Overcoming The Challenges Of Leading Remote Teams

Being the boss isn’t the comfortable position it appears to be from the outside. It takes a unique set of skills and years of experience to learn how to lead a team effectively. As a leader, you must constantly work to create an environment where a diverse group of people can perform efficiently while feeling supported. Such a responsibility is challenging when dealing with in-house employees, so you can only imagine the obstacles that come along with leading remote teams. 

Overseeing employees who work outside brick-and-mortar office spaces requires comprehending the differences in everything from time zones to cultures. Although mastering these skills, concepts, and strategies takes time, it’s not impossible. Below are some suggestions to help leaders overcome the challenges of managing remote teams. 

Consult the experts

There are several rules, regulations, and policies in place for companies that hire remote employees. Failure to comply could result in significant legal and financial trouble. Business owners must concern themselves with everything from salaries and benefits packages to taxes and payroll. 

Instead of comprehending these areas of business yourself, it’s often worth outsourcing these tasks to outside agencies. For instance, investing in employer of record services ensures that you comply with employment laws and practices worldwide. It also enables leaders to focus on their core responsibilities of managing their remote workers. 

Utilize technology

Technology has essentially eliminated the distance issue between remote workers and employers. However, that’s not all it should be used for when leading virtual staff. From video conferencing software and project management applications, the appropriate technology can help improve communication, encourage team engagement, enhance collaboration efforts, and streamline company processes. As a leader, you should be willing to invest in tools that will provide the foundation for both your in-house and virtual teams to perform effectively. 

Avoid micromanaging

Not seeing remote employees and the assignments they’re working on can be stressful for leaders. It causes some managers to micromanage staff, hoping it will encourage them to stay on top of their jobs. Consequently, the employee becomes so overwhelmed by the pressure that their performance declines. 

While keeping track of employee progress is part of being an effective leader, micromanaging is time-consuming for you and insulting to your staff. No one wants to feel like their bosses don’t trust them to perform their duties. Therefore, you must find balance. Clearly communicate your goals when delegating tasks, provide multiple methods of communication should they need assistance, set deadlines, and schedule periodic meetings to get updates. That way, you’re not micromanaging, and your employees can develop self-management and discipline practices necessary to complete tasks efficiently. 

Find ways to encourage engagement

One of the downsides to working remotely is loneliness. You have no one to talk to and miss out on in-person interactions. Some remote workers even feel that leadership has a better relationship with in-house employees. When employees feel isolated, it lowers morale and slows productivity. When there’s a disconnect between teammates or a feeling of favouritism, it can also hinder collaboration efforts. 

As a leader, it is your responsibility to create an all-inclusive work environment where everyone feels part of the team. Tap into engagement strategies that will encourage communication and interaction. Schedule daily check-ins and host online hangouts where employees can talk about things outside the office. When holding meetings or talking as a group, remember to provide an opportunity for remote employees to talk. Listen to their opinions and suggestions so that they feel valued and included. 

There are so many reasons that hiring remote workers makes sense. It reduces overhead costs, improves workplace safety (particularly during the pandemic), and creates an opportunity to increase productivity and expand into larger markets. Be that as it may, managing a mix of in-house and remote workers comes with unique challenges. By using the suggestions listed above, you can learn how to be an effective leader to your entire team.