How to Manage a Remote team and Misconceptions About Working Remotely

How to Manage a Remote team and Misconceptions About Working Remotely

 

  • Sep 16, 2021
  • Insights,
  • Blog
How to Manage a Remote team and Misconceptions About Working Remotely

Remote work has become more common than ever after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which required many employees and employers to adjust to a new way of communicating and working. Although the cause of this shift towards remote work was unexpected, many teams found that employees were more productive and more satisfied with their jobs while working remotely. Thanks to modern technology, every day in-person work activities are possible like group meetings and internal communication.

Now, many companies are considering the switch to being entirely remote or adding new remote teams to their departments. If you’re making the same considerations, learn more about what it’s like to manage a remote team and work with a remote managed services provider.

How to Manage a Remote Team
Partnering with a remote managed services provider is one of the best ways to help with managing a remote team. Think of a managed services provider as a partner — their purpose is to help your company reach its goals in the most efficient manner possible. When working with a remote team, it’s important to set specific, attainable goals and have transparent methods of communication.

Some employers fear that working with a remote team means that they will lose control or input over the department and/or project that the team is working on, but this is far from the truth. With a remote managed services provider, you’ll have ample opportunity to communicate your ideas and receive updates on the team’s progress.

3 Misconceptions about Working Remotely

Remote Teams are Less Productive
This has been a long-held belief by many employers about remote work, but after a year-plus of working remotely, many people have found that remote work can increase productivity. The greatest difference between in-office and remote teams is that remote work allows greater flexibility with work hours. Some employees may not hop on their computer first thing in the morning but will continue working past the standard 5 p.m. out time. With greater flexibility comes greater productivity. Remote teams can work at their most productive hours while still being present for necessary meetings, calls, etc.

Difficult to Communicate
Living in an increasingly digital world means we have a myriad number of ways to communicate with each other without ever being in the same room. Although some may think that Zoom (or some other video meeting app) and email are all you need, that’s not entirely true either. Every remote team should have some system of digital communication to discuss projects or ask questions in addition to a task management program to assign work.

For employers working with remote teams in other parts of the world, communication barriers can be a concern, but many companies that are implementing remote teams practice nearshoring — working with teams in other countries nearby. Partnering with a company like NearShore will give you access to highly experienced, professional teams with excellent communication skills and English proficiency to break down those language barriers.

Managing Remote Teams is Too Difficult
This was a major assumption about remote work prior to the pandemic. Once companies were forced to learn new ways of managing remote workers, many found that it’s not all that different from managing in-person teams. It may require a new type of management strategy or implementing regular meetings and check-ins, but it also lessens the issue of over-managing, or micromanaging, which can leave employees feeling frustrated and underappreciated. Providing necessary support and effective communication is the best way to manage a remote team.

The NearShore Methodology
NearShore uses a specific methodology to ensure that our remote managed services partners get the best possible experience with their remote team. First, we align our goals with yours by creating a Partnership Plan those specifics objectives and strategies. Then, regular Progress Pulse updates and Health Checks will keep you informed on scheduling, progress, and next steps. During every process, you’ll have the opportunity to add your own input, ask questions, and brainstorm new ideas for our remote teams to work with.

Remote Work is the Way of the Future
With so many companies already adjusting to remote teams and seeing positive results, it's no surprise that this will likely become part of our new normal. Remote work can add flexibility to employees’ workday, making them more productive and satisfied in their jobs. And it can cut the cost of paying for office space and on-premises technology. If you’re interested in learning more about working with a remote managed services provider, check out NearShore’s partnership methodology and partner success stories.

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