Since the first Covid-19 lockdown in March 2020, the landscape of work has evolved dramatically, with technology and flexible working laws enabling a surge in remote work. This shift, further accelerated by factors such as extreme weather, strikes severely impacting the public transport system and the increased availability of skilled cost-effective talent in the gig economy; has made remote work an essential element for maintaining business continuity. However, managing a team that you don't see daily poses unique challenges. Here's how to effectively manage remote and freelance workers in today's dynamic work environment.
Establish Clear Expectations
In a traditional office setting, conveying expectations can be as simple as a brief chat by the coffee machine. For remote teams, clarity is key. Explicitly communicate your expectations by setting timelines and utilising online work calendars. With a plethora of team and project management tools such as Monday, Slack, Asana and Trello offering a transparent view of task progress and updates, there is no reason for your employees to be unclear on expectations and priorities.
It's beneficial to implement a "working from home expectations" policy. This should outline guidelines for timely communication, urgent contact protocols, and work-life balance. Additionally, ensure the practicalities of health and safety, insurance, and employment contracts are appropriately addressed for remote employees.
Maintain Visibility and Accessibility
Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful remote team management. As much as you hold expectations from your remote staff, they, in turn, anticipate responsiveness and accessibility from you. Prompt replies to emails and messages are not just about courtesy; they are critical in a remote setting where the option for a quick, in-person query is absent. Any delay in communication can lead to unnecessary stress, feelings of isolation, or even hinder the progress of time-sensitive tasks.
To ensure smooth communication, it's important to establish and regularly review agreed-upon methods for different levels of priorities. For instance, instant messaging platforms can be used for urgent queries, whereas emails can be reserved for less immediate, detailed communications. This clarity helps in managing expectations and ensures that high-priority tasks are addressed promptly.
Moreover, accessibility goes beyond just being available to answer questions. It also means being present for your team in a more holistic sense. Regular virtual check-ins, whether through one-on-one meetings or team catch-ups, help in maintaining a sense of connection and belonging. These sessions shouldn't always be strictly about work; allowing time for casual conversations can significantly boost morale and strengthen team bonds.
It is also beneficial to provide multiple channels of communication to cater to different needs and preferences. Some team members might prefer a quick video or telephone call for complex discussions, while others might find detailed email communication more effective. Being flexible and adaptive to these varying needs shows a deeper level of understanding and support for your remote workforce.
Maintaining visibility and accessibility is about creating a virtual environment where every team member feels heard, supported, and valued. It's about building a communication framework that mirrors the immediacy and warmth of in-person interactions, ensuring that your remote team remains cohesive and driven, irrespective of their physical location.
Regular Check-Ins Are Crucial
Regular check-ins are vital to stay abreast of your remote team's progress and to keep them informed of essential updates. These check-ins can vary from on-site days to video conferences, or via continuous messaging communication platforms . Ensure remote workers are included in staff training and coaching, either in-person or via video calls.
Overcommunication Can Be Beneficial
The spontaneous sharing of news and successes that occurs in an office setting can often exclude remote workers. Regular updates through project management noticeboards, emails or newsletters help maintain a sense of inclusion and celebrate milestones and achievements as a unified team.
Leverage Technology for Collaboration and Relationship Building
Beyond its role in business operations, technology is instrumental in fostering team relationships. Encourage online interaction to ensure remote team members who are perhaps celebrating a milestone birthday at home, feel connected and valued. Strengthening these bonds is crucial for the collective investment in the success of your business or project.
In conclusion, effectively managing remote teams requires a blend of clear communication, trust, and the right technological tools that will ensure your remote team remains cohesive, motivated, and productive.
If you're looking to enhance your remote team management skills or need more tailored advice, don't hesitate to reach out for professional guidance from your small business HR experts. Embrace these strategies and watch your remote team thrive in an increasingly digital workplace.