- 68% of job seekers, mostly millennials would prefer working remotely, according to 2015 After College Career Insight Survey. More and more people are choosing to work remotely due to the many benefits it offers. This option is beneficial for both the employees and the organizations in managing a remote team since the employees can balance their work and life and the organization benefits from increased productivity. Remote workers are known to offer 30 to 40 percent more productivity than in-house employees.However, it is important for the organizations to build a fruitful relationship with the remote workers to ensure better productivity and efficiency. Here are some tips on how to manage remote teams effectively.
Have the Right People On-Board
Remote working is not for everyone; hence you need to choose the right people. Hire candidates who are good at time management, are dedicated and understand their responsibilities to manage a remote team. Make sure they are tech-savvy and have good communication skills and this would easier your task of managing remote employees. -
Communicate Regularly If You Run a Remote Team
Communication is paramount when it comes to effectively lead virtual teams. Talk to the employees or hold team meetings using the various remote communication technologies that are available today. Proper communication will ensure that everyone is on the same level. -
Set Clear Goals
It is very important for you to set clear goals and communicate about your expectations when working with virtual teams.
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Provide the Best Technology Support
You must provide your remote employees with the required technological support that will help them stay connected to your organization and make working easier for managing a remote team. This means you need to have a platform where they can upload their daily work, have a messenger for team meetings, have advanced video calling facilities and so on for an effective remote team working. -
Stay-Up-to-Date While Managing a Remote Team
Make sure you stay updated about the status of the work assigned to every remote employee. When you have remote employees, time is a big constraint. So, fix a specific time when you can discuss the progress of work and plan the future recourse with your remote team. Staying updated will lessen the chances of communication gaps and that can help you to manage a remote team and become a good manager. -
Provide Enough Space
Since employers cannot physically scrutinise their remote team, many tend to interfere more than required into their remote team’s processes, almost to the point of micro-managing. This will not only harm your relationship with your remote employees but will also hinder performance and accountability.Owing to the evolving business demands and needs to scale, you may have to adapt to the concept of remote working. Managing virtual teams would become easier with the above best practices, so keep them in mind and build a fruitful relationship with your remote team.
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