Tips for Successfully Managing Remote Teams

According to a study conducted on workplace trends in America by software company Workspot, more than 40% of companies have adopted some type of telecommuting policy for their employees. It is no surprise, then, that nearly 84% of Americans work from a remote location more than once per month or are on one of their company remote teams. With remote work on the rise for conventional employees and a new crop of independent contractors, it is becoming more important to create a management structure that supports a remote workforce.

Here are four fail-proof steps to successfully managing employees and freelancers who work off-site.

Create a Plan

Conventional office wisdom tells us that having set policies and procedures in place for employees, freelancers and management alike assists in getting things done efficiently. The implementation of sound techniques and guidelines should not stop with on-site workers, however. A remote workforce needs the same type of structure, if not more, than employees who come to the office each day, to be able to effectively produce quality work. Successful managers of remote teams understand that the autonomy of remote teams does not mean forgoing a solid work plan.

Communicate Effectively

An ongoing challenge with managing remote teams is the ability to effectively communicate, due in part to the nature of working in different locations. Talking to an employee or freelancer is simple when you bump into them in the hallway or on the way to lunch each and every day; that is not an option with remote teams. Fortunately, staying in touch with remote workers is now easier than ever. A variety of messaging applications and other communication tools are available to organizations of all shapes and sizes, meant to assist in keeping in touch with employees and freelancers who are not physically in the office.

In addition to utilizing online tools for keeping in contact with remote workers, scheduling time for communication is key. Plan for office hours each week where remote workers known you will be available for phone calls, e-mails and chat to discuss any project concerns, task completion updates or changes to the team or work plan. Opening the lines of consistent communication and being dedicated to staying in contact with your remote team helps greatly in achieving long-term success.

Use the Best Tools

Conducting business away from the office has become more readily available to organizations because of advancements in technology. However, not utilizing the right tools for your business needs will derail any benefits remote work affords. There are a variety of intuitive tools built specifically for managing remote work teams that take some of the pressure off your management shoulders. For example, freelancers and remote workers can utilize a payroll tool to quickly and accurately manage hours worked and track paid compensation. The use of the best available tools allows you to focus on task completion, team satisfaction and overall company success.

Promote a Culture of Collaboration

While the majority of remote workers and freelancers enjoy the autonomy of off-site work, there is still a need for collaboration and connection among other remote workers, employees on site andmanagement. Creating a culture of collaboration within a company not only assists in keeping remote workers connected to the company and the work, but also promotes integrated work among various teams and departments, both on- and off-site, that ultimately leads to greater productivity. As a manager, you can create collaboration by including remote workers in communications with other departments as needed, and by encouraging remote workers to connect with other off-site employees and freelancers on a regular basis, outside of scheduled meetings.

Remote Teams : Different Yet the Same

Remote employees and freelancers are not all that different than on-site workers, but the management of remote teams needs to be approached in a slightly different way. To ensure the success of your remote workers and your business, create a work plan that mimics what is already in place for on-site employees, and be dedicated to communicate frequently. Remote team managers must also utilize high quality business tools, and create a culture of collaboration among on- and off-site employees and contractors. Each of these aspects of management in the expanding telecommuting world lend themselves to productive and satisfied remote teams.

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