Harnessing the Potential of Remote Work: Strategies for Managing Virtual Teams

Harnessing the Potential of Remote Work: Strategies for Managing Virtual Teams

Remote work is a big adjustment that many companies are still undergoing to make the business employee-friendly, access global talent, cut costs, and build a strong foundation with good talent. The work-from-anywhere alternative has improved productivity by enabling team members to connect across borders over virtual communication alternatives. Managing virtual teams can be challenging as there is no physical interaction, and there may be technical problems such as connectivity issues or unstable internet, there may also be problems because the team member is uncomfortable with technological mediums.

The remote work model is here to stay

Although many businesses are testing full-time and hybrid work models, remote working has become integral to business operations. Companies can now hire full-time employees, part-time employees, consultants, and freelancers and create a conducive workspace for all these individuals to collaborate on projects. They can create an agile workforce and attract professionals for niche roles using cost-effective and time-efficient engagement models. All the members of the team or across teams can communicate and collaborate virtually and enhance the overall productivity levels.

Strategies for managing virtual teams

Some challenges and issues persist with remote working which require a strategic approach to address and correct. The company has to configure workspaces to ensure data protection, privacy, and engagement. They also have to create clear bifurcations of personal and professional time to ensure work-life balance. Here are a few strategies for managing virtual teams.

Apt technology management

Technology is the backbone of modern business and the intricate web that connects the remotely working team. Training the team to use and navigate technology is pertinent for successful remote operations. This includes the use of -

• 1. Cloud space
• 2. Enterprise software
• 3. Virtual communication tools for instant messaging, video calling, and audio calling
• 4. Data Sharing

Employees must also be made aware of cyber security measures to ensure data protection.

Clear demarcation of permissions

In a remote working setup, there will be different types of employees from different departments and teams. The company must install a comprehensive permission mechanism to facilitate comfortable communication and clear demarcation of roles. So, a freelancer will have access to data pertinent to their work and submission alternatives that will make it easy for them to communicate with concerned persons and share their work. Similarly, in interdepartmental interactions, different levels of clearance can be given to facilitate data and information access.

Managing time zone differences

To manage a geographically widespread team, virtual team members can complete collaborative tasks during the common working hours. They can use scheduling tools to minimise meetings at odd times. Organisational support can be provided through facilitating formal guidelines and team-building exercises such as celebrations to build team commitments.

Justify the team meetings

Professional and casual interactions between team members are very important to build morale and trust. However, virtual meetings can become intrusive if they are held often, spill over the allotted time, or do not cover all the issues. Hence, try to follow some basic rules

• 1. A proper agenda must be prepared for the meeting with all the issues and discussion points enumerated and shared beforehand.
• 2. The necessary members are fully present and not distracted by any other tasks or discussions during the meeting hours.
• 3. Keep the video on. Face time is important to create a connection.
• 4. Ensure that actionable resolutions are arrived at, if not, circle the issue for further discussion at a later time.

Is the virtual team working

One way to track the efficacy of a team is by checking the progress of tasks. This can be done by checking the time tracking reports and establishing regular daily meetings where progress can be discussed and issues can be shared. Having one-on-one meetings occasionally can help clarify individual matters. These measures can help spot and address potential challenges and ensure smooth progress.

Creating a virtual team culture

Virtual team culture is required to build trust and ease the communication gap. This can be achieved through having occasional physical meetings, for formal or informal interactions. This helps in creating a deeper association across the team,especially if you are operating in a fully remote setup. Virtual celebrations of achievements, personal milestones or special days improve relations and break conversation barriers to help the team build a rapport. If there is a remote and non-remote team, try to make even the smaller meetings remote-friendly so that nobody feels left out or insecure.

Every employee has value in the team and as the manager or team leader, it is important to identify their strengths and motivate them. Remote teams are here to stay, so we must actively work towards ensuring their success.