Being in charge of a team of remote workers presents unique challenges that are not faced by managers of office-based staff. The logistics of managing a remote team can be complicated by issues caused by time differences, accountability, a lack of contact, and collaboration difficulties. When you break these issues down, they each have one thing in common; they are all communication issues. Here are 4 solutions that help you stay connected with your team while working remotely.
By Team Savant
Photo by Ehimetalor Akhere Unuabona on Unsplash
Communication problems are a significant threat to any business managing remote workers, as they can cause issues that impact on team performance, and affect overall productivity levels. For remote workers to operate at their best, solutions are needed, which help to bridge the gap of the physical distance and time differences and help to create a cohesive team. The answer to most of the issues created by remote working lies in technology, here are some of the solutions that could help to improve communication between your remote team.
Choose the Right Telephony Solution
Verbal communication is a must for a team to work together successfully across the miles. However, telephony systems are often unreliable and expensive to run. Your best option to stay connected is to choose a telephony system that enables you to connect your office phones to your existing mobile devices so that each member of the team can stay connected on the go. Look out for useful extra features which will help to improve contact between team members such as instant messaging functions. You can find out more information on hosted phone systems at Gamma and discover the options available to suit your team.
Use the Cloud to its Full Potential
Does your business utilise the cloud effectively? If not, you are missing out on a tool that could significantly enhance your ability to work as a team. When using a suite of cloud applications, your team will be able to work on documents together in realtime, no matter where they may be in the world. Using cloud-based applications is useful for all businesses, but is particularly helpful for companies working across time zones, and where there is a considerable physical distance between colleagues.
Pick the Best Collaboration Tools
Customer relationship management systems (CRMs) are a standard tool used in businesses nowadays. When used in the right way, a CRM system enhances the customer experience and provides a seamless method of collaboration between employees. A CRM system enables team members to collaborate effectively, and for each member of the team to know what the others are working on at any given time. This is a useful method for enhancing communication, teamwork, and accountability among employees.
Make Use of Video Conferencing
Image: Morning Brew on Unsplash
Remote workers can often feel isolated and disconnected from the team. Hosting regular team meetings via video call will help to improve both employee engagement and communication. Ensuring that the video calls are full of meaningful, useful content for your employees is a must to make them worthwhile. However, the power of some form of visual communication between the team should not be underestimated.