What do you do if your remote team is struggling to stay productive in the future of work?
In the rapidly evolving landscape of work, where remote operations have become the norm, maintaining productivity can be challenging. As someone managing IT operations, you are likely grappling with this very issue. Your team's ability to stay focused and effective from afar is crucial for the success of your projects and the overall health of your organization. Understanding the unique challenges of remote work and implementing strategies to address them is key. This article will guide you through practical steps to boost your remote team's productivity, ensuring that your operations run smoothly in the future of work.
Begin by conducting a thorough assessment of your team's needs. This involves identifying the specific challenges they face, such as communication barriers, lack of proper tools, or feelings of isolation. Engage with your team through regular check-ins and surveys to gather feedback. Understanding their pain points is the first step towards finding solutions that will help them stay productive. Once you have a clear picture, you can tailor your support to address these issues effectively.
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Manoj Kