Working remotely for most of us has become the norm, with many employees adjusting to this increasingly familiar mode of working. This has posed a host of new challenges for many business managers for whom remote management is unchartered waters. Given that this is likely to be at least the foreseeable future, if not the long-term future of the workplace, managers and business owners need to adapt. It’s crucial therefore to be able to prioritise managing a remote team effectively without detriment to productivity. Whether you are already four months into remote working or are newly managing a remote team, here are some important practices to adopt in order to promote a more fulfilled and productive team!

Utilise technology to boost team spirt and establish a community bond
Use virtual platforms to build a connection with your employees and in turn encourage your employees to do this with their colleagues. Take steps to protect people from feeling isolated. Building a team spirit by introducing a weekly virtual quiz or virtual Friday drinks will maintain a continued sense of camaraderie. It is essential to keeping your team upbeat and positive, reminding employees that they are still connected to the social aspect of the office. Investing in the technology platforms to support and maintain effective communication will ensure that this collaboration is possible. Provide the staff training and technical support to allow all employees to use the tools confidently and fruitfully. Ultimately such an investment will reap dividends in job satisfaction and staff productivity.

Implement reminders of short-term goals and long-term goals
As many businesses were forced to make the transition to working remotely, the businesses goals may have changed to reflect unexpected external challenges. Ensure employees are kept informed about these revised goals and are continually kept abreast of changes as they enfold. This allows employees to prioritise tasks and to stay on target. As far as possible, allow employees at all levels of the business the chance to have input into the future vision and goals of your business. This will help instil in all the staff a sense of empowerment and ownership in these uncertain times. Agree and set personal goals for individual employees too, to allow them to better measure their own productivity.

Be mindful of people’s mental wellbeing
The unprecedented challenges posed by this world-wide pandemic has affected all types of people in different ways, with many employees admitting that they are struggling to stay positive and motivated. It’s important that business managers acknowledge the tough personal and career decisions employees are facing and that employees feel supported and valued. Provide them with help and tips on how to look after their mental wellbeing and use inquiry techniques to help them achieve their goals rather than constantly checking in on their progress and numbers.

Acknowledge employees’ effort publicly and trust Your Team
It’s more important than ever to keep up staff morale; telling your team members they’ve done a good job virtually may be more difficult than when at the office. A congratulations over an email may not always hold the same weight. Use your virtual video calls to celebrate each team member’s efforts and collate these acknowledgements in an email with the team included! Introducing an award scheme for achievements may be more important than ever. Acknowledge that you trust that your employees are putting in the work. Set up work-from-home guidelines in order to respect boundaries and foster a healthy work- life balance. Limiting emails and calls to designated hours ensures employees are not working around the clock and helps them feel respected. Afterall your employees are your business’ greatest asset.