How can you help remote team members manage their time?

1 Set clear expectations

One of the first steps to help your remote team manage their time is to set clear expectations for their work. This includes defining the scope, deadlines, quality standards, and communication methods for each project or task. You should also clarify the roles and responsibilities of each team member, and how they will collaborate and coordinate with others. By setting clear expectations, you can help your team avoid confusion, ambiguity, and procrastination.

3 Use time tracking tools

A third tip to help your remote team manage their time is to use time tracking tools that can help them monitor and optimize their productivity. Time tracking tools can help your team measure how much time they spend on each task, identify distractions and inefficiencies, and set realistic goals and priorities. You can also use time tracking tools to review your team's performance, provide feedback, and recognize their achievements. However, you should avoid micromanaging or controlling your team's time, and use the tools as a way to support and empower them.

4 Establish regular communication

A fourth suggestion to help your remote team manage their time is to establish regular communication that can keep them connected and engaged. Communication is essential for remote work, as it can help your team share information, solve problems, and build trust. You should communicate with your team frequently and consistently, using various channels and formats, such as emails, chats, calls, and video meetings. You should also create a communication plan that specifies the purpose, frequency, and duration of each communication, and respect your team's availability and preferences.

5 Offer training and coaching

A fifth idea to help your remote team manage their time is to offer training and coaching that can help them develop and improve their time management skills. You can provide your team with resources, such as articles, books, webinars, or courses, that can teach them the best practices and techniques for managing their time effectively. You can also coach your team individually or in groups, and help them set goals, plan their work, overcome challenges, and celebrate their progress.

6 Seek feedback and improvement

A final tip to help your remote team manage their time is to seek feedback and improvement that can help you and your team learn and grow. You should ask your team for feedback on how they feel about their time management, and what they need from you to support them better. You should also give your team feedback on how they are doing, and what they can do to improve. You should also evaluate the results and outcomes of your team's work, and identify the areas and opportunities for improvement. By seeking feedback and improvement, you can help your remote team manage their time more effectively and efficiently.

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?