Integrated teams of office, hybrid and remote workers are the norm across many industries today. This can often include individuals working overseas, adding further complexity to the task of management. But it certainly is possible. Here are some best practices to manage your remote team successfully, wherever they are based.
Build a strong communication network
Communication is the backbone of any team, remote or not. As a manager, it’s your responsibility to ensure the right people collaborate as and when they need to.
This relies on both synchronous and asynchronous communication tools. The likes of Slack and Microsoft Teams allow for instant messaging and real-time conversations, while project management platforms such as Trello lay the foundation for more effective collaboration.
Set clear expectations from the start, ensuring all team members understand how and when they should communicate and with who. Regular check-ins and video meetings can drain production time, but they also help maintain engagement and professional relationships. Find the right balance to ensure everyone feels included.
Address time zone differences
Time zones don’t have to stand in your way as a team. Prioritise flexibility and try to accommodate the needs of everyone, where necessary. Staggered working hours may be the best solution if a global team needs to meet regularly.
When you’re scheduling a meeting, don’t just think about time zone overlaps but key attendees, too. Recorded meetings can help to catch everyone else up if they don’t specifically need to attend live.
Unify company culture
Teams may be dispersed far and wide across the globe, but that doesn’t mean they can’t feel close to their colleagues and employer. Make all efforts to help everyone buy into the same organisational culture.
Define your core values and embed these team and company-wide. Celebrate successes and milestones as a group while ensuring all team members feel acknowledged – even if they are on the other side of the world.
Ensure legal and financial compliance
Managing remote teams across borders comes with obvious legal and financial complexities. But there are ways to make things easier and simpler.
Solutions such as employer of record (EOR) services allow you to pass the baton for payroll, taxes and compliance in line with local labour laws. Setting up an EOR helps you hire overseas employees without having to set up local entities – meaning you can focus on all the important stuff in your domestic market.
Support employee wellbeing remotely
The importance of mental and physical wellbeing doesn’t change for remote employees. If anything, it’s even more important to safeguard it, especially for long-term success.
Encourage a healthy work-life balance by setting clear expectations for working hours. Regularly check in with employees, not just about work but their wellbeing as well. Supportive and empathetic management goes a long way to ensuring employees feel valued.
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