How to manage a remote team / Photo Škoda
Remote work has long ceased to be the exception – for many companies it is the new norm. It changes the approach to hiring and developing people: now businesses can find specialists all over the world, not limited to one city or country.
But with this freedom comes new challenges. When people work from different locations, communication and understanding problems can arise. If ignored, efficiency can gradually sag, writes HiBob.
Business 24, together with Škoda, tells how a leader can see weaknesses in managing such a team in advance and adjust work for the most comfortable cooperation.
What difficulties may arise?
- Communication
In a remote format, communication often boils down to chats and emails. There are no “casual” conversations like in the office – in the kitchen or in the hallway.
- Trust
Without trust, remote work simply doesn’t work. Some companies try to monitor employees through special programs, but this is not always comfortable for people. In a healthy team, it is important to trust that everyone is doing their job, even if you can’t see them.
- Productivity
Managers often worry that without constant supervision, performance will decline. In fact, many who work remotely perform better in this format than in the office, but some may lack clear structure or support.
- Clear expectations
If a person doesn't fully understand their responsibilities or what is expected of them, the result will be appropriate. In a remote format, this is especially critical, because it is more difficult to clarify “on the fly”.
Flexibility in approaches increases employee motivation / Photo by Pexels
How can a leader manage such a team?
There are ways a leader can adjust their management style to keep the team productive while everyone works from home, Business.com writes.
1. Stay in touch regularly
The publication notes that communication problems are one of the most common problems in this format of work. Therefore, you will have to consciously add more contacts. The minimum is one video meeting per week.
It's important to not only discuss tasks, but also to be interested in how people are doing – both at work and in general. This helps keep the team “alive” and not just a series of chats.
2. Collect feedback
Transitioning to remote work is always about change, and not all processes work perfectly the first time, journalists write. That's why it's important to regularly ask the team what's convenient and what's not.
Give people several channels for communication: email, instant messengers, calls. And the most important thing is not just to listen, but to actually implement adequate ideas.
Feedback helps to quickly improve processes / Photo by Pexels
3. Create opportunities for informal communication
When working remotely, people often lack the usual “human” contact. This creates a feeling of isolation.
Therefore, Business.com recommends creating such moments specifically: informal calls, online team activities, or even separate chats “not about work.” Tools such as video meetings and instant messengers are very helpful here.
4. Hold individual and group meetings
They note that in addition to general meetings, it is important to regularly talk to each person individually. This makes it easier to understand what a person needs, what their expectations and problems are.
Often, in a personal format, people open up more than in a group and are not afraid to ask questions or raise difficult topics.
6. Be flexible in your work
Everyone's home conditions are different: someone works with children nearby, someone works in a small space, someone works at their own pace.
People often perform better when given a little freedom in their schedules and approaches to work. The key is to clearly communicate expectations and deadlines.
6. Use different technological tools
The publication notes that you shouldn't rely on just one channel. For example, mail isn't suitable for everything.
Video meetings work well for discussions, but large meetings can be chaotic and should be broken up into smaller ones. Audio calls are great for quick questions. For sensitive topics, it’s best to opt for one-on-one conversations.
7. Prepare agendas for meetings
Without preparation, online meetings often turn into “talking about everything and nothing.”
It’s better to make a plan in advance and share it with the team. This helps to stay focused and not waste time. And in general, it’s worth reviewing from time to time whether all the meetings are really necessary.
8. Hire people who share similar values
At the same time, they emphasize that a successful remote team is not just about skills. It is important that people have common values, approach to work, and communication style.
This helps avoid conflicts, maintain a normal atmosphere, and make the team more stable.
Remote work requires more attention from the leader / Photo by Pexels
Mobility is also about efficiency
Even in the world of remote work, leaders rarely sit still. Traveling to meetings, working from different locations, or simply needing a change of scenery are all part of the modern rhythm, and the Škoda Octavia will help you adapt to it:
- comfort on daily trips. A spacious interior and thoughtful arrangement of controls allow you to avoid getting tired even during long trips and quickly “switch” between work and rest;
- modern technology at your fingertips. Smartphone integration, multimedia system and digital services allow you to stay connected and manage tasks even on the go;
- practicality and versatility. The car is equally well suited for daily city routes and trips outside the city – without the need to adapt to circumstances;
- economy in use. Optimal fuel consumption and well-thought-out technical solutions help reduce costs during regular trips;
- Safety and driver assistance systems. Driving assistants reduce the workload behind the wheel and add confidence, which is especially important with a busy schedule.
The Škoda Octavia successfully combines comfort, technology and practicality.