The COVID-19 pandemic has forced organizations around the world to re-evaluate the way they do business. For many, this has meant a shift to working from home. While some organizations have embraced this change, others have been slower to adapt. The truth is, managing a fully remote team can be challenging, but with the right tools and strategies it is possible. In this article, we will share some tips on how to manage a team that is high-performing and engaged, even while everyone is working from home. 

Challenges of Remote Work

If you’re a business owner, then you understand the importance of having an engaged staff. Having employees that are passionate and connected to the mission of the company is one of the keys to running a successful business, as you are only as strong as your weakest link. Working remotely can have an impact on employees’ performance, especially if they are already actively or passively disconnected from the work they are doing. The main challenges that remote work bring are:

• Minimal face-to-face communication 
• Trouble accessing all information 
• Social isolation 
• Distractions 
• Further issues with pre-existing problems 

Tips for Leading a Successful Remote Team

As daunting as remote work can be, especially for those who are new to the idea of it, there are some inexpensive and quick ways to transition smoothly. 

Communication is Key 

Communication within the workplace can mean the difference between a successful business and a dumpster fire. It can already be a challenge in a normal work environment to make sure everyone is on the same page. This challenge is only increased when your team is working from all separate locations. Having scheduled daily check-ins, as well as over communicating tasks, responsibilities, and desired outcomes is crucial. This might come across as overkill at first, however, it is better to be over-educated on what is going on versus slightly confused as to what is expected of you and your team. 

Use Technology to Your Advantage 

Going hand in hand with good communication, technology is going to be one of your most important tools. Remote work can seem to take the personal connection aspect out of the workplace. However, the good news is that we live in a time of ever-increasing digital transformation. Zoom, Google Hangouts and Microsoft Teams are good tools to feel more connected to your coworkers. These allow you to talk “face-to-face”, as well as organize your team all in one place. This can make work more engaging, as well as leave less room for miscommunication. Other organizational tools such as Asana or Monday.com are also great ways to organize and visualize the tasks and goals of the whole team. 

Rules of Engagement 

Remote work is more efficient if there are set expectations for all those involved. An example of this would be setting expectations for which days and times are best for employees to reach their manager. Also rules such as using videoconferencing tools for call or check-ins, and instant messaging for all other communication. Small rules and expectations such as these can help your business run like a finely oiled machine. 

The expectations that you set for yourself and your staff should also be managed. Make sure what you’re asking of your employees is clear instead of just assuming everyone understands what is expected of them. Ask for feedback as well to ensure everything is aligned properly and working. 

Focus on the Outcome, Not the Activity

Clearly defining the goals and desired results, but allowing the employee to be creative and execute the work however they see fit will help increase productivity. Explaining the “why” of the work, but not necessarily the entire “how” will connect them to their work more and avoid any feelings of micro-management. This is great for remote work because it is harder to micro-manage when you’re in different locations anyways. 

Resources

Providing your employees with the tools they need to be successful is just as important as having employees in the first place. Most remote workers will need properly functioning computers or laptops, good WiFi, headsets, and webcams. This might be straining at first when it comes to your budget, but it is the best way to invest for your team to be able to work remotely successfully. 

Flexibility

One of the big challenges when transitioning to remote work is the differences between every employee’s new environment. Some may have children and some might live alone. Certain employees might have a dedicated home office, and others might be working from their couch or a desk in their bedroom. Some workers might even have to venture outside of the house to a coffee shop to get internet access in order to complete their work.

The truth of the matter is that you don’t know the circumstances that each staff member is dealing with. Understanding that a remote work environment is never going to be perfect for everyone, and being flexible with your staff to meet their needs as best as you can will make it a more positive experience for everyone involved. 

Along with being flexible, exhibiting empathy is an important part of making the transition to remote work. Switching to a fully remote role can cause feelings of stress, isolation and new emotions for your employees. Showing that you are there to listen and address their concerns as best as you can shows that you care and can help ease some of these uncomfortable feelings. 

Be a Mentor More Than a Manager

The best bosses and managers act as a mentor for others. At the end of the day, everyone is there to achieve a common goal while learning and using new skills along the way. Yes, you are there to manage a team and lead them in the right direction to achieve a desired result, but taking the time to teach instead of tell can make a big difference in the culture of your work environment. 

While there are many challenges that come with managing a fully remote team, there are also several benefits. With the right tools and communication, you can manage a remote team effectively and set your business up for new success. If you want to learn more about digital work tools, be sure to check out our other informative blog posts!