Remote work has become an effective, beneficial, and widely adopted model for many business functions. From IT to customer service, companies are reducing operational costs, expanding their talent pools, and maintaining (if not increasing) productivity by enabling their employees to work off site.
While the remote work model is not new, it has gained significant traction in recent years, and many companies have had to navigate a steep learning curve.
Best practices for equipping your remote team
Through intentional leadership and thoughtful implementation, every business can excel at supporting employees in remote work relationships.
Here are some best practices to equip your remote team for success:
Establish infrastructure
Remote employees can work best with a strong foundation: a robust and reliable technology setup. Provide them with the right equipment, such as high-speed internet, high-performance computers, and headsets, to perform their tasks efficiently. Offer remote IT support services to assist with technical issues and develop comprehensive onboarding programs to help new employees get set up and integrated quickly.
Implement collaboration tools
Effective communication and collaboration make up the backbone of a successful remote team. Implement web-based project management tools for shared visibility and collaboration on tasks, deadlines, and project progress. Use cloud storage solutions for easy and secure file sharing and storage. Incorporate video conferencing tools for face-to-face meetings and instant messaging for quick communication and real-time collaboration.
These tools help maintain seamless teamwork, foster collaboration, and ensure all team members are informed and engaged.
Empower productivity
Fostering a culture of trust and accountability is crucial for any team, especially remote teams. It begins with clear expectations and goals so team members know what you expect of them. Encourage a results-oriented mindset where they pursue success in terms of measurable output and contributions. Avoid micromanaging by giving your team the independence to manage their tasks while holding them accountable for their performance. Monitor progress and provide constructive feedback to equip them for success.
Secure data and confidentiality
Safeguarding company and customer data from potential breaches and cyber threats is important when employing remote teams. Implement strict security protocols, such as virtual private network (VPN), encryption tools, and two-factor authentication, to protect sensitive information and maintain data integrity. Regularly update security software and train employees on best practices for maintaining data security.
Maintain employee experience quality
The final strategy for ensuring excellent employee experience involves management and maintenance. Develop clear guidelines and standardized processes that all remote employees must follow. Provide ongoing coaching to keep skills fresh and support channels to help your employees resolve issues. Ensure performance reviews are taking place to promote transparency and continuous communication in your team.
Addressing common challenges of remote work
After reviewing the best practices, it’s helpful to understand the kind of challenges businesses will still need to overcome when establishing remote work systems and standards. They are similar to the concerns of in-person teams; they just present a little differently.
If you currently have or are considering shifting to a remote team, be aware of the following:
- Coordinating schedules and projects: Remote team members may reside in different time zones, making real-time interactions more difficult. They also won’t have access to helpful physical assets like physical project boards and office resources.
- Connecting with peers: When peers do not regularly gather in a common space, it eliminates the unplanned but productive conversations that can happen in a break room and at desks.
- Communicating effectively: The lack of face-to-face communication can lead to misunderstandings and slower or reduced interactions.
- Balancing trust and accountability: Some managers wonder about the appropriate level of oversight to ensure work productivity and quality.
- Securing data and confidentiality: Personal devices and home networks pose a risk to confidential information.
Customized solutions for enhancing your employee experience
Whether your team is gathered together or spread across different regions, AdviseCX can offer expert guidance in developing comprehensive plans customized to your business. By guiding you through the entire process, from assessment and selection to training and implementation, we can equip your team with the tools, systems, and processes to take your remote employee experience to the next level.
Contact our team today to start a conversation about how our CX consulting services can enhance your remote work strategy.
