Current search data shows a significant 300% increase in searches for remote working jobs in the UK. Of course, remote working comes with it’s challenges, one of them being communication. So how do you create a successful company culture with remote teams? Take a look below for tips from Instant Offices.
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Clear and consistent communication
Setting communication expectations from the start is important so that your team knows the guidelines to follow. It’s important for team members to feel as though they have enough one on one time with you as a manager to set up regular catch-ups with agendas so people can plan accordingly.
Use reliable communication tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Zoom for different types of communication needs (chat, video calls, project management). When working with a remote team, email alone just isn’t enough and an instant messaging service provides a more personal and approachable feel to the team.
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Creating a remote first feedback system
Conducting surveys to gather feedback on communication practices and identify areas for improvement can be a great way to keep your team happy. Depending on the size of the company, your team may not always to have someone to vent to other than you, and not everyone is confident in giving direct feedback. Using an anonymous survey can allow you to get thoughtful and honest feedback to make changes.
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Training and resources
Just because your team are remote doesn’t mean that they won’t be keen to learn, develop and grow their skill sets. Setting aside allocated learning time for your team can be a great way to show them that you’re invested in them as people, as well as creating a more skilled and experienced team.
Whether you provide resources for them to use alone, create a monthly lunch and learn or even send the team to a conference for some team bonding, it’s important for a remote team to feel valued and appreciated.
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Encouraging collaboration
It’s not just the communication between manager and team member that needs work in a remote setting, intercommunication within team members is also vital.
Use collaborative platforms such as Miro or MURAL for brainstorming and collaborative work. And great subteams or parings to group people together for projects.
It can also be healthy to create a session per week or every other week for a coffee break together where work doesn’t need to be discussed, but people can just chat about the sorts of things they would in the office such as TV, books or upcoming plans.
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Be respectful of people’s personal situations
People work remotely for a reason, be it childcare, living in another country or simply because it suits their personality and ways of working. It’s important as a manager to respect these differences. Be mindful of team members’ time zones when scheduling meetings and expecting responses and create trust by allowing people to continue their daily lives whilst working. Once again, strong communication is needed by all parties for this style of remote working to be successful.
Tools to Help Remote Teams Thrive
- Slack– a popular web and desktop chat tool.
- Skype– global audio and video platform.
- Google Hangouts– Google’s chat platform.
- HomeSlice– a time zone viewer.
- Wrike– one of the leading cloud-based solutions for collaborative work management.
- Trello– an online visual planning and collaboration tool for virtual workgroups.
- Asana– An online management tool to quickly capture tasks, to-dos, reminders, and ideas.
- Zoom– audio and video and online meetings made easy.
Joanne is the editor for Workplace Wellbeing Professional and has a keen interest in promoting the safety and wellbeing of the global workforce. After earning a bachelor's degree in English literature and media studies, she taught English in China and Vietnam for two years. Before joining Work Well Pro, Joanne worked as a marketing coordinator for luxury property, where her responsibilities included blog writing, photography, and video creation.
