Learn about how to keep your remote team up-to-date, informed, and connected.
Many people still go to work every day in an office, but with the rapid growth and expansion of technology, the workplace is changing a great deal. Some companies are able to exist mostly, or even entirely, online. The potential of this scenario is endless and makes many businesses that could never have been possible before a reality. People are able to work from home, in different states, or even different countries and still all work for the same company. The possibilities of remote work are exciting, but also sometimes daunting.
How do you communicate? Maintain organization? Present a unified front to clients?
All of these questions are important to ask when running a business that requires remote teamwork. How do you get all of those team members who have possibly never met each other and are probably wearing pajamas to work together seamlessly? Let’s find out!
4 Good Communication Tips to Make Your Remote Team Work Like a Dream
It isn’t easy to get a team to work smoothly and effectively in an office space; working in a virtual space can seem even more overwhelming. However, with some simple tips, you can get your remote team working like a dream. Communication is absolutely key, especially when your team isn’t able to speak face to face. It is amazing how much can get lost in translation when corresponding virtually versus in person. Long, tedious email chains attempting to clarify details can easily become the norm.
Keeping your remote team updated, connected, and informed is crucial to maintaining a cohesive and successful business. Thankfully, there are numerous programs and apps to make mobile life that much easier. Check out some of these tips on making communication in your remote team a success.
1. Use real-time chat options: It is important to get everyone connected and on the same page from time to time. Real-time chats can create that environment of unity and connection.Skype, Google Hangouts, Zoom–these are all great options for either one-on-one or group real-time interactions. Not everyone can make the meeting due to scheduling issues or varying time zones? Record the meeting with other team members to watch individually.
2. On the go and on-going communication: Sometimes a single email, meeting, or video isn’t enough, sometimes on-going back and forth communication is necessary while working on various projects. Email is often the go-to for this type of communication, but it can easily become tedious and it can be difficult to respond to messages on the go. Voxer is a great app that allows you to exchange information in voice clips.So you are out shopping and think of a great idea for that project you are working on with another team member? You pull out your phone and record your thoughts. Your co-worker can then listen to your idea as many times as needed and respond in kind.
3. Frequent and regular communication: With a remote team it is easy for individuals to feel isolated, lost, or unimportant. Regular communication is the best way to ensure that team members remain connected, up to date, and encouraged. A little feedback can go a long way.
4. Get together and have fun: With a remote team it can be difficult to establish trust and connection among employees. If possible, bring your team together for face-to-face interactions. You may want to schedule an annual or bi-annual team building retreat. Get the team together for team building exercises and brainstorming, and discuss the future of the company.This kind of interaction helps get team members excited about the company, each other, and their work together.
This kind of interaction helps get team members excited about the company, each other, and their work.
Always remember that the more informed your team is, the better they will be able to fulfill the mission of your business. Learn more about running an effective online business with the marketing experts at Farotech by calling 267-387-6620 or email us at [email protected].
