Remote working has been around for a while but has taken a new dimension after the pandemic. It was hard to imagine the whole workforce using their homes as the office to manage the operations. However, technological advancements have helped employees with tools that allow them to connect, collaborate and contemplate cohesively.
In fact, it has become the preferred way of running the business because of affordability, higher productivity and better work-life balance. Many entrepreneurs planning to purchase a business for sale in Canberra wish to function with a remote team but are unaware of their management. So here is how you can lead and manage a remote working team without any face-to-face interaction.
- Provide the Right Tools
Before you ask your team to work from home, you need to equip them with all the required software and gadgets that they need to perform their duties. Some of the employees may need a laptop and others will need a webcam or microphones. So, they must be provided with the necessary tools.
It is the responsibility of the entrepreneur to train them in the use of all the software needed to work remotely, such as communication apps, project management software, data storage, cybersecurity obligations, analytical tools, content creation tools, etc. Make sure that they do not lack any facility, which can hamper the output or reduce their speed.
- Schedule Daily Morning Meetings
The ideal way to function as a team is to be on the same page with all the members. It requires an update on how things are progressing, how much work is left and how many resources are needed to complete it.
The business owner must use video conferencing to understand the work scheduled for the day and speak to the employees to make them aware of their responsibilities and help them prioritise. It helps in making sure that everyone has their to-do list for the day.
- Communicate the Goals and Values
The business owner must make sure that they inform the team about the core values, vision and mission of the business. It helps them to understand the purpose of their work and feel passionate about the long-term objectives. The CEO needs to help them align their personal goals with the company objectives and work accordingly.
It will help them to realise their responsibilities without someone reminding them about the tasks every day. They will feel accountable and will be in a better position to manage their work without a manager breathing down on their necks.
- Help them Set Boundaries
It is easy to become disinterested and unorganised when the workers are sitting in the comfort of their homes. They must deal with a variety of distractions and fight the struggle of giving in to the pleasures of taking a nap, browsing through Instagram, or watching an episode of their favourite TV series during work hours.
Make sure that you help your team to separate their personal and professional life by following a strict work schedule. However, you should make room for flexibility in case of need, such as an illness or family problems. The managers must discuss the work hours for every member and offer them the flexibility to choose their schedule. It will help them to focus without any interference.
- Introduce Team Building Activities
While working in isolation, it is challenging to build a sense of camaraderie and teamwork among the workers. Thus, the entrepreneur needs to encourage interactions among team members by creating separate groups on video conferencing apps. They should freely call each other to discuss work and challenges.
Besides the regular communication, the owner must get all hands on deck to brainstorm ideas and innovative strategies to make the business more successful. Helping them break the ice is important to work as a team. Thus, Friday evenings can be utilised for games and activities that help in building team spirit among the workers and make them feel like a part of a group.
- Boost their Morale to Keep Them Motivated
When remote working continues for long, it can become monotonous and less productive. To ensure that boredom doesn’t seep into work, the entrepreneur must work on mentoring the employees. They must assess their performance individually and appreciate their efforts so that they feel valued in the organisation.
It is imperative to recognise them during online team meetings to keep them motivated to perform better. It will also fuel up other members to emulate the success and work harder. Make sure that all of them have a positive mindset and the zeal to perform.
Conclusion
Leading and managing remote teams is not hard when you have the tools and the conviction to succeed. Once the system is adjusted and processes are in place, you can make your team work better at home than at the office.
