Recent global shifts have shaken things up, and how we work is no exception. Many companies, big and small, have switched to working from home. And while this can be a great opportunity for both businesses and employees, ensuring a team thrives in this environment can be challenging.
So, how can you, as a leader, empower your team and fuel success in a remote setting? Here are actionable steps to better manage and support your crew better, ultimately achieving your goals and maximizing their impact.
The foundation of any successful remote team is trust. To build a culture of trust and communication in this work environment is essential. It’s the only way to make this work. Forget micromanaging! Instead, focus on setting clear expectations, outlining goals, and empowering your team members to take ownership of their work.
Picture your team feeling like they’re all in the same boat, rowing towards the same goal. That’s what happens when you keep everyone informed about what the company is trying to achieve, how they plan to get there, and even the bumps they might hit along the way. Sharing the good, the bad, and the in-between, can show your team that you trust them and value their ideas. This openness also helps them prepare for changes and adjust their course when needed, making them feel like they’re truly part of the team’s success.
Set up regular chats (one-on-one) with everyone on your team. This lets you check in openly, see how things are going, and adjust plans if needed. Team meetings are also important to keep everyone on the same page about projects and goals. To make communication smooth and clear, use different tools like video calls, quick messaging, and project management platforms where everyone can see what’s happening.
And of course, to keep things exciting and boost morale, don’t forget to recognize awesome work! A quick shout-out to the whole company, a fun online activity with everyone, or even a little gift sent to their house can make a big difference!
Sure, working remotely offers flexibility and convenience, but it can also lead to blurred work-life boundaries and people overworking. As a team leader, it’s important to encourage everyone to prioritize their well-being to avoid burnout and stay productive.
You can offer resources like wellness programs or activities that can help them manage issues that may be affecting their work. Encourage discussions about workload or stress, and be flexible in addressing these concerns.
Remote work can sometimes be lonely. Think about initiatives that can help your remote employees combat isolation. Schedule virtual coffee breaks or team lunches to encourage casual interaction. Organize fun, online team-building activities to build connections and boost morale.
Ultimately, encourage healthy boundaries. Try to set core working hours. Unless something super urgent pops up, respect everyone’s time (including your own) and disconnect. Remember, taking breaks, using those vacation days, and having a life outside work is what keeps you energized and awesome. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup, right?
The most essential way to extend your support is to equip your remote team for success. Providing your remote team with the right tools and resources is crucial for their productivity and efficiency.
Invest in top-quality equipment and reliable software, project management tools, cloud storage solutions, and secure communication platforms. Make sure that everyone has the necessary hardware and software to perform their job effectively.
The location should not hinder your team’s productivity! Offer a variety of online training courses, workshops, or subscriptions to learning platforms to keep your team’s skills sharp and relevant.
Lastly, take the time to prepare clear documentation for your processes, procedures, and best practices. Remember, your remote team (especially those in global locations) won’t always have immediate live access to you for clarification. Access to clear resources ensures everyone is on the same page, reducing confusion and streamlining workflows.
Above all, the best way to support your remote team easily is to partner with a reliable global workforce organization like Filta. We can effortlessly manage and fulfill your remote team’s needs, ensuring a connected, aided, and supported workforce— no matter where you or your team members are.
Here’s how we can support your remote team for maximum impact:
- Filta offers an EOR service (FiltaEmploy). As an EOR, we don’t just handle the legal paperwork, payroll, taxes, and other things for compliance. We also take on HR responsibilities and address employee concerns that may arise without stripping out your control over your remote team.
- When it comes to equipping your remote team for success, we take care of sourcing and delivering high-quality equipment straight to your team member’s doorstep through our procurement and logistics service (FiltaEquip). Filta removes the burden of managing logistics entirely so you and your team can have more time together to focus on your core business. So even if you’re miles apart, you can still be at ease knowing their technical needs are supported. We can even help you send an appreciation gift to your remote team whenever you like!
- Working remotely can sometimes be isolating and demotivating for some. Filta can help support your work-from-home team through its community wellness service (FiltaEngage). We offer access to a wide array of wellness programs, educational resources, social events, community perks, and even professional wellness sessions with our dedicated Wellness Specialists. We understand that to achieve peak performance, your team’s well-being needs to be supported. This ensures they stay motivated and productive, even while working from home.
Building a successful remote team requires ongoing effort and adaptation. Prioritizing trust, clear communication, and well-being support empowers your team to thrive in this new environment. Equipping them with the right tools, resources, and development opportunities further fuels their success.
A successful remote team doesn’t happen by accident. It requires a proactive and supportive approach from leadership. By following these actionable steps and potentially partnering with a global workforce organization like Filta, you can navigate managing and supporting your remote team to achieve the best possible outcomes – maximizing their impact and achieving remarkable results.
Need help to support your remote team? Filta simplifies global workforce solutions. Visit www.filtaglobal.com to get started.
