Across numerous industries, smaller and larger companies alike are taking advantage of the benefits of a remote workforce. In some companies, workers may be permitted to telecommute from home a few days each week. In other companies, entire departments may work remotely on a full-time basis. Remote workers may physically work from home yet still be in the same town as the company’s professional office. However, they may be based across the country or in an international location. While there are numerous benefits associated with a remote workforce, substantial challenges can arise and must be effectively addressed by management.
The Many Benefits of a Remote Workforce
Working remotely is advantageous for the workers as well as for the company. Workers generally are happier completing their tasks from the comfort of their home. They can avoid the stress of a long commute, and they can also use the time that they otherwise would have spent on the road in more effective ways. Many remote workers can achieve and maintain a healthy work-life balance, and they may be more likely to work for the company for a longer period of time.
From a company’s perspective, there may be financial savings related to reduced turnover and to the ability to retain talent. Companies generally reduce overhead when they hire remote workers. This is partially because of the reduction of office supplies, office space and technology that are required to maintain in-house employees. Commonly, businesses may see a boost in productivity when workers are allowed to complete tasks remotely. The combination of this can potentially result in increased profits, a boost in customer satisfaction and more. Nonetheless, both employees and managers face challenges related to this type of work environment.
The Need to Create or Revise Positions
Before a company enables its workers to perform some or all duties from home, clear guidelines must be created. In some cases, a revision to job duties is required. Companies that are searching for new applicants to join a remote work team that they are building should carefully prepare a job description based on this type of work environment. For example, duties may involve using automated time tracking software regularly, communicating with management daily to provide status updates and more.
Workers may also need to be technologically savvy and have access to their own devices at home. The need for a fast Internet connection and a dedicated work phone line may also be required for many positions. In addition to these requirements, the duties and responsibilities that may normally be required for a specific position must also be outlined.
A Smart Approach for Hiring Remote Workers
Companies that are preparing to hire new remote workers understandably need to create an interview process that identifies individuals who have the right combination of skills, experience and education to professionally complete job duties. More than that, a few skills may be required for individuals to thrive in a work environment. Therefore, the interview process must also screen applicants for related traits.
Remote workers generally must be self-starters. They will not usually have regular oversight in the same way that in-office workers have. In addition, they need to be very organized and able to stay on-task throughout the day. Communication is essential in this type of work environment. The interview process should include screening for written communication as well as verbal communication. Because of these extra requirements, the interview process for a remote position may be longer and have a few additional steps.
Common Challenges Associated with Managing a Remote Team
Managers who are responsible for overseeing a remote team must have the common skills that are required of most management positions, such as strong leadership skills. They also must possess additional skills that are applicable to remote teams. For example, these individuals must be great communicators and motivators, but they also should have a strong background in technology so that they can facilitate remote work activities. Many managers struggle to effectively communicate with and oversee remote workers. They also are challenged by the need to foster a team environment and instill company values in their remote team.
When such challenges are not addressed effectively, individuals working in various locations may not feel a sense of community or camaraderie. Instead, they may simply feel as though they are going through the motions. They also may not be able to draw on strengths or compensate for weaknesses in team members. Managers must find a way to bring their team members together while fostering productivity on a daily basis.
Addressing Common Challenges Effectively
You can see that remote work teams create new challenges for managers to deal with, and the good news is that there are multiple strategies that may be effective for your company in different ways. For example, utilizing technology for daily work activities is essential. Your team may be required to use automated time tracking features so that they are held accountable for their work hours. They may also be required to submit regular status reports and to attend virtual team meetings each week. Remote workers should have access to file sharing programs, chat or virtual communication applications and more.
Tackling problems related to helping remote workers feel as though they are a valued part of the company can be more challenging. Some companies have effectively created a virtual watercooler, which gives remote workers an online forum to chat casually with coworkers. Another thoughtful idea is to bring remote workers to the company’s main office for the onboarding process. Hosting regular get-togethers in the office or for team building is another smart way to foster a team environment and to educate remote workers about the company’s values.
A remote team can be truly beneficial for companies, and employees often thrive in this type of work environment as well. Nonetheless, you can see that there are unique challenges related to remote teams that combine with typical managerial issues. Understanding what these common issues are can help managers to address them upfront before they become problematic. Now is the time to analyze hiring and managerial processes and to determine what steps must be taken to avoid significant issues going forward.
