Managing the Group and Individual Challenges of Remote Work

The future of work is at home. Over the last several years, employers have begun to see the benefits of a remote workforce, including using less office space and cutting utility costs. But it is not only about saving money. With a few simple tools, a team of at-home workers can be as efficient as a bustling office.

Still, the one difference that many managers and employees wrestle with is working independently from their coworkers. Such a connection is necessary because by staying connected, employees remember that they are part of a team as they continue to motivate one another and work towards a common goal. 

As a manager, how can you effectively manage from afar, and how can your team still feel connected? Let’s look at some tips and tricks.

Hiring Remote Employees

If you know that your staff will be working remotely, then you’ll want to modify your hiring process. The idea of working from an office or physical location has been so ingrained in our culture that people new to the idea of working remotely may need to be approached differently. To start, set up an applicant tracking system where you can manage all of the incoming resumes, set up interviews, collect background info, and send out final hiring paperwork right from your remote location.

While hiring, you will want to look for particular qualities that will be helpful when working in a remote atmosphere. When you cannot simply walk up to someone’s desk, you will need fast and accurate communication. How quickly are they responding to your emails about the interview, and how is their written correspondence? Keep all of that in mind as you make your decisions.

Once you hire on your new employees, you need to lay down expectations and explain the workflow. Start by telling them how things work, the systems and technology they will be using, and how they can communicate with you and their co-workers. One company, LiveIntent, does this by having weekly meetings and status updates.

Get a clear understanding of their situation at home. Do they have a quiet place at home where they can work? Are there certain times when they cannot clock in due to family responsibilities? During an unexpected event like COVID-19, remote work may not be a choice, and having kids and pets around may be inevitable. If so, take a page out of F&B NY agency’s book. They are encouraging end-of-day check-ins where kids and pets are invited. 

Once you understand the needs of the team, work with them to set up a schedule where they can work uninterrupted and meet their deadlines.

Managing a Remote Team

Because your team isn’t in an office where you can see one another and holler over a cubicle wall if you need something, you’ll have to find alternative methods of team management. Use technology to your benefit and offer multiple ways to communicate, including instant messenger apps and electronic project boards. Also, signing all paperwork digitally will save you time and money in addition to being more secure than physical paperwork. It is also a great way to get your expectations of them on the record.

Remote employees can also feel forgotten about since they are not around their coworkers, so as a manager, you should reach out often. Make it a habit to reach out to your employees at least once per day. That could be to inform them of a new task, to congratulate them on a job well done, or to just say hello and remind them that they are part of a team. To further the idea that you are all part of the same strong unit, consider video meetings where you can see each other face to face and discuss projects or lend a helping hand. 

Speaking of video conferencing, you can use that very powerful tool to host group video calls in virtual rooms where the team can work on team-building exercises or have a team lunch from your own homes.

You should also encourage your teams to avoid burnout by ensuring they turn off when it’s time to clock off. Statistics show that remote employees work an average of four hours more than on-site employees, so make sure they leave on time.

Staying on Task While Working Remote

Working from home is certainly a different experience, whether you are the boss or a team member. It can be easy to feel lonely and isolated, and with most rooms having televisions or the internet, it can be easy to get off track. So, it is important to set standards for your work.

Make sure to have an official workspace made specifically for your job and nothing else, whether that is a small office or the living room table.

When you are working, pretend that you are truly in an office. That means not mixing in chores or online shopping. Basically, stick to what you would be limited to doing in an office. Making your remote work environment as close to the office as possible will ensure you stay on task and deliver great work.

Managers and employees alike may need a special reward here and there to stay motivated, especially after accomplishing a daily goal. That could be a special cup of coffee or a much-deserved break outside where you can get some fresh air. In the end, the best thing you can do is to set up a routine that you follow every day and keep the structure that your career requires.

Working from home is a unique experience that provides plenty of great benefits. But it is also important to stay connected with your associates. Find the right work-life balance and make remote work the new normal.

Guest writer Noah Rue is a journalist and a digital nomad, fascinated with the intersection between global health, personal wellness, and modern technology. When he isn't searching out his next great opportunity, Noah likes to shut off his devices, head to the mountains and read novels based in the American Southwest.