A Complete Guide on Managing Remote Teams

Remote work is here to stay. According to a recent report, 97% of workers said they would like to work remotely at least some of the time for the rest of their careers. Also, 97% of workers would recommend remote work to others. If you are managing a remote team, it presents unique challenges. Here is how to navigate those obstacles so you can manage your virtual team effectively.

Identify Challenges

The first step toward managing remote teams is to identify the unique challenges that come with virtual work. Here are some obstacles for remote teams:

• Feeling disconnected from colleagues and company
• Lack of in-person meetings
• Distractions at home
• Technical issues
• Difficulty with collaborations

Set Expectations

You want your remote team to know exactly what is expected of them. That can be difficult over Zoom, so the need for clarity is even more important with remote teams. Set clear expectations on work hours, meetings, team communication tools, work-life balance and more.

Communicate Often

When it comes to communicating with remote workers, there can really never be enough. Maintaining clear communication with in-person workers is hard enough. When you add in the virtual element, things get dicier. Schedule regular one-on-one meetings with your team and don't be afraid to use your communication application, even for things that seem obvious.

Focus on Results

Micromanaging is never a good way to lead, but this is especially true when it comes to managing remote teams. When everyone is remote, they need to feel as connected to the team as possible. One way to do that is to allow them space to work. Step back and allow them to do things their way. Focus on the results, not how you got there.

Work on Team Bonding

Speaking of making sure your team feels connected, schedule regular virtual team-building activities to bond your squad. Offsyte offers several activities, happy hours and workshops that will help build camaraderie within your team.

Be Flexible and Empathetic

Everyone handles stress differently, so try to be as flexible and empathetic as possible. Remote workers have their own unique obstacles, so they will deal with them in their own unique ways. Embrace the differences and listen to your team's concerns. When you show flexibility and empathy to your team, they will feel much more valued.

More to Know About Managing Remote Teams

Some common questions people have about managing remote teams.

What is the best management style for remote teams?

The best management style for remote teams is one that is tailored to your workers. The key is to be flexible and adapt to their needs and wants.

How do you successfully build and manage remote teams?

If you want to build a successful remote team, you need to communicate clearly, set expectations, listen carefully and build your team's bond.

What makes a good remote team?

A good remote team is flexible, opportunistic, bonded and motivated. That all starts at the top, so do your best to get them there.