With the rise of the internet and advances in communication technology, more and more businesses are globalizing their operations. This trend is only expected to continue, which means that an increasing number of managers will need to learn about effectively managing remote workers in different time zones. If you’re one of those managers, here are 7 tips to help you be successful.
Before we look at our 7 best tips for managing remote workers in a global team, it helps to understand some of the challenges you might face. Here are three of the main concerns:
Despite the challenges, there are several things you can do to effectively manage remote workers in a global team.
This is important for any team, but it’s especially important when managing remote workers. Make sure you have regular check-ins, whether that’s daily, weekly, or monthly. These check-ins can be done via video conference, phone call, or even just a messaging platform like Slack. The key is to make sure everyone is on the same page and that there’s a forum for discussing any challenges that come up.
Again, this is important for all teams, but it’s especially crucial when managing remote workers. When everyone is in the same office, it’s easy to pop over to someone’s desk and have a quick chat about what needs to be done. When people are in different time zones, though, immediate communication isn’t possible. That’s why it’s essential to set clear expectations from the outset about deadlines, deliverables, and what success looks like. That way everyone knows exactly what they need to do and when they need to do it.
There are a number of tools and technologies available that can help managers better communicate with and manage remote workers. From project management platforms like Asana or Trello to video conferencing software like Zoom or Skype, there are plenty of options available. Figure out what works best for you and your team and make use of those tools to stay organized and connected.
Just because your team is spread out across the globe doesn’t mean they can’t form bonds and develop a sense of community with each other. Encourage social interaction by planning regular team-building activities (virtually, of course). You could also consider starting up virtual book clubs or game nights where everyone can unwind and get to know each other on a more personal level. Creating a strong sense of community will make your team feel more connected to each other and more invested in their work.
One of the benefits of working remotely is that people have more flexibility when it comes to their hours and days off. When possible, try to be accommodating of these requests as long as they don’t interfere with meeting deadlines or delivering results. Keeping your team happy and engaged should be one of your top priorities, so do what you can to give them the flexibility they need while still ensuring that the work gets done on time and to the standards you expect.
If you have a global team, you will have employees with several different backgrounds and cultures. As a manager, it is your job to understand them and make sure everyone feels respected. If you have team members who speak different languages, learn a few key phrases in their language to show them that you are interested in their culture. You can also celebrate holidays that are important to them. Just make sure you do your research so that you don’t accidentally offend anyone.
It’s important to have regular performance reviews for all employees, but it’s especially important when managing remote workers. These reviews provide an opportunity for you to give feedback and for your team members to raise any concerns they might have. They also give you a chance to catch any problems early on so that they can be addressed before they become bigger issues.
Managing remote workers can be challenging, but if you follow these tips you’ll be well on your way to leading a successful global team.
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