Remote teams, consisting of individuals working from various locations rather than a central office, have become increasingly common in recent years. Historically, remote work was limited to certain fields and was not widespread. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 led to a significant increase in remote work arrangements as organizations worldwide adapted to lockdowns and social distancing measures. According to a 2020 report by Stanford University, approximately 42% of the U.S. labor force was working remotely full-time at the peak of the pandemic.
Effective management of remote teams is crucial for managers to leverage their people management skills to maintain productivity and engagement. The main strategies for remote teams include setting clear expectations, maintaining clear and effective communication, using the right tools for collaboration, and providing regular feedback. Research from Harvard Business Review highlights that teams with clear communication and defined goals are more likely to perform better.
Managing remote teams effectively offers numerous benefits, including increased flexibility, access to a broader talent pool, and often, improved work-life balance for employees. To support remote teams, managers organize virtual team-building activities, provide resources to overcome challenges, and consider hybrid team models where some employees work remotely while others are in-office. Below are 20 Ways to Manage People Remotely:
1. Set Clear Expectations and Goals
2. Use Clear and Effective Communication
3. Provide Regular Feedback
4. Foster Team Collaboration
5. Invest in the Right Tools
6. Facilitate Strong Personal Connections
7. Be Responsive and Available
8. Establish Clear Remote Work Policies
9. Hold Regular Check-Ins
10. Encourage Work-Life Balance
11. Build Trust and Maintain Transparency
12. Offer Support and Resources for Remote Work
13. Monitor Performance and Provide Recognition
14. Include Remote Workers in Virtual Team Building
15. Create Opportunities for Face-to-Face Interaction
16. Seek Feedback and Ideas from the Team
17. Acknowledge and Address New Stressors
18. Make Meetings Accessible and Effective
19. Set Aside Specific Days and Times for Team Interaction
20. Send Thoughtful Gifts or Snail Mail
1. Set Clear Expectations and Goals
Setting Clear Expectations and Goals means establishing clear expectations and goals provides a framework for performance and accountability among remote team members. Setting Clear Expectations and Goals clarifies roles, tasks, and deadlines, which is vital in a remote setting where miscommunication easily occurs. Clear goals enhance alignment and focus, leading to improved outcomes. A software development team for example, utilizes project management tools to outline milestones, making sure each member understands their responsibilities. Setting clear expectations fosters higher engagement and motivation, as employees feel more connected to their work.
According to a study by the Project Management Institute, organizations with high project management maturity waste 28 times less money than those with poor project performance. Challenges include overloading employees with too many goals, which leads to burnout. Conversely, vague goals create confusion and disengagement. With clear expectations in place, the next essential aspect is to use clear and effective communication.
2. Use Clear and Effective Communication
Effective communication is communicating clearly to team members to understand their roles, tasks, and the overall objectives of the organization. Effective communication promotes transparency, minimizes misunderstandings, and keeps team members engaged. Regular and clear communication leads to quicker decision-making and a more cohesive team environment.
An example is a marketing team implementing weekly video calls and utilize chat platforms for quick updates, ensuring everyone is on the same page. Improved communication fosters a sense of belonging and enhances team morale. According to McKinsey, productivity improves by 20-25% in organizations with connected employees. Challenges includes misinterpretations or information overload, which leads to confusion. In contrast, lack of communication results in isolation and disconnection. To complement communication, it’s crucial to provide regular feedback.
3. Provide Regular Feedback
Regular feedback ensures that team members understand their performance and areas for improvement. Regular feedback helps to reinforce positive behaviors and correct misalignments promptly. Constructive feedback contributes to professional growth and enhances job satisfaction. An instance is a sales team conducting bi-weekly one-on-one sessions to discuss targets and performance metrics.
Teams that receive regular feedback show an increase in engagement and satisfaction, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Research from Zippia, companies that provide regular feedback have 14.9% lower turnover rates. Additionally, 43% of highly engaged employees receive feedback at least once a week. Common challenges include providing feedback that is too vague or infrequent. Conversely, the absence of feedback leads to stagnation and low morale. After establishing a feedback loop, it’s important to foster team collaboration.
