The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the professional lives of many globally. Despite this, it has also presented new prospects. Businesses that encountered a downturn in revenue have taken the advantage of this situation to restructure their operations or placed their attention on long-pending projects that could help them secure a competitive position in the future.
It has dawned on businesses that retaining remote teams post the pandemic may have its advantages. In order to make this a success, managers will have to adjust their management techniques. This write-up will discuss approaches to effectively managing a dispersed workforce.
Make sure to voice your thoughts
When implementing a remote workforce, it is crucial to have a fixed communication schedule in place. The best way to hold scheduled meetings is through video conferencing. Such meetings might include:
A daily check-in.
To quickly get back to work, keeping this meeting brief would be helpful. It can be utilized to discuss concerns, ensure all resources are available, and outline the day’s agenda.Recap of the previous week.
During this team meeting, which we estimate will last for thirty minutes, we will evaluate our accomplishments from the past few days and deliberate on our strategy for the forthcoming week.Monthly exploration summit.
Set aside an hour each month for a meeting to address persistent issues, deliberate on new undertakings, and brainstorm probable solutions.
Ad-hoc meetings can benefit from video calls, but there are alternatives such as phone calls, chat, or online platforms such as Slack. To create a team atmosphere, establish a “water cooler” channel where people can engage in non-work-related conversations during breaks.
Establish Realistic Objectives
When embarking on a new project, one must frequently manage expectations. Firstly, defining the project’s extent and every team member’s responsibility is crucial. Additionally, metrics to determine success need defining. To ensure everyone’s on the same page, consistent meetings during the project duration are necessary.
Project outcomes must be given top priority, not the team’s time management. Make sure your staff are informed of how and when to get in touch with you. Further, communicate the importance of corporate information confidentiality. It’s crucial to recall that cyber attackers focus on firms that allow their employees to work remotely.
Contribute Essential Resources
Remote team members require the proper equipment to execute their job, namely hardware, software, office furniture, and stationary that are usually present in an office setting. Enabling the IT department with resources to support remote workers including a helpline, a ticket system, and the flexibility to visit them at their residences if needed is necessary.
It’s essential to ensure that personnel are cognizant of available resources, which include up-to-date COVID-19 pandemic information and additional support provided by the firm for things like childcare and financial advice. Employees must be aware that they are a valuable asset and that their colleagues may approach them with any work or personal issues. The company should provide tangible and intangible aid, including access to mental health services.
Maintain Your Belongings in Order
A distributed team’s lack of clear workflows and ineffective organisational tools can quickly lead to disruption. A simple, cost-free application like Trello may help keep track of all project details from start to finish. For complex organizations, software customized to aid in project management, like those designed for video game production, may be worth considering.
It is important to ensure that all team members know the processes and protocols for finishing tasks. For instance, when submitting a report, what is the process? Should it be emailed, and if so, to which address? Is it preferable to save it in an online repository? Who is in charge of scrutinizing the report, and what does the process entail? Is there more information required to submit it? It is essential to communicate these processes to the team and have a reference document or platform for tracking their progress.
Set an Example
Even remotely, personnel are observing and learning how to conduct themselves in various scenarios based on your behaviour. If you convey a resolute work ethic, professionalism, promptness, and adherence to company policies, colleagues will likely model the same.
During periods of substantial change in the organization, it’s vital as leaders to recognise our personal emotions. As our team may share our feelings if we’re distressed, our behaviour sets an example. To demonstrate guidance, we must remain steady and assured, motivating our team to emulate us.
Enjoy Yourself
It’s important to try to establish connections with colleagues, even if you don’t share a strong rapport. Taking the time to communicate and establish relationships can result in better teamwork, even when working remotely. It’s still feasible for the team to have a good time together while working remotely.
During particular sessions, taking five minutes to talk about upcoming plans like trips and vacations can prove beneficial. Alternatively, you could arrange a virtual pizza party by delivering pizzas to everyone’s home. If possible, strive to assemble in person at least once a month.
Size is Not Preset
To achieve success, teams must have a suitable blend of personnel, resources, and protocols in place. Those already experienced with remote work, before the pandemic, may have their own workplace set up. On the other hand, groups that have only worked together in-person may require more organization and direction.
It is critical to keep communication channels open with all levels of management to guarantee the deployment of the most effective strategies. This list should be used as a foundation to evaluate which tactics are most advantageous. Adapting and improving these processes as necessary is a cornerstone of successful remote management. Through trial and feedback, you can determine the most suitable strategies for your organization.
