What are some of the common challenges and pitfalls of supervising remote work and how do you overcome them?

2 Accountability and trust

Another challenge of supervising remote work is maintaining accountability and trust among your team members. Remote work can make it harder to monitor and measure the progress and quality of work, as well as to detect and address any issues or conflicts. This can lead to micromanagement, frustration, or lack of engagement. To overcome this challenge, you need to foster a culture of accountability and trust with your team. For example, you can set clear and realistic objectives, outcomes, and deadlines for each task and project. You can also delegate authority and responsibility, provide autonomy and flexibility, and encourage feedback and collaboration.

4 Work-life balance

A fourth challenge of supervising remote work is supporting your team's work-life balance. Remote work can blur the boundaries between work and personal life, creating stress, burnout, or distraction for your team members. Remote work can also affect your team's physical and mental health, especially during the pandemic. To overcome this challenge, you need to promote your team's well-being and self-care. For example, you can respect your team's working hours and availability, avoid sending messages or requests outside of work time, and encourage breaks and rest. You can also provide your team with resources and support for their health and wellness, such as wellness programs, counseling services, and ergonomic equipment.

5 Diversity and inclusion

A fifth challenge of supervising remote work is enhancing your team's diversity and inclusion. Remote work can create barriers to access, participation, and representation for some of your team members, especially those from marginalized or underrepresented groups. Remote work can also limit your team's exposure to different perspectives, cultures, and experiences that can enrich their learning and creativity. To overcome this challenge, you need to cultivate a diverse and inclusive team culture. For example, you can recruit and retain diverse talent, provide equal opportunities and resources, and celebrate diversity and inclusion. You can also facilitate cross-cultural communication, awareness, and sensitivity among your team members.

6 Learning and development

A sixth challenge of supervising remote work is providing your team with learning and development opportunities. Remote work can reduce your team's access to training, mentoring, and coaching that can help them improve their skills, knowledge, and performance. Remote work can also hinder your team's career growth and advancement, as they may face less visibility, recognition, or feedback. To overcome this challenge, you need to foster a learning and development culture with your team. For example, you can offer online training, webinars, and courses for your team. You can also provide mentoring, coaching, and feedback programs, as well as career development plans and pathways.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?