Managing Remote Teams – Best Practices for Success from an Employee's Perspective

In the spring of 2020, the world changed overnight. Well, for many but for me and my mates working at the lab, we had a heads-up about a few weeks in advance, even though no one talked about it. Let’s move on; Offices emptied, and dining tables became working desks. For many, the commute became a shuffle from the bedroom to the living room, and work dress pants and shirt, now shifted to pajamas and sweatpants for unserious workers. Remote work, once a privilege for the few, suddenly became the norm for millions. I was one of those millions even though I had to go to the lab periodically to work as needed, and like many, I faced the daunting challenge of adapting to this new way of working.

The Early Days of Remote Work: A Personal Struggle

The first few weeks were chaotic. My manager, Cristina G., was just as new to this as we were. Our once tight-knit team felt scattered across the digital void. Daily meetings, which were once a brief morning ritual, turned into long, tiring video calls that left us feeling more disconnected than ever. The camaraderie we once shared felt like a distant memory.

But amidst the struggle, Cristina never lost hope. She believed in our team, and she believed in the potential of remote work. Slowly but surely, she began to implement changes that transformed our scattered group into a cohesive, productive unit once again.

Here are the strategies she used, and how they can help you manage remote teams effectively.

1. Communication is Key: Embrace the Right Tools

Cristina quickly realized that communication was our biggest hurdle. Email chains were endless, and messages got lost in the noise. So, she introduced us to regular Microsoft Teams, a platform that allowed for real-time communication and organization. Channels were created for different projects, and soon, our conversations had structure and clarity.

Tip: Use tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams to keep communication organized. Create channels for specific projects or topics to ensure everyone is on the same page.

2. Regular Check-Ins: Keeping the Human Connection Alive

Our daily stand-ups transformed into more than just status updates. Cristina, made sure to start each meeting with a casual chat, asking about our well-being and any challenges we were facing. These small moments of genuine concern helped us feel connected, even from miles apart.

Tip: Begin meetings with a personal touch. Ask about your team’s day, their challenges, and their successes. This fosters a sense of community and support.

3. Flexibility and Trust: The Pillars of Remote Work

One of the biggest challenges of remote work is the blurring of work-life boundaries. Cristina ?recognized this early on and encouraged us to set our own schedules, as long as our work was done. She trusted us to manage our time, which in turn, made us more committed and productive.

Tip: Trust your team to manage their time and workload effectively. Offer flexibility in work hours to accommodate personal needs and different time zones.

4. Leveraging Technology: Tools for Collaboration

We started using tools like Asana for project management. These platforms allowed us to see who was working on what, set deadlines, and track progress. This transparency reduced confusion and ensured that everyone was accountable for their tasks.

Tip: Utilize project management tools to keep track of tasks and deadlines. Transparency in workflow enhances accountability and efficiency.

5. Celebrate Wins, Big and Small

Remote work can sometimes feel isolated, and achievements can go unnoticed. Cristina made it a point to celebrate our wins, no matter how small. Whether it was a successful presentation or meeting a deadline, she recognized our efforts and encouraged us to do the same for each other.

Tip: Celebrate successes regularly. Recognizing achievements boosts morale and fosters a positive work environment.

The Outcome: A Thriving Remote Team

Through these strategies, our team found its rhythm. We became more than just colleagues; we became a support system for each other. Cristina's unwavering belief in the potential of remote work and her commitment to fostering a supportive environment made all the difference.

As we continue to navigate the world of remote work, these best practices serve as a reminder that, with the right approach, remote teams can be just as effective, if not more so, than traditional office teams. It’s about embracing the tools at our disposal, maintaining open lines of communication, and above all, trusting and supporting each other.

Conclusion: Your Unfair Advantage

Managing a remote team is not without its challenges, but with the right strategies, it can be incredibly rewarding. By prioritizing communication, fostering human connections, offering flexibility, leveraging technology, and celebrating achievements, you can transform your remote team into a powerhouse of productivity and collaboration. These best practices are not just about surviving remote work; they’re about thriving in it. And that’s your unfair advantage.

Rudy Malle, Unfair Advantage