How to keep your workforce cohesive when working remotely

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While working remotely offers many advantages, managing remote employees can be a challenge for a lot of business owners.

Specific strategies and tools are needed to build trust, open communication, and the connections necessary for effective team collaboration.

With more and more businesses offering their employees the opportunity to join remote teams, allowing them to find flexible schedules and a better work-life balance, it's crucial that you have the right systems in place to manage your remote workforce going forward.

It has never been easier to manage a remote team with advancements in technology, collaborative platforms, time tracking software, and other emerging business tools.

The strategies you use to motivate and manage a remote workforce are not all that different from those you would apply in a conventional office.

While robust relationships and positive work culture can be difficult to build when working remotely, they are still crucial for hiring and retaining talented staff.

You can roster your team in minutes with Deputy, and with the right approach, you can keep your remote employees motivated, on task, and focused on self-improvement, collaboration, and support.

Let's take a closer look at how you can keep your workforce running like a well-oiled machine when you're working remotely.

Nowadays, it's easier than ever to build virtual communities and stay connected with your team, with countless solutions for online collaboration and teamwork for business owners to choose from.

Be sure to select tools that are easy to use and that focus on providing the functionality you need in your business.

Employees who work remotely require email, video conferencing tools, direct messaging services, and a way to share and download files.

Workflow apps for specialised roles like project managers, designers, and others are a critical part of a successful workflow. Invest in up-to-date, reliable technology to keep your business running smoothly.

Remote workers benefit from a flexible schedule, but if you require them to be responsive and to engage with the rest of the team during certain hours, you need to make this clear.

You should encourage your employees to schedule meetings and appointments online and highlight available times in their calendars.

Make sure schedules match any challenges like time zone differences or the client's needs. Attend team meetings and follow up on absences to keep everyone accountable and on track.

To have a successful team, collaboration is crucial. However, you can't communicate effectively if your employees aren't connected with you and with one another.

Ensure your team has the right tools for the job, including a reliable internet connection and access to communication tools that will allow them to stay in touch with ease.

It's easy to get distracted from work when you work from home, but micromanaging your team is one of the worst ways to keep your remote workforce focused.

Instead of analysing the number of hours that your team is working, focus on whether your employees are meeting their collective and personal performance goals.

When you emphasise accomplishment over activity, you keep the spotlight on the contributions your team makes to your business rather than specifically on the amount of time they have put in at their virtual desk.

Remote management and motivation require the same basic approach as an office environment. For remote workplaces to succeed, you will need to update the tools and strategies you use to establish connections, keep lines of communication open, and manage performance effectively moving forward.

Following the tips discussed above, you can revamp your approach to managing your team successfully, maximising their talents and potential, and boosting productivity, allowing your business to thrive.