4. Foster Team Collaboration
Fostering collaboration among remote teams means encouraging innovation and problem-solving through diverse perspectives. Fostering collaboration builds camaraderie and shared ownership of projects, enhancing accountability and performance. Collaboration is key to leveraging the strengths of a diverse team, driving better outcomes. An instance is a product development team using collaborative tools like shared documents and brainstorming sessions to generate ideas. Teams that collaborate effectively sees productivity increases and improved innovation.
According to a study by the Institute for Corporate Productivity, organizations that foster collaboration are up to 5.5 times more likely to reward collaborative behaviors compared to lower-performing ones. Challenges includes conflicting schedules and personalities. In contrast, isolation leads to silos and a lack of cohesion. To enhance collaboration, organizations should invest in the right tools.
5. Invest in the Right Tools
Investing in the right tools means investing in the appropriate technology and tools ensures that teams collaborate effectively and efficiently. Investing in the right tools facilitate seamless communication, project management, and workflow optimization. Efficient tools reduce time wasted on administrative tasks, allowing teams to focus on core responsibilities.
An example is a remote team implementing project management software like Asana or Trello to track tasks and deadlines visually. Proper tools lead to an increase in productivity by reducing friction in workflows. A study by MIT and Stanford Study, demonstrated that workers using AI tools to assist with their tasks experienced a 14% increase in productivity. The study focused on customer support agents who used AI to generate conversational scripts. Challenges include the learning curve for new tools or tool overload. Conversely, lacking the right tools results in inefficient workflows. Along with tools, it’s vital to facilitate strong personal connections among team members.
6. Facilitate Strong Personal Connections
Facilitating strong personal connections means building personal connections among team members helps create a supportive work environment, essential for remote teams. Personal relationships enhance trust and collaboration, which are critical for high-functioning teams. When team members feel connected, they are more likely to engage, collaborate, and support each other. An instance is a company organizing virtual coffee breaks or casual chats to help employees get to know each other better.
Teams with strong interpersonal relationships report an increase in engagement and job satisfaction. Research by the World Economic Forum reports that 57% of people believe having a good friend at work makes their job more enjoyable. Social support from coworkers lowers stress, helps reduce burnout, improves efficiency and productivity, and increases employee engagement. Challenges include time constraints and virtual fatigue. On the other hand, a lack of personal connections leads to feelings of isolation and disengagement. To nurture these connections, leaders must be responsive and available to their teams.
7. Be Responsive and Available
Being responsive and available means being accessible and responsive to team members’ needs and concerns to foster a supportive remote work environment. Availability builds trust and encourages open communication, allowing issues to be addressed promptly. A responsive leader alleviates employee anxieties and maintain morale during challenging times.
An example is a team leader setting specific hours each week for open office hours, allowing team members to discuss their concerns and ideas. Responsive leadership correlates with an increase in employee engagement and job satisfaction. According to a study by ICMA, visible and approachable leaders inspire greater confidence among employees. This confidence is linked to better onboarding processes, recognition, and overall employee growth and success. Common challenges include balancing availability with workload. In contrast, unavailability leads to frustration and decreased productivity. Alongside availability, establishing **clear remote work policies** is essential for team effectiveness.
8. Establish Clear Remote Work Policies
Establishing clear remote work policies means setting expectations regarding work hours, communication norms, and performance metrics. Policies provide structure and clarity, reducing uncertainty for team members working remotely. Well-defined policies help employees navigate their responsibilities and work-life boundaries. An instance is a company implementing a policy that stipulates core working hours while allowing flexibility for individual schedules.
Clear policies leads to an increase in employee productivity, as they know what is expected of them. A study from Forbes Advisor, titled “How To Make A Work-From-Home Policy (With Examples)”, explains how to create effective work-from-home policies and emphasizes benefits such as reduced stress, better work-life balance, and higher employee retention rates. Challenges arise from resistance to structure or differing interpretations of policies. Conversely, ambiguity create confusion and frustration among team members. To support these policies, it’s also important to hold regular check-ins.
9. Hold Regular Check-Ins
Regular check-ins means checking up on team members to share progress, challenges, and feedback. Check-ins create accountability and foster open dialogue about team dynamics and project statuses. Frequent interactions help maintain focus and engagement, ensuring that everyone is aligned with team goals. An instance is a project manager scheduling bi-weekly meetings to discuss ongoing projects and solicit input from team members.
