While there is still some disagreement as to whether or not working remotely or in-person is preferable, there is a growing understanding that the quality of the team is more important than their physical location. Whether working together virtually or in person, a cohesive group will always be more productive.
Having a remote workforce may be advantageous in many ways.
- Employees are given more leeway and responsibility.
- Savings for businesses’ budgets
- Enhanced ability to tap into a worldwide talent pool
- better employee work-life balance
Yet there are other drawbacks to remote work, such as:
- Disconnect due to a lack of direct contact
- Relationship formation is a struggle.
- Difficulties in Coordinating Efforts
Here are some suggestions for assembling a productive virtual staff:
Be selective while hiring. Those that are self-driven, well-organized, and effective communicators are invaluable assets to any remote team. Those who possess these traits will be able to do tasks successfully without continual monitoring. They must also have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
Establish definite goals. When you’ve found the proper individuals to recruit, it’s crucial to communicate your expectations for them. Included in this are the employees’ duties and the company’s rules and regulations. It is also crucial to have well-defined team objectives.
Get the correct equipment. There are a variety of resources available to facilitate efficient communication and collaboration among distributed teams. Tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams are examples of communication and project management software. Selecting the appropriate resources is crucial.
Maintain consistent contact. The lack of in-person communication is a significant drawback of distant employment. As a result, trust and connection may be hard to come by. It’s crucial to promote consistent, two-way communication amongst team members. This may be accomplished by video conferencing, IM, email, or any of the other available communication methods.
Honor your achievements. Successes, great and little, should be celebrated. The good morale and continued hard work of the team will be aided by this.
The best practices for working remotely should be taught. Training in this area could cover topics like stress management, boundary-setting, and more effective communication.
Build a team that trusts and collaborates with one another. This includes setting realistic goals, offering timely feedback, and publicly acknowledging accomplishments.
Provide a range of alternative work schedules. Flextime, remote employment, and working from home are all examples.
Your organization’s requirements and objectives decide whether a remote or in-person staff is preferable. Remote teams may save expenses, boost employee flexibility and autonomy, and provide access to a worldwide talent pool. If you worry about lack of face-to-face connection or communication and cooperation issues, an in-person team may be best.
