Economy and Business
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A remote workforce is becoming more commonplace across industries because of the accessibility of online collaboration tools and the steady evolution of technology. Recent studies have found that 43% of American workers do at least some of their weekly work from home, and that percentage has been rising each year.
According to a new survey, employees who work from home are happier and more satisfied with their careers. Additionally, managing remote employees comes with its own set of difficulties. Miscommunication is one of the biggest problems because speaking directly to an employee makes it much easier to communicate. Here are some suggestions to help you manage your virtual team more effectively if your organization employs remote workers:
Communication Schedule
When managing remote workers, communication is essential. Remote employees frequently feel disconnected from the rest of the team and tend to communicate less frequently than is necessary. Establishing a plan for when communication is required will encourage them to cooperate and communicate. A brief meeting or a status update on the employee’s progress at work should be scheduled at specific times of the day or days of the week.
Communication Style
The way communication is conducted has a significant impact on how a message is transmitted, perceived, and received. Select the communication modalities that are most effective in the circumstances. Chats, for instance, are ideal for spontaneous talks and fast inquiries. Long meetings and delicate subjects like performance assessments are best handled over the phone or via video conferencing. The primary method of communication for official business correspondence is email.
Project Management System
Setting up a project management system is critical for building an organization and facilitating collaboration with remote workers. You may manage projects more easily by using tools like Basecamp and Asana to keep chats, notes, and documents all in one convenient location. A project management system also makes it easier for everyone on the team, whether they work remotely or in an office, to monitor the project’s status at any given time.
Build Rapport
For virtual teams, formal business communication is crucial, but it’s also critical to establish a rapport with each distant employee. Rapport is created by getting to know your employee and forging friendships, not by talking about business. Ask them how they’re doing, about their family, and anything else unrelated to work when you have a chance to chat or speak on the phone during conferences. Above all, pay attention to what they have to say and take it in. This shows them that you care about them as people, not simply as coworkers.
Trust is the second-most crucial element in leading a remote team, after communication. Remote employees won’t feel a connection to your firm without trust. No matter where they choose to work, always have faith in your employees’ skills and commitment.