Regular check-ins boosts team cohesion and productivity, as members feel more connected and informed. According to research from Harvard Business Review, titled “Why Your Team Members Need Daily Check-Ins” indicates that frequent performance feedback is positively correlated with job satisfaction and organizational commitment, which reduces turnover intentions. Challenges include meeting fatigue or scheduling conflicts. In contrast, infrequent check-ins leads to misalignment and disengagement. After establishing regular check-ins, it’s essential to encourage work-life balance.
10. Encourage Work-Life Balance
Encouraging work-life balance means ensuring that employees maintain their well-being while meeting work responsibilities. A healthy work-life balance prevents burnout and promotes job satisfaction, leading to better overall performance. Employees who feel supported in balancing their work and personal lives are more likely to be engaged and productive. An instance is a company implementing flexible scheduling or enforce “no meetings” days to allow employees to focus on personal time.
Encouraging balance leads to an increase in employee retention rates and an increase in productivity. A study from the Harvard Business Review shows that happier employees, which often correlates with a better work-life balance, is up to 13% more productive. Challenges includes employee resistance to taking breaks or setting boundaries. Conversely, neglecting work-life balance result in high turnover and low morale. In parallel, it’s vital to build trust and maintain transparency within the team.
11. Build Trust and Maintain Transparency
Building trust and maintaining transparency fosters an environment where team members feel secure and valued. Transparency in decision-making and sharing information builds confidence among team members. Trust enhances collaboration, reduces anxiety, and improves overall team dynamics. An instance is a leader openly sharing company updates and project statuses during team meetings to ensure everyone is informed.
Trusting teams report an increase in productivity, as members feel empowered to express their ideas and concerns. According to the Institute of Corporate Productivity, organizations with high trust levels experience 50% lower employee turnover. Challenges include overcoming skepticism or previous negative experiences. In contrast, a lack of trust results in disengagement and low morale. To further strengthen the team, organizations should offer support and resources for remote work.
12. Offer Support and Resources for Remote Work
Providing support and resources means providing resources that help employees navigate the challenges of remote work, ensuring they have the necessary tools to succeed. Adequate resources, such as ergonomic furniture or tech support, enhance employee satisfaction and productivity. Offering support shows employees that their well-being is a priority, which boosts morale and loyalty.
An instance is a company providing stipends for home office setups or access to mental health resources. A study highlighted in the Harvard Business Review noted that companies with robust employee wellness programs saw absenteeism rates drop by an average of 19%. Challenges include budget constraints or difficulty in assessing individual needs. Conversely, a lack of support leads to burnout and decreased performance. In addition to support, it’s crucial to monitor performance and provide recognition.
13. Monitor Performance and Provide Recognition
Monitoring performance involves assessing employee output and providing recognition for achievements and contributions. Regular performance assessments and recognition help to motivate employees and reinforce positive behaviors. Recognizing contributions fosters a culture of appreciation, which is vital for morale and engagement. An instance is a manager implementing a monthly awards program to celebrate individual and team accomplishments. Recognized employees are more likely to be motivated to do their best work.
According to research titled “Research: A Little Recognition Can Provide a Big Morale Boost” published in the Harvard Business Review, found that employees who received short, hand-signed thank you notes reported feeling significantly more valued by their organization. This simple act of recognition leads to a noticeable boost in employee morale and motivation. Challenges include biases in recognition or overlooking quiet contributions. Conversely, neglecting recognition leads to feelings of undervaluation and disengagement. To enhance recognition, it’s beneficial to include remote workers in virtual team building.
14. Include Remote Workers in Virtual Team Building
Including remote workers in virtual team-building activities means promoting relationships and strengthening team dynamics even with remote workers. Team-building activities help break down barriers and create a sense of belonging among remote employees. Inclusion in team building enhances morale and reinforces connections, which are critical for remote teams. An instance is a company organizing virtual game nights or workshops that engage all team members, regardless of location.
Teams that participate in team-building activities report an increase in collaboration and a decrease in conflicts. Research titled “Analyzing the impact of team-building interventions on team cohesion in sports teams: a meta-analysis study” published in Frontiers in Psychology analyzed the impact of team-building interventions on team cohesion in sports teams.
