Tips for Managing a Remote Team
The data is in. Remote and hybrid work are here to stay.
There’s a lot to celebrate in this new home/office compromise arrangement. According to a recent survey from FlexJobs, 87% of employees believe that a remote or hybrid job would or already has improved their work-life balance. This boost in work-life balance has led to decreased burnout, improved mental health, and a surge in employee motivation. That’s a win for everyone!
But all that wonderful balance for employees can mean more work for management. Maintaining employee relations and consistent communication is more difficult when workstations are miles — or thousands of miles — apart. When collaboration relies on digital media such as group chats or video conferencing, technology can start to feel less like a bridge and more like a barrier to teamwork.
Savvy managers recognize that there are ways to use that technology to bring your team closer together. We’ve put together a few simple practices you can try out in your business to encourage an open and productive virtual dialogue with your remote employees.
Check-in one-on-one
At least once a month, check in with each employee for an in-depth, one-on-one chat. We recommend going over projects, setting goals, and providing time for questions. Be sure to take notes so you can follow up in the next meeting to ensure ongoing concerns and goals have been addressed.
Once you’ve got the work questions out of the way, take a moment to check in on their life outside of work. Ask about their family. Ask how the wedding planning is going. Inquire about an upcoming trip, or get to know their pets better (you know, the ones that are always hanging around in the background of their video calls). Showing genuine interest in each other's lives — just as we would in the office — helps to build strong human relationships and is essential to establishing great working relationships.
(Note: everyone is different, and not all team members are comfortable sharing personal details. Be sure to make it clear your team doesn’t need to share more than they’re comfortable with.)
Give recognition
Everyone appreciates being recognized for their achievements, so recognition is a wonderful way to get past any communication boundary. Whether it’s a spotlight moment during a weekly virtual meeting or a personalized email saying thank you, showing appreciation assures employees that their hard work isn't going unnoticed.
Even small tasks can be applauded with an acknowledgment or note of recognition. And when they complete a big project, find a fun way to celebrate with your whole team.
While you’re at it, keep track of employee birthdays, anniversaries, and any other special dates so you can celebrate personal milestones as well. Sometimes the smallest gestures can go a long way toward boosting morale and motivating excellence.
Ask for feedback
Encourage your employees to speak up and let them know that feedback is always welcome. If you’re having trouble getting that two-way communication started, be proactive by sending out surveys or scheduling strategy sessions to jump-start conversations on areas of improvement.
When you encourage employees to be involved in discussions of company initiatives, it helps them feel seen and heard — and builds their investment in the success of your company.
P.S. Did you know we offer leadership coaching as one of our services? The hardiness of a company’s internal structure often determines its ongoing success. In other words: the house won’t fall if the bones are good!
Book a consultation to learn more.