Happy teams are productive teams.
How to Keep Your Remote Team Happy and Productive.
With the rise of remote work, business managers today must master an array of new skills while navigating new challenges. Especially if you and your team were thrown abruptly into the remote workforce due to public health concerns, you may be scrambling to learn the techniques you need to manage a remote team effectively. Remote work has been around for a while, however, so you can draw on the experience of seasoned managers who have been dealing with the challenges of remote work for years.
What makes remote work so challenging?
Initially, the prospect of working remotely can seem like a win-win. Over time, however, the difficulties inherent in remote work become more prominent. Lack of face-to-face communication makes it harder to communicate information, assess moods, and manage potential issues. Over time staying home feels less like a luxury, and more like being at work nonstop — and many workers miss the office camaraderie. Members of a remote team may begin to feel less productive, more isolated, and uncertain about the overall direction of their company. A good manager needs to understand how to deal with these challenges.
Emphasize communication.
The organic, in-person communication you enjoy at work is difficult to replicate, no matter how much tech you use. Nevertheless, communicating clearly and often is important for keeping your team engaged. Make sure all the information everyone needs to access is readily available. Team members should all have a clear picture of their relationship with their fellow workers, and not be left wondering what everyone else is doing, or how they fit in. Try to have a one-on-one chat with each team member daily, but also set up easy ways for the whole team to check in so you all retain a sense of unity and shared goals.
Make sure everyone has the tech they need.
Now that you are relying on technology for all your communication needs, check on your team to be sure they are adequately equipped with the devices they need, as well as reliable internet. An employee or contractor who has relied on office equipment for years may not have comparable tools at home. And they may feel embarrassed to admit this — so, you should make it clear that you understand if everyone is
not fully equipped, and that you are prepared to do whatever is needed to help them be fully connected.
Keep your emphasis on outcomes.
Now that everyone is working at their own pace, and in their own space, they will probably be falling into the working styles that best suit their needs. That means not everyone will be on the clock nine to five. Some team members may be night owls, and others may space their work hours. Trying to force your team to act out a day at the office will be disastrous for morale and productivity. As long as work is done well and on time, don’t micromanage how it’s being done. Stay flexible and you may find that your team members are even more confident and effective now that they are able to set their own schedules.
Outsource if you need to.
If the remote model has created new needs for your company, freelance professionals can help you stay on target. You may need to bring in a cybersecurity expert to make sure your business’s information is secure — and to protect clients and employees, as well. Hire an IT professional if you need help making sure your entire team is plugged in. If your transition to remote alters how you offer your services, you may need to switch your marketing strategies. Internet job platforms can connect you with marketing experts who will help you with social media advertising and email marketing services.
Remote work may soon be the new normal in many industries, so mastering these managerial skills may be crucial for your company’s success long-term. Be open to new techniques and listen to feedback from your team, as you all adapt to the demands of working remotely.
If you are putting together training courses for your teams, Facilitated Training has all the resources you need. Visit our FAQ to learn more about what we offer.
Author: Tina Martin from Inspired Ideas.
“Tina stays busy as a life coach and works hard to help herself and her clients achieve a healthy work-life balance. She started Ideas Inspired as a side project to reach as many people as possible, and encourage them to put their dreams first”
www.ideasinspired.com