The study found that team-building activities significantly improved team cohesion, particularly in enhancing individual attraction to the group task. Challenges include scheduling conflicts or virtual fatigue. In contrast, exclusion from team building leads to feelings of isolation and disengagement. To complement team building, organizations should also create opportunities for face-to-face interaction.
15. Create Opportunities for Face-to-Face Interaction
Creating opportunities for face-to-face means creating means for interactions, whether virtually or in-person, fosters deeper connections among team members. Personal interactions enhance communication and trust, which are essential for collaboration. Face-to-face interactions significantly strengthens relationships and foster a sense of community within remote teams.
An example is a company organizing quarterly retreats or in-person meetings to facilitate team bonding. Teams that engage in face-to-face interactions experience an increase in collaborative efforts and morale. A study by Stanford (2023) study noted that fully remote employees are about 10% less productive than those working on company premises. Challenges include logistical issues and costs. Conversely, a lack of personal interaction leads to fragmentation and isolation. To maintain these connections, leaders should seek feedback and ideas from the team.
16. Seek Feedback and Ideas from the Team
Seeking feedback and ideas from the team means actively seeking feedback and ideas from team members which empowers them and fosters a culture of inclusivity and innovation. Seeking feedback and ideas from the team encourages open dialogue and helps leaders understand team dynamics and individual challenges. Empowering employees to share their thoughts enhances ownership and accountability, driving better performance.
An example is a manager using anonymous surveys or suggestion boxes to gather team input on processes and initiatives. Teams that actively seek input show an increase in engagement and morale, as employees feel valued. A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that employees who receive frequent, constructive feedback tend to perform 12.5% better. Challenges include resistance to feedback or fear of negative consequences. Conversely, a lack of feedback results in stagnation and disengagement. Addressing feedback leads to the necessity of acknowledging and addressing new stressors.
17. Acknowledge and Address New Stressors
Acknowledging and addressing new stressors means to first recognize and identify the sources of stress in team members, and then take proactive steps to manage or mitigate their impact. Acknowledging and addressing new stressors creates a supportive environment where employees feel their concerns are heard and valued. Recognizing stressors allows for proactive solutions, preventing burnout and maintaining team morale.
An example is a manager initiating wellness checks to discuss any emerging challenges that employees are facing. Addressing stressors leads to an increase in productivity, as employees feel supported and understood. Research titled “A blueprint for workplace mental health programs” published by Deloitte Insights in 2019, discusses the positive return on investment (ROI) for companies that implement comprehensive mental health programs, highlighting benefits such as reduced turnover and increased employee engagement. Challenges includes recognizing less obvious stressors or balancing workloads. Conversely, ignoring stress leads to high turnover rates and reduced morale. To further enhance productivity, it’s important to make meetings accessible and effective.
18. Make Meetings Accessible and Effective
Ensuring that meetings are accessible means making sure that all participants, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds, fully engages and contribute to the meeting. Clear agendas and inclusive scheduling allow for better time management and engagement during meetings. Accessible meetings foster inclusivity and ensure that all voices are heard, enhancing collaboration.
An example is a company using collaborative platforms to share meeting notes and decisions, ensuring everyone is aligned. Effective meetings leads to reduction in time spent on discussions, allowing teams to focus on execution. According to a study Harvard Business Review, titled “Stop Wasting People’s Time with Bad Meetings,” emphasizes the importance of clear agendas, defined roles, and time management to enhance meeting effectiveness. The research emphasized the importance of clear agendas, defined roles, and time management. Challenges include technology issues or scheduling conflicts. Conversely, ineffective meetings leads to frustration and disengagement. Following effective meetings, organizations should set aside specific days and times for team interaction.
19. Set Aside Specific Days and Times for Team Interaction
Designating specific days and times for team interactions ensures that employees have dedicated opportunities to connect. Regular interactions create routine and predictability, which reduces feelings of isolation among team members. Structured interaction times help teams to maintain communication and build relationships over time. An example is a company implementing “Team Tuesdays,” where all team members are expected to engage in collaborative activities.
