How to Manage a Remote Team: 5 Tips for Success

Before COVID-19 struck, about 43% of employees worked remotely at least part-time. That number increased dramatically over the last year.

As a manager, you need to adopt a different style of management to manage your remote employees. Read on to learn the best tips that show you how to manage a remote team.

1. Have Regular Check-Ins

The major downside of remote work is the lack of social connection. You can have short check-ins with your team to make sure they’re doing their work.

Regular check-ins can help maintain a connection between you and your employees. It can be used to hold employees accountable. It can also be used to show that you care about their well-being.

It’s a tough time for a lot of people. Show that you care, and you’ll create a strong bond between you and your remote employees.

2. Use the Right Tools

Technology made remote work a possibility.You can make it a disaster by using the wrong tools. Conferencing software, messaging tools, and calendar options are the most common. In the construction industry, for example, the best timesheet app for construction workers is essential to help manage a remote team. With this app, employers are able to track the hours of their workforce with accuracy and transparency, regardless of location. It also enables employers to set expectations before the job starts, monitor progress in real time, and provide prompt payment, so employees can remain effective and motivated. Furthermore, this software comes with features that simplify incident tracking and performance measurement to ensure that all project requirements are fulfilled on time.

You should take a look at what you need the tools to do and then settle on ones that meet your needs.

3. Flexible Schedule vs. Regular Working Hours

Employees love remote work because of the flexibility it affords them. They can work when it’s best for them as long as they get the job done.

As a manager, you might be tempted to have everyone clock in and out like a regular shift at the office. You need to weigh the benefits and the drawbacks of a flexible schedule versus a standardized schedule.

Some people may need that added flexibility because they have kids at home. From your perspective, a regular working schedule makes it easier to manage your team.

You can have a balance between the two by having a set time to ask questions and meetings while giving employees a little flexibility as to when they do the work.

4. Make the Most of Meeting Time

Meetings are usually a waste of time. They are necessary to ensure that everyone on your team is on the same page.

You need to have an agenda for every meeting and stick to it. Don’t let team members sidetrack the meeting or get distracted.

5. Plan the Return to Work

You might be ready to open the office already. You need to plan very carefully so your business complies with the various COVID-19 guidelines.

You may start by alternating employees to comply with social distancing measures. You also need to make sure that you book meeting rooms.

There are a couple of room scheduling tools that you can use. Meetio.com, Skedda, and Teem are among some of the top tools.

How to Manage a Remote Team That’s Engaged

Remote work definitely has its advantages. To make the most of it, you have to know how to manage a remote team. Have regular check-ins, use the best tools, and make sure your meetings are as productive as possible.

Check out the Business section of this site for more entrepreneurial tips.