Since many companies have moved their employees to a remote work environment back during the height of COVID-19, most have found that their team can be just as productive working from home. Most employees have found more motivation, focus, and fulfillment when working remotely. However, as a manager, it’s still important to give your employees what they need to succeed. From creative project management software to direct communication apps, you may need to update some of the tools in your tool kit. In this article, we share some of the best advice for managing and motivating a remote team, using some of the best resources for communication, project management, and file sharing. Keep reading to learn more.
Important Things to Note When Managing a Remote Team
One of the best ways to motivate and manage a remote team is by addressing their needs and providing the tools they need to succeed. Two main areas of concern usually arise from communication and technological issues. Addressing these challenges first by using the right collaborative tools and equipment can allow you to focus on getting your team motivated, inspired, and more productive than ever.
Communication Issues
Since your team can be dispersed across different locations (even, globally!) finding the right times to sync together as a team might be slightly challenging. However, making sure everyone is on the same page is crucial to the internal operations of your organization. Some potential solutions include:
- Schedule a team meeting at the same time every week to go over high-level items
- Make time for employees to schedule meetings with you on an individual basis
- Leave time at the beginning or end of every day for quick employee questions
- Schedule a biweekly or monthly meeting with every department to address overarching issues/questions
- Specify what mode of communication is best when employees are trying to reach you during work hours (direct message, call, appointment, etc.)
- Schedule 30, 60, and 90 days performance reviews for new employees
- Have a professional, experienced, and respected HR person (or team) to handle sensitive issues, should they arise.
Technology Issues
If you’re running your business remotely, you’ll need to make sure all your employees’ basic tech needs are met. Do you provide the equipment required or will they need to purchase their own? If so, be sure to outline the specs they need to purchase. Another important thing to consider is the WiFi connection. Does your employee have a stable internet connection and efficient loading speeds? You may need to provide WiFi extenders, VPNs, or hot spots to make sure your employees can make every meeting without issue.
Tools to Successfully Manage a Remote Team
Thanks to the influx of remote positions, many new types of tools and apps have hit the market. These tools can streamline your efforts to communicate, collaborate, and manage your team. Some of the most important tools you can use are explained below:
Communication Tools
The right communication tools can make or break the internal operations of your business. You need a reliable source of direct messaging on which coworkers can ping each other on important matters. Slack is the one-stop-shop for direct messaging, video calling, and quick “huddles” for your employees. You can create channels for each department to effectively communicate with each other.
Additionally, all employees should have access to Zoom, Google Meet, and any other important video conferencing platforms to sync with both coworkers and clients. Zoom can also be connected to your Google calendar to make scheduling meetings easier.
File-Sharing Tools
Using a cloud suite where you can upload documents and share other files can help you keep everything organized and accessible. This allows your team to keep all important documents in one place, where everyone can find them. Departments can all have their own folders where they quickly upload and find what they need. Make sure to have your employees sync at the end of the day to make sure all important documents have been uploaded/updated.
Time Management Tools
There are multiple ways to manage when your employees clock in or out and request time off or take sick days. Keeping all this data up-to-date in one place will help with all scheduling and payroll operations. Your employees will also be able to quickly reference how many vacation days they have accrued.
Project and Task Management Tools
If your business has multiple ongoing projects at the same time, it’s important that you have a full-proof system in place to make sure no important items fall through the cracks. A proper project tracking software will have a place to manage important deadlines, priority levels, and individual tasks. Each department could have a project folder for each client, where they can manage all tasks pertaining to their department.
Security Tools
If your industry involves the need for good security measures, it would be a good idea to invest in proper security software. If your team needs a safe password-sharing database, you’ll need to pay a little extra for a reputable platform. This can keep you, your employees, your company, and your clients safe from hackers. You’ll also have to make sure that all your employees have antivirus protection.
Anonymous Feedback Tools
Give your employees a chance to share feedback. You can use optional anonymous or non-anonymous feedback surveys for your employees to rate their week, mention any issues (or wins!) they encountered, and share any suggestions. You can incentivize your employees to fill out the survey by allowing them to leave early on Fridays.
Conclusion – Tools for Successfully Managing a Remote Team
Your employees are the foundation of your business. Keeping them happy, addressing their needs, and giving them the proper tools they need to succeed will lead you, your team, and your company to success. Remote teams can be just motivated, productive, and inspired as an in-house team, granted their tools are optimized for remote work.
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