicate and collaborate with each other can also help develop a positive company culture. This can involve setting up virtual brainstorming sessions or encouraging team members to share their ideas and expertise with each other.
Use Project Management Tools
When managing a remote team, it can be challenging to keep track of everyone’s progress and ensure that deadlines are being met. Project management tools can help keep everyone organized and on track.
Tools like Trello, Asana, or Basecamp allow team members to collaborate on projects, assign tasks, and track progress all in one place. This can help managers to quickly identify any issues and make adjustments as needed.
Having a central location for all project information also helps to reduce miscommunication, as team members can log in and check the status of a project at any time.
Provide Feedback and Recognition
Remote workers need feedback and recognition just like any other employee. Managers should make a point to provide regular feedback to team members, both positive and constructive.
Recognition can be especially important for remote workers who may feel isolated or disconnected from the rest of the team. Simple gestures like sending a thank you email or acknowledging a job well done during a team meeting can go a long way towards keeping remote workers engaged and motivated.
Set Boundaries and Expectations
One of the biggest challenges of managing a remote team can be setting boundaries and expectations. With no clear separation between work and home life, it can be easy for remote workers to feel like they need to be always “on.”
It is important for managers to set clear expectations around work hours, availability, and expected response times. This can help prevent burnout and ensure that remote workers have time to disconnect from work and recharge.
Invest in Training and Development
Investing in the training and development of remote workers helps to ensure that they have the skills and resources they need to be successful in their roles. This can be achieved through online courses, virtual training sessions, or mentorship programs.
Providing opportunities for professional development can also help to keep remote workers engaged and motivated, as they will feel that their employer is invested in their growth and development.
Be Flexible
Remote work offers more flexibility than traditional office work, and managers should make an effort to embrace this flexibility. Offering flexible work hours, allowing employees to work from different locations, and accommodating individual scheduling needs can go a long way toward keeping remote workers happy and engaged.
It is also important for managers to be flexible in their management style. Each team member may have different needs or working styles, and managers should be willing to adapt to these differences to create a positive work environment.
Build Trust
Building trust with remote workers is important for successful management. This means being transparent about decision-making, making good on promises, and trusting team members to do their job.
Managers should make a point to show appreciation for remote workers’ effort and accomplishments. By acknowledging and rewarding success, remote workers will feel valued and trusted, which can lead to increased engagement and productivity.
Encourage Social Interaction
Working remotely can sometimes lead to feeling isolated, so it is important to encourage remote team members to socialize and interact. Managers can organize virtual coffee breaks or team lunches, which allow remote workers to interact and build valuable relationships.
Creating opportunities for remote team building can also help employees feel more connected to the company’s culture and values. This sense of belonging can translate to better performance and engagement.
Foster Collaboration
Encouraging collaboration between remote team members can help to break down silos and increase productivity. Managers can facilitate collaboration through technology tools such as video conferencing, project management software, and instant messaging apps.
Collaboration also fosters creativity and innovation, as remote team members can share ideas and expertise from different perspectives. Encouraging brainstorming sessions or team projects can help spark new ideas and improve teamwork.
Provide Clear Communication Guidelines
Clear communication guidelines help prevent misunderstandings and confusion. Managers should establish communication protocols that set expectations for how and when communication should occur. This includes how to communicate via text, email, phone or video conferencing, as well as expected response times.
Consistent communication guidelines also help to establish a company culture based on openness and transparency. By promoting clear communication at all levels of the organization, managers can ensure that remote team members feel valued and included.
Measure Performance and Success
Performance metrics are important for tracking progress and ensuring that remote workers are meeting expectations. This includes measuring project timelines, identifying areas for improvement, and celebrating successes.
Performance metrics also help remote team members understand how their work contributes to the overall success of the business. By sharing success metrics regularly, managers can help to build team buy-in and give remote employees a sense of pride in their work.
Foster Personal and Professional Growth
Remote workers need opportunities for both personal and professional development. Managers can create growth opportunities through on-the-job learning, virtual training, or mentorship programs.
Providing growth opportunities can help to keep remote workers engaged and motivated, and can demonstrate the company’s commitment to investing in their employees.
Prioritize Cybersecurity
Remote workers can present a cybersecurity risk for the company, so it is important for managers to take steps to protect the organization’s data. This includes ensuring that remote employees are using secure networks and have up-to-date virus protection.
Managers should also establish policies and best practices around data security, such as encryption and password management. By prioritizing cybersecurity, managers can protect the organization’s assets and improve remote worker productivity.
Final Thoughts
As remote work continues to grow in popularity, it is important for managers to adapt their leadership style to effectively manage a remote team. By focusing on communication, trust, collaboration, and growth opportunities, managers can help remote workers feel engaged, productive, and valued.
Establishing clear expectations and guidelines, providing feedback, fostering a positive company culture, and prioritizing cybersecurity are all critical components of managing a successful remote team.
Remember, managing a remote team requires a flexible and adaptive approach. Each team member may have different needs or working styles, and managers should be willing to adapt to these differences to create a positive and productive work environment.
Ultimately, by following these best practices, managers can help ensure the success of their remote team and improve the overall productivity and effectiveness of the organization.