Designating specific days and times for team interactions leads to an increase in team cohesion and collaboration. Research from PLOS ONE Journal, titled “The impact of engaging leadership on employee engagement and team effectiveness,” indicates that engaging leadership, which often involves consistent interaction, increases job and personal resources, leading to higher work engagement. Challenges include employee scheduling conflicts or lack of participation. Conversely, sporadic interactions leads to disconnection and misalignment. Lastly, to strengthen team bonds, organizations should send thoughtful gifts or snail mail.
20. Send Thoughtful Gifts or Snail Mail
Sending thoughtful gifts or snail mail means taking the time to send team members a physical item or handwritten letter that shows you care. Sending thoughtful gifts or snail mail fosters goodwill and reinforces team morale, creating a positive work culture. Personal gestures of appreciation significantly enhance employee loyalty and engagement. A manager sending personalized thank-you notes or care packages to recognize employee achievements.
Teams that feel appreciated report an increase in engagement and productivity. A study by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) found that 86% of companies with employee recognition programs reported an increase in employee happiness and job satisfaction. Challenges includes budget limitations or ensuring the gifts are appropriate. Conversely, neglecting recognition leads to disengagement and decreased morale.
What are the best people management practices to maintain remote team productivity?
The best people management practices to maintain remote team productivity are establishing clear expectations, fostering open communication, and leveraging the right tools and software. “Strategies for effective people management” include leadership, communication, and organizational approaches.
Regular check-ins, setting clear goals, and providing feedback are essential. Utilizing tools like Slack for communication, Trello for project management, and Zoom for virtual meetings significantly enhances team collaboration and productivity. These practices ensure that remote teams remain engaged, connected, and productive.
What tools are essential for managing remote workers?
The tools that are essential for managing remote workers are those that facilitate communication, collaboration, project management, and productivity tracking. Here are some key tools:
- Slack – for team communication and instant messaging.
- Zoom – for video conferencing and virtual meetings.
- Trello – for project management and task tracking.
- Asana – for managing projects and workflows.
- Google Drive – for file storage and sharing.
- Microsoft Teams – for collaboration and communication within teams.
- Notion – for creating wikis and managing notes.
- Harvest – for time tracking and invoicing.
- Loom – for asynchronous video communication.
- GitLab – for version control and code collaboration.
How do you monitor performance and provide recognition for remote employees?
To monitor performance and provide recognition for remote employees, various tools and techniques are used to ensure effective tracking and acknowledgment of their efforts. Tools like Intelogos and Monitask help monitor employee activities and provide AI-driven insights, while Insightful focuses on productivity monitoring. Utilizing these tools efficiently involves setting clear performance metrics, regularly reviewing progress, and providing timely feedback.
“Performance Management and Performance Evaluation Techniques “ are crucial in this process, encompassing strategies like Continuous Performance Management, 360-degree feedback evaluation, and Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scale (BARS) to ensure remote employees are recognized effectively for their achievements. Tools such as Intelogos, Monitask, and Insightful complement these techniques by providing real-time AI-driven insights, aligning individual performance with organizational goals, as highlighted in studies like the HR.com “Future of Performance Management 2024” survey that emphasize the link between effective performance management and business success. Regular virtual meetings and recognition programs also play a significant role in keeping remote teams engaged and appreciated.
How do you set clear expectations for remote employees?
You set clear expectations for remote employees by establishing specific goals, maintaining regular communication, and providing continuous feedback. One-on-one meetings are crucial for this process, as they allow managers to discuss individual performance, address concerns, and align on objectives. Additionally, using project management tools like Trello or Asana helps in tracking progress and ensuring everyone is on the same page. Regular team meetings and clear documentation of tasks and responsibilities also play a significant role in setting and maintaining expectations. These practices ensure that remote employees understand their roles and are motivated to achieve their targets.
Do you regularly check in with remote employees to provide feedback?
Yes, you regularly check in with remote employees to provide feedback. Regular check-ins are essential for maintaining communication and ensuring that employees are aligned with their goals. For instance, a study titled “The Art of Staying in Touch” by Linda Johanna Jansson and Hilpi Kangas, explores daily feedback interactions in remote work settings, focusing on how leader-member exchange (LMX) relationships influence feedback dynamics. It underscores the importance of reciprocity and understanding in feedback exchanges.These check-ins is conducted through weekly one-on-one meetings, bi-weekly team reviews, or monthly performance evaluations, ensuring that employees feel supported and valued.
