Many businesses today are embracing remote working, and this increased during the Covid 19. Many businesses today are also hiring people from different countries, and this requires the need for remote workers. How do you manage a team remotely? Well, managing a team remotely is not as easy as it looks. Managing a team remotely is not too different from an in-office team because some of the principles that work in the office also work for remote workers. If you have a team of remote workers, keep reading to find essential tips that can help you manage your team and ensure productivity.

What is a Remote Team?

What exactly is a remote team? Simply put, a remote team refers to professionals from different time zones and cultures who work together on a project. Every team member works in a different location in various cities and at different times. Managing a remote team poses challenges since it is different from when people are sitting in an office. According to surveys and research, 82% of remote workers experience lower stress levels. Additionally, 87% of the people feel more connected with video conferencing tools.

Challenges for Managing a Remote Team

With the increasing number of people working remotely, several problems arise for managers. Managing remote workers is a demanding job for many managers. One of the major problems of managing a team remotely is the lack of face-to-face supervision. Managers feel that employees are less likely to work harder without supervision. On the other hand, many employees feel they lack communication and managerial support. They feel that their needs are not met and they are not supported when handling their work.

Another common challenge of managing a team remotely is employees' lack of access to information. They have to get the information from their coworkers. According to research, when there is no mutual knowledge among workers remotely, it is hard to provide coworkers the benefit of the doubt during tough times.

Remote workers also experience social isolation because they don’t have interaction in an office setting. When remote workers suffer from isolation, they lack chances of connecting with others remotely. In the long run, they feel they don’t belong to the organization. Remote employees also face distractions at home, which affect their productivity. Kids and family members can distract you from handling your work perfectly. That is why it is recommended for remote workers to ensure they have a dedicated workplace where they can concentrate and do their work.

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