The digital revolution has brought a myriad of opportunities to the modern workplace. Remote work, in particular, is proving increasingly popular. A notable IWG study reveals that, on a global scale, 70 percent of employees work remotely at least once every week. Some conduct the majority of their work digitally.
Success in a remote workplace relies on effective management. With the right approach and resources, it’s possible to build a cohesive and highly effective team. Below, we offer five key strategies for making the most of a remote setup:
Establish Success Criteria for Evaluating and Hiring Remote Employees
What makes a successful remote employee? Who is best equipped to handle the unique demands of remote work? These questions should play a key role in the hiring and onboarding process. Detailed hiring criteria may make it easier to spot ideal remote prospects. Examples could include:
- Evidence of personal discipline and drive, especially with solo projects
- Experience with remote platforms and applications — or the tech-savvy necessary to adapt to such programs
- Strong written communication skills
- Previous experience in working remotely
Select and Develop Leaders Skilled at Remote Management
Management forms the backbone of any remote strategy. Effective managers make remote employees feel valued and supported. This can be accomplished by checking in regularly through email or social messaging apps. A survey of over 1,000 remote employees conducted by social scientists Joseph Grenny and David Maxfield reveals that workers thrive on regular digital interactions, particularly when managers demonstrate trust and respect.
As with all employees, detailed criteria should be established to ensure that leaders possess the specific traits and experience needed for success in remote management. These include the ability to delegate strategically and to build a close-knit team from afar. After hiring, regular training and development can help leaders further build strong communication skills that will ultimately lead to a more productive and fulfilled remote workforce.
Leverage Workplace Tools to Keep Team Members Organized and Collaborating
A cohesive communication strategy is critical to keeping remote employees in the loop. The right platform can drive effective digital communication. Aim for a comprehensive platform that takes care of all remote work needs, including instant messaging, calendar maintenance, and document sharing. Utilize this program consistently to ensure that employees know exactly where to turn for essential information or feedback.
Define Company Culture And Reinforce It Consistently
In a traditional workplace, a company’s core culture is immediately evident based on everything from meeting schedules to office layouts. These factors can also come into play digitally, making it possible to establish a clear culture regardless of employees’ physical presence.
A variety of digital interactions can be called upon to establish a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose among remote employees. Regular check-ins are vital for keeping employees connected. Communication style should be consistent and should clearly reflect your company’s values. For example, a company that thrives on cheerful in-person interactions should utilize the same tone in digital exchanges.
Provide Opportunities for In-Person Interactions
While technology can replace many aspects of the office, in-person interactions still hold considerable value. Capitalize on the power of face-to-face contact by offering regular meetup opportunities. Depending on employee proximity and company priorities, these in-person interactions can take place during weekly or monthly meetings or in a casual setting such as a happy hour.
The remote workplace offers an exciting opportunity to go beyond geography when leveraging talent. With the right remote management strategy, it’s possible to bring a diverse group of professionals together to accomplish great things.
Are you eager to make the most of today’s remote work possibilities? Look to ON ITS AXIS for guidance with distributed teams and other staffing and HR needs. With our help, you can establish the best practices needed to build a solid company culture that helps all employees reach their full potential. Contact us today to learn more about our services.