After the pandemic, remote work has already become the “new norm”. And, of course, the distant format has many advantages, such as reducing the cost of renting office space and organizing an employee’s workplace, as well as optimizing hiring costs (offshore). Experts estimate cost savings of an average of $2,500 per year per employee. Employees themselves also have many advantages of remote work: saving time on the way to work and the opportunity to better build a work-life balance. Also, some studies show that remote work is more productive than office work since various distractions are significantly reduced at home, such as conversations with colleagues over a cup of coffee, “quick questions” and other casual interactions with colleagues. There are also enough distractions at home and the productivity of work depends very much on the interaction of managers with their employees.
Besides the obvious advantages of switching to remote work, company executives face many challenges associated with this.
First of all, it is the introduction of new technologies for the organization and the arrangement of business processes in the company. Next, we will talk about this in more detail and give 5 main tips for successfully managing a remote team.
Arrangement and new technologies
Arrangement of work processes is necessary for both office and remote employees.
- Select only one messenger for solving work questions or separate chats of project teams.
- Collect all the necessary documents in two places and organize them into folders with limited access. Office and remote employees should have access to all documents and files they need for work. You also need to take care of the security of information.
- The results and arrangements for video meetings and calls should be recorded immediately in letters or messenger.
- Implement a virtual planning system with access for all project participants so that everyone has the opportunity to observe the stages and process of work, as well as implement tools for teamwork and project management systems.
The new principles of remote work organizations will be completely tied to new technologies.
Time management
Agree in advance with the employees the expectations for the number of working hours per day with clear planned key tasks, goals, and deadlines. This will avoid misunderstandings and confusion. Also, determine in advance the time of reporting and brief calls so that employees adhere to what you previously agreed. The main part of managing remote teams is that employees need to know exactly what your expectations and work plan are. Having discussed this with your team in advance, you will be able to build a successful work.
Synchronization with the team and productivity
- Make short phone calls every day to understand what task the employee is solving at the moment and whether you can help him. This method is often used by flexible technical teams in the “scrum” style, it is also called “stand-up”.
- For group calls, use a webcam to establish eye contact with each other, such communication helps to better build relationships with employees.
- Consistent interaction with each team member, regardless of whether they work remotely or not, will provide them with motivation, inclusion, and value.
- Track productivity, indicators, production, and deadlines with the help of such excellent tools as Trello and Jira. Focus on the results, not on the hours worked in the schedule.
Community (virtual and real space) for collaboration and recreation
For remote employees to remain involved in the daily life of the company and not feel forgotten, create a virtual space (online meetings, video birthday greetings, or other significant events in their lives). Virtual conference rooms such as Google Hangouts or Go-to-Meeting are suitable for this.
If possible, organize communication in real life, for example, weekly meetings or general meetings. Such virtual and real events will help strengthen team spirit and help employees become closer. In addition, at such meetings, remote employees can share their ideas or clarify unclear details of the project. Be interested in the life of your subordinates, take the time to learn from them about their family, plans, upcoming vacation, this will contribute to more comfortable communication.
Transparency and openness
Create trusting relationships with employees based on openness and honesty. If you are transparent, open, and honest, then most likely they will behave the same way in response. Make transparency a part of your corporate culture, and then employees will feel more comfortable contacting you with any questions and problems. Do not forget that it is more difficult for remote employees to contact you, since they do not see what you are doing in the office (at lunch or a meeting), so maintain an “open door” policy and respond to their requests as soon as you can.
Be sure to report company news to all team members at the same time so that your remote employees do not feel that they are the last to learn important information.
Follow these tips and create successful and efficient teams!
Also, you can always contact Openix Solution for advice or project development.
