In the tapestry of modern work culture, remote work has emerged as a vibrant thread, weaving together talent from across continents into cohesive, dynamic teams. The shift from traditional office spaces to digital work environments has not only reshaped where we work but also how we lead. At SheThrives, we're here to navigate this revolution with you, offering insights and strategies to help you build and manage a thriving remote team. Here's how to champion the remote work revolution and lead a team that's connected by goals, not geography.
Remote work continues to be perceived as very positive. 91 percent of respondents report having a positive experience with remote work. Just 1 percent said their remote work experience was negative and the remaining 8 percent were neutral.
- Buffer 2023 State of Remote Work
Laying the Foundation: Recruitment and Onboarding
Hiring with a Global Perspective:
When building a remote team, the world is your talent pool. Embrace the diversity this brings. Look for individuals not only with the skills you need but also those who share your company’s values and have a proven ability to work independently. Utilise platforms like LinkedIn and remote-specific job boards to reach a wide audience.
Onboarding with Intention:
Onboarding is the first step in ensuring your new team members feel connected and valued. Create a comprehensive digital onboarding process that includes clear documentation, virtual meet-and-greets with the team, and an introduction to your company’s culture and expectations. Tools like Trello or Asana can help you streamline this process.
Flexibility remains the top benefit of remote work.
22 percent say the biggest benefit to remote work is flexibility in how they spend their time, for 19 percent it’s flexibility in where they choose to live, and for 13 percent it’s the flexibility to choose their work location.
- Buffer 2023 State of Remote Work
Fostering Connection: Communication and Collaboration
Choosing the Right Tools:
Effective communication is the backbone of successful remote work. Equip your team with the right tools that facilitate seamless collaboration. This could mean a combination of messaging apps like Slack, video conferencing tools like Zoom, and project management software. The key is to find what works best for your team's needs.
Creating a Communication Culture:
Establish clear communication protocols. When should an email be sent, and when is a quick message better? How often should the team meet virtually? Regular check-ins and team meetings can help everyone stay aligned and foster a sense of belonging.
While 71 percent of respondents say it’s very important to set work boundaries, remote workers are only moderately successful. Eighty-one percent of remote workers claim to check work emails outside of work hours, including 63 percent who do so on weekends and 34 percent while on vacation. Finally, 22 percent report not being able to unplug is their biggest challenge with remote work.
- Buffer 2023 State of Remote Work
Cultivating Culture: Building a Cohesive Remote Work Environment
Nurturing Your Remote Work Culture:
Creating a strong team culture remotely requires intentional effort. Organise virtual team-building activities, celebrate milestones and successes, and encourage casual interactions amongst team members. Remember, a strong culture is rooted in shared values and mutual respect, transcending physical boundaries.
Encouraging Work-Life Harmony:
Remote work blurs the lines between personal and professional life. Advocate for work-life harmony by setting expectations around availability and encouraging regular breaks and offline time. Lead by example and respect your team’s time by avoiding after-hours communication unless it’s urgent.
Half of remote workers report feeling more energised (48 percent) than last year, compared to 21 percent who report feeling burnt out. Similarly, 58 percent report feeling engaged about the job compared to 30 percent who are unengaged.
- Buffer 2023 State of Remote Work
Overcoming Challenges: Time Zones and Trust
Managing Across Time Zones:
Working across continents means juggling multiple time zones. Use scheduling tools like World Time Buddy to plan meetings that are as convenient as possible for everyone. Be flexible and rotate meeting times to share the inconvenience of odd hours equitably.
Building Trust Remotely:
Trust is the glue that holds remote teams together. Foster an environment of trust by focusing on outcomes rather than activity. Set clear goals, provide the resources needed to achieve them, and then trust your team to deliver. Regularly acknowledge their hard work and contributions to reinforce a culture of trust and appreciation.
82% of remote workers are working from home.
- Buffer 2023 State of Remote Work
Measuring Success: Feedback and Growth
Continuous Feedback Loop:
In remote teams, the importance of feedback is magnified. Create a continuous feedback loop where team members can share their thoughts on projects, processes, and performance. This not only aids in personal growth but also in improving team dynamics and efficiency.
Celebrating Growth:
Take time to celebrate the milestones, both big and small. Whether it’s the successful completion of a project or an individual’s professional achievement, acknowledging and celebrating these moments can significantly boost morale and reinforce a sense of team unity.
Most people who work remotely are fully remote, and they want it to stay that way.
- Buffer 2023 State of Remote Work
Thriving Together, Apart
The remote work revolution offers an unprecedented opportunity to tap into global talent, fostering diversity and innovation. By laying a strong foundation, prioritising communication and culture, and navigating the inherent challenges with empathy and strategy, you can build and manage a remote team that not only succeeds but thrives.
At SheThrives, we're committed to providing resources, inspiration, and support as you navigate the complexities of leading in a digital age. For more insights on remote work, leadership, and building a culture of empowerment, stay connected with us. Together, we can thrive in this new era of work, creating teams that are resilient, connected, and unstoppable, no matter where they log in from.