Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, businesses have had to adjust to managing teams in a remote work capacity. After several years of adjusting to remote office life, you probably already understand that managing people virtually is much different than in an office setting. Keep reading to learn our best practices for managing a remote office below!
Set your team up for success
We can’t stress this enough: in order for your remote team to succeed, they need the right tools to operate on a virtual basis. Even if you’ve been operating as a remote office for years now, there are probably some areas for improvement that can drastically help your team’s productivity. Consider setting up an open communication channel like Slack or Microsoft Teams, so that your team can communicate through more than one channel. Make sure that your office equipment is up to par for virtual meetings and screen shares. Ensure that every member of your team has reliable access to Wi-Fi and phone calls. Google Meet or Microsoft Teams are great low-cost options for connecting on calls.
Use project management software
As a remote office, you can’t just pop over to someone’s desk for an update on their work. And bogging your team down with incessant emails to check up on a project can be draining. Instead, opt to transition to a project management platform, like Asana or Hubspot. The right project management software can help track your team’s progress, assign new tasks, and keep everyone on the same page.
Prioritize a healthy work-life balance
It can be hard to “unplug” when you work from home. That’s why as a leader, it’s important to be a good example to your team about work-life balance. If you are sending emails through all hours of the night, your team is going to assume they have to be available around the clock. That’s not healthy for anyone! As a leader, be sure to offer adequate time off, and make sure you take breaks, too.
Check-in often
Be sure to communicate clearly and frequently with each member of your team. Working from a remote office can sometimes feel isolating, so you will want to prioritize weekly or bi-weekly check-ins to keep your team engaged.
Make time for fun
A remote office allows for more freedom, but it can also be a bit isolated at times. There’s always an opportunity to have some fun with your team, even if it’s virtual! A quick Google search can help you come up with fun virtual team-building events, like a virtual happy hour, a trivia day, a virtual cooking demonstration, and more.
Work with Prescott HR
Does your organization need help with managing a remote office? We are here to help! Prescott HR offers a wide range of services to help your organization evaluate your current remote office policies and incorporate new ones, as needed. Our unintimated HR practices allow us to be focused and effective, providing your business with precisely what you need. Give us a call today at 443-351-8818 or contact us online.