The Rules of Engagement for Managing Remote Teams
Because teams are working remotely or hybrid schedules, rules of engagement apply. Understanding how to adapt your management methods helps elevate success.
Effective remote management techniques support a shared sense of purpose and strengthen team trust. These factors increase collaboration, job satisfaction, and team-building.
Best Practices for Managing Remote Teams
These best practices help maintain engagement, productivity, and goal attainment when managing remote teams:
Clarify Expectations
Define each remote team member’s job duties, responsibilities, and expectations. Emphasize transparency and accountability so everyone knows their objectives, understands how their work aligns with business goals, and has a roadmap for success:
- Create Detailed Role Descriptions. Include specific tasks, expected outcomes, and resources. Share the descriptions during onboarding and regularly review them.
- Set SMART Goals. Develop specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound team goals. Review progress, address issues, and course-correct during individual and team meetings.
- Develop Project Roadmaps. Use a project planning tool such as Asana to detail timelines, milestones, and role responsibilities. Ensure remote team members understand how their work impacts the big picture.
Document Processes and Procedures
Documenting team workflows, processes and procedures creates reference points for remote team members to maintain consistency in their communication and work:
- Share a Repository for Living Documents. Use a platform such as Notion to maintain updated process and procedure documentation.
- Encourage Your Team to Share Documents. Team members should update the documentation to ensure tasks are accurately completed.
Implement Performance TrackingÂ
Align each team member’s efforts with company goals to ensure everyone works toward common objectives:
- Develop Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Set and track team goals.
- Regularly Review and Adjust Team Goals. Organize quarterly reviews to evaluate progress, discuss challenges, and make necessary adjustments.
- Use Performance Software. Maintain goal alignment and KPIs, evaluate employee reviews and raises, and report on performance trends to gather team member insights.
Encourage Work-Life Structure
Maintain boundaries and promote practices that support physical and mental wellness to elevate creativity, engagement, and productivity:
- Offer a Flexible Schedule. Let team members work within a general timeframe to fill personal, professional, and business needs.
- Encourage Using All Paid Time Off. Taking regular breaks, unplugging outside of work hours, and going on vacation help team members rest, rejuvenate, and be more productive.
- Provide Wellness Resources. Mindfulness apps, virtual fitness classes, and mental health counseling strengthen wellness within your team culture.
Schedule Regular Check-Ins
Regularly check in with each remote team member to maintain communication and alignment. Use the time for meaningful dialog, relationship-building, and problem-solving:
- Implement a 30-60-90-Day Cadence for New Hires. Schedule 30-, 60-, and 90-day check-ins to discuss your new hire’s progress, address issues and develop long-term goals. Help your new hire feel welcome, valued, and respected within your team.
- Structure Your 1:1s. Create an agenda to cover key topics such as workload, personal development, challenges, and constructive feedback. Include time for casual discussion to build rapport.
Organize Virtual Team-Building Events
Use face-to-face interactions to create team camaraderie and feelings of inclusion:
- Develop Monthly Social Events. Rotate which remote team member organizes virtual game nights, escape rooms, themed trivia, or other activities.
- Host Cross-Departmental Meetups. Encourage knowledge sharing and collaboration to spark new ideas and strengthen company culture.
- Implement Informal Communication Channels. Develop Slack channels or virtual coffee rooms for remote team members to chat, share hobbies, and discuss topics of interest to build a sense of community.
Celebrate Milestones
Recognize the value of each team member’s contributions to build a culture of acknowledgment and appreciation:
- Implement a Team Recognition Program. Let team members give shout-outs for exceptional work.
- Personalize Team Celebrations. Customize recognition according to each team member’s preferences, such as sending a handwritten note or announcing personal achievements in team meetings.
Prioritize Results Over HoursÂ
Emphasize the importance of productivity rather than hours worked to prioritize work quality and help prevent burnout:
- Provide Autonomy. Let remote team members decide when to complete their work within a set timeframe.
- Develop Outcome-Based Goals. Track measurable outcomes rather than team member work hours.
- Celebrate Outcomes. Emphasize the results delivered rather than the time invested.
Find Remote Employees with PrideStaffÂ
Managing a remote team requires having the right people in the right roles. PrideStaff’s recruiters use proven techniques and nationwide resources to source qualified candidates when needed. To learn more about our services and to get started on your talent search, contact your local PrideStaff office today.
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