Do you seek feedback from remote employees to improve remote work practices?
Yes, you seek feedback from remote employees to improve remote work practices. Incorporating “Steps To Developing a Feedback Culture in Teams” ensures a structured approach to gathering and utilizing feedback effectively by embedding feedback loops, fostering psychological safety, and leveraging tools like 1:1 meetings and 360-degree feedback, as highlighted by research such as “Value of Peer Feedback in Research & Scientific Writing” by Lucas and Paul, which demonstrates how feedback drives progress and performance.
According to a study titled ‘The Impact of Feedback on Remote Work Practices,’ seeking feedback from remote employees is a common and effective strategy for improving remote work environments. The research highlights that regular feedback mechanisms are crucial for continuous improvement and employee development, especially when team members are not co-located. Additionally, feedback processes create opportunities for team interaction, reinforcing relationships and promoting a shared understanding of team objectives. Therefore, soliciting feedback from remote employees is scientifically proven to enhance performance, engagement, and overall team cohesion.
Are remote team members included in virtual team-building activities?
Yes, remote team members are included in virtual team-building activities. Remote team members are typically included in virtual team-building activities, which are designed to foster connection, collaboration, and communication among team members who are not physically co-located. Scientific research supports the effectiveness of these activities in enhancing team cohesion and performance. For instance, a study by Atlassian found that 94% of workers believe mutual respect and connection are crucial to their team’s success.
Virtual team-building activities help create these connections, reducing feelings of isolation and improving overall team performance. Additionally, these activities promote better communication and collaboration, as they often involve problem-solving tasks that require teamwork. Engaging in such activities also boost team morale and productivity, creating a sense of camaraderie and accomplishment. Therefore, including remote team members in virtual team-building activities is both common and beneficial, supported by scientific evidence.
How Can a VA Take a manager’s Performance to the Next Level?
A VA can take a manager’s performance to the next level by using:
- Pareto Principle: Focus on the 20% of tasks that add the most value and outsource the remaining 80% to maximize efficiency.
- Task Audit: List all your tasks and categorize them into the vital 20% and the outsource-able 80%.
- Prioritize Outsourcing: Rank the 80% tasks by importance before outsourcing them.
- Start Slow: Gradually integrate the VA by providing feedback and focusing on outcomes, not just tasks.
- Delegate Outcomes: Allow the VA to find better ways to complete tasks rather than following your exact method.
- Focus on High-Value Tasks: Concentrate on tasks in your 20% that deliver the most results, income, and fulfillment.
- Assess Task Importance: Determine if you are the best or only person who do the 20% tasks; otherwise, delegate them.
- Increase Efficiency: As the VA takes over more 80% tasks, your time for high-value 20% tasks increases.
- Global Workforce Advantage: Utilize the global availability of VAs to work across time zones for continuous productivity.
- Leverage VA Effectively: Understand that while you can’t make more time, a VA helps you optimize it significantly.
How can you support remote employees in overcoming common challenges?
You support remote employees in overcoming common challenges by providing regular, structured check-ins, leveraging digital tools for collaboration, and offering mental health support services. Change is a significant challenge for remote employees, and effective change management is crucial. “Things To Know About Change Management in People-Oriented” Leadership emphasizes guiding employees through organizational changes by prioritizing employees’ needs, emotions, and well-being while utilizing models like ADKAR and Kotter to ensure success.
Regular check-ins help maintain communication and engagement, digital tools facilitate seamless collaboration, and mental health support ensures employees’ well-being. Focusing on these areas creates a supportive and productive remote work environment.
What are hybrid Teams?
Hybrid teams are flexible workgroups that include both office-based and remote employees. This model allows team members to choose how and where they work most effectively, whether from home, the office, or a combination of both. Hybrid teams leverage various technologies, such as virtual meeting software and messaging apps, to maintain communication and collaboration. This flexibility not only enhances productivity and employee satisfaction but also helps companies attract and retain diverse talent.