As organizations around the world continue to adopt remote working models, management of a remote workforce has become an increasingly important skill for business leaders. Managing a remote team can be a challenge, as it requires a different approach from traditional in-person management techniques. But it can be an incredibly effective and rewarding experience for both employers and employees. With the right strategies in place, leaders can set their remote workers up for success, while simultaneously optimizing productivity and keeping their business goals on track.
- Set Expectations Early
Clear expectations are important in any work environment, but they are especially important when managing remote teams. Before beginning to manage remote workers, it is essential to establish guidelines and expectations for their work. Having a document or policy outlining what is expected of the remote workers, including the type of work they are expected to complete, deadlines, and the methods of communication, ensures everyone is on the same page.
- Utilize Video Conferencing
While most communication methods, such as phone calls, emails, and text messages, are traditionally used to manage both remote and in-person workers, video conferencing can be a powerful tool for managing a remote team. Video conferencing allows managers to not only connect with their remote team members, but it also helps to maintain the feeling of camaraderie and closeness that in-person teams possess. In addition, popular video conferencing tools often come equipped with features such as screen sharing, task management, and file sharing, which can be immensely beneficial for productive remote collaboration.
- Create A Routine
Developing and sticking to a routine is vital for any successful remote team. Creating a daily and weekly check-in schedule helps ensure that everyone is aware of deadlines and expectations, as well as providing a sense of accountability to remote workers. This routine also lets remote workers know when their manager is available in order to get any necessary clarification or feedback.
- Show Appreciation
It’s easy to lose sight of appreciation when managing remote teams. To ensure that your remote workers feel valued, be sure to show appreciation by sending them small tokens of your appreciation, such as thank you notes, gift cards, or even just a simple “thank you” message. Not only will this show your appreciation, but it will also serve as an additional form of motivating them to do their best work.
- Invest In The Right Technology
In order to properly manage a remote team, having the right technology in place is absolutely essential. Having the right task management and collaboration tools enables remote teams to work more efficiently, while helping both managers and workers stay on top of tasks, project goals, and deadlines. Additionally, investing in technology that is secure and capable of handling large amounts of data ensures that both managers and employees have the tools they need to continue working remotely without any security risks.
With the right strategies in place, leaders can successfully manage a remote workforce and reap the many benefits of a remote team. Setting expectations early, utilizing video conferencing, creating a routine, showing appreciation, and investing in the right technology are some of the most important steps employers can take to ensure a productive, successful remote working experience for everyone involved.