CEO of Codeproof, a cybersecurity firm that specializes in providing easy-to-use, modern mobile device management software to businesses.
Managing, coaching and evaluating a remote team can be quite a challenge in today’s work environment. At Codeproof Technologies, our crew of 15 individuals operates remotely across the U.S., India and Ukraine. Drawing from our collective experience, we’ve gathered some down-to-earth insights and advice that leaders can use to help their employees thrive in a remote work setting. While these tips have worked wonders for our software product-based company, they’re applicable to various industries.
1. Foster collaboration. Help your employees get in the groove with their colleagues and teams to foster effective teamwork. Create open lines of communication, encourage idea-sharing and leverage collaboration platforms to keep the interaction smooth and seamless.
2. Take initiative. Encourage your employees not to wait around for managers to hand out tasks. Give them the freedom to take the bull by the horns and actively seek out new responsibilities and projects. Allow them to show you their go-getter attitude, self-motivation and dedication to making the team succeed.
3. Clear and concise writing. Emails and Slack messages should be crystal clear to avoid unnecessary back-and-forth. They should be concise, include all necessary details and incorporate screenshots or relevant documents when needed. Aim to convey everything in one message, avoiding prolonged exchanges.
4. Prompt email responses. Employees should acknowledge emails ASAP to ensure everyone’s on the same page. A simple “got it” or “noted” should do the trick. Let them know that they can take their time and flag an email for later if it requires a more detailed response so that it gets the attention it deserves. This way, the team keeps the communication flowing while giving important matters the TLC they need.
5. Separate work and personal communication. Work discussions should be confined to official company communication tools. This keeps things organized, on track and well-documented. Employees should keep personal matters to personal messaging apps. Drawing that line can help everyone in the organization stay focused and streamline collaboration within the remote team.
6. Show engagement. Encourage your team to react to messages on collaboration platforms. A simple thumbs-up or appropriate reaction tells the sender, “I hear you loud and clear.”
7. Establish a dedicated workspace. Recommend that your employees create cozy, well-lit workspaces at home. Encourage them to invest in work-related accessories if they need them and offer to reimburse them. As an organization, you should be happy to foot the bill for these productivity-boosting items.
8. Report technical issues. Don’t allow your team members to sweat it alone if they run into computer or software snags. They should feel free to escalate these problems to you or the helpdesk for a timely resolution, minimizing any disruptions to their workflow. Allow them to follow up as needed until the issue gets sorted.
9. Embrace continuous learning. Create a growth mindset throughout the organization. Allow employees to explore new territories, enhance their skills and share their newfound knowledge with the team through Slack groups, presentations or any other suitable channels. This can allow them to encourage their colleagues to do the same. We believe learning is our bread and butter.
10. Set clear working hours across time zones. Have team members define their working schedules and communicate them clearly to the rest of the team, especially when dealing with different time zones. Calendars should be blocked in advance, including one-on-one meetings, to accommodate those time differences and ensure seamless collaboration.
11. Dress for success. Even though you’re working remotely, don’t skimp on professionalism. As a leader, dress the part as if you were heading to the office. It can set the right tone, bring discipline and get you in the zone.
12. Actively engage in workplace communication channels. Employees should stay in the loop and stay connected. Encourage them to be active participants in Slack groups and other communication channels. They should be sharing relevant info, contributing to discussions and infusing that virtual workspace with positive energy.
13. Prioritize well-being. Make sure your team takes regular breaks. Employees should be putting their physical and mental health first. Encourage them to incorporate daily exercise, yoga or outdoor activities to boost their mental clarity, focus and overall well-being. In fields like computer or IT, where long hours of sitting are the norm, striking a work-life balance is crucial. Your employees’ sustained productivity hinges on their self-care.
14. Local team meetups. When the stars align, arrange meetups with local team members. These face-to-face interactions can forge personal connections and deepen your team’s understanding of the company culture. They’re especially important for new employees, helping them get acquainted with the company’s values and vibe.
15. Offsite meetings and work. For larger teams, plan annual or biannual offsite gatherings to bring everyone together. These valuable meetings can provide opportunities for employees to mingle with their colleagues from various locations, gain insights into the organization and strengthen team bonds. Amp up the team spirit with collaboration games and outdoor activities. Our recent India team offsite in Goa was an absolute blast.
By implementing these genuine and actionable tips, you can create a robust corporate culture, boost productivity and minimize miscommunication among remote employees. Despite the challenges of distance, effective communication channels can bridge the gap. Embrace these approaches—open communication, continuous learning and proactive engagement—to thrive in the remote working era.
As Dale Carnegie aptly said, “90% of all management problems are caused by miscommunication.” Let’s conquer that distance and thrive together.
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