Managing a remote team comes with its unique set of challenges, but with the right strategies, you can foster a productive and cohesive work environment. In this blog post, we'll explore the best ways to manage a remote working team, focusing on critical elements such as communication, social connection, consistency, and boundaries.
Communication is Key
Effective communication is the backbone of successful remote team management. Establishing clear channels of communication helps team members stay connected and informed. Here are some communication best practices:
- Use Collaborative Tools: Leverage communication and project management tools like Slack, Zoom, Confluence or Miro to streamline discussions and ensure everyone is on the same page.
- Regular Check-ins: Schedule regular video conferences or team meetings to discuss progress, address concerns, and foster a sense of unity.
- Written Updates: Encourage team members to provide written updates on their work. This promotes transparency and serves as a reference for future discussions.
1. Confluence is a great referral point for written updates.
2. Without micromanaging, be available for multiple team stand-ups daily (morning, midday, afternoon). Even if your team doesn’t need you, they know you will be there at those times throughout the day.
Effort Towards Social Connection:
Working remotely can sometimes lead to a sense of isolation. To combat this, it's crucial to foster a social connection among team members. Here's how you can achieve that:
- Virtual Team-Building Activities: Organise virtual team-building activities to strengthen interpersonal bonds. This could include online games, virtual coffee breaks, or even team challenges.
- Public Acknowledgment of Achievements: In a remote setting, it's essential to acknowledge and celebrate team members' accomplishments publicly. Use team meetings or dedicated communication channels to highlight individual and collective successes. This not only boosts morale but also reinforces a positive team culture. Recognition goes a long way in making remote team members feel valued and connected to the organisation's broader goals.
1. Team activities like bingo games.
2. Slack integration with Karma.
Consistency in Expectations:
Consistency in expectations sets a clear framework for remote team members. Establishing consistent guidelines helps maintain productivity and ensures that everyone is aligned. Consider the following:
- Set Clear Expectations: Clearly communicate expectations regarding work hours, deadlines, and deliverables. This clarity helps prevent misunderstandings and ensures everyone is on the same page.
- Define Team Norms: Establish team norms for communication responsiveness and meeting schedules. This creates predictability and allows team members to plan their workdays effectively.
- Follow Through on Commitments: In a remote work environment, trust is paramount. Ensure that team members do what they say they will. Following through on commitments and deadlines builds trust among team members. Additionally, leaders should model this behaviour, setting an example for the team to prioritize reliability and accountability.
- Regular Follow-Ups: Implement a system for regular follow-ups on action items and projects. This helps in tracking progress, addressing potential issues early on, and maintaining a sense of accountability within the team. Regular check-ins also provide opportunities for team members to seek clarification and support when needed.
1. Have the same expectations and flexibility across your whole team.
2. Hold yourself and your team accountable.
Maintain Healthy Boundaries:
Remote work can blur the lines between personal and professional life. Encourage your team to establish and maintain healthy boundaries to avoid burnout. Here's how:
- Define Working Hours: Clearly define working hours and encourage team members to adhere to them. This helps maintain a balance between work and personal life.
- Encourage Breaks: Remind your team to take regular breaks to refresh their minds. This could include short walks, meditation, or simply stepping away from the screen for a few minutes.
- Call your teammates out if they are online/available when they don’t need to be (annual leave/out of hours) and help foster an environment where rest is essential.
Conclusion: Shaping Successful Remote Teams in Hospitality Tech
As the landscape of work evolves, implementing robust strategies in communication, social connection, consistency, and boundaries becomes paramount. These principles not only boost productivity but also contribute to collaborative and well-balanced remote teams.
In the dynamic field of hospitality technology, these practices will continue to play a vital role in shaping the future of work.
Tarrady Prowse - Customer Care Manager at HungryHungry
