Tips To Manage Your Team Remotely

One thing that has also become crystal clear ever since the pandemic struck upon us is that Remote work is here to stay. 59% of the Indian working professionals prefer to continue working from home and given the current uncertainty, it is absolutely necessary ~ YourDOST survey

Now amid this, as managers, you may often wish if there was a magic potion for enhancing team communication, productivity, and happiness. 

Well, turns out, there are key ingredients that can help you brew that potion and as you continue to do your best, we have some tips that can help you bridge the distance –  

1. Be Transparent With Communications

Not all employees are alike and you know it well.  Some might not desire frequent connections while others might want more time from you. Be transparent about communication plans and then set team expectations. 

For instance, I am setting my time with you. I will reach out to check in with you. Experts say that such transparency helps to define and achieve objectives and reduces feelings of overwhelm.

2. Open Informal Interactions

Studies have shown that a lack of mutual knowledge among remote workers translates to a lower willingness to give coworkers the benefit of the doubt in difficult situations. One example of not being able to understand an individual’s mindset or circumstance behind an email. 

Try to have informal conversations about non-work topics as simple as How have things been? or organize virtual coffee breaks. This will build the team’s belongingness and trust towards you.

3. Offer Emotional Support

Research says that employees look to their managers for cues about how to react to sudden changes or crisis situations. If a manager acknowledges difficult circumstances with a positive affirmation, employees are more likely to work with a sense of purpose and focus. 

Using statements like we have got this, or this is tough, but I know we can handle it, or asking questions like How are you keeping us with this remote work situation? is suggested by Experts to build empathy towards employees.

4. Take Care of Yourself

Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown and with a lack of face-to-face supervision and distractions at home, we understand that it can only get difficult to manage a team remotely while meeting your own commitments. 

Remember to take small breaks, put it up on your calendar if required, and relax. Here is a 4-7-8 breathing technique which is recommended by Experts to help you feel calm – Inhale for 4 secs, hold your breath for 7 secs and exhale slowly from your mouth for 8 secs making a whoosh sound.

Are you looking to build High Performing Resilient Organisations? We can help. Feel free to get in touch for assistance in building a culture of positivity and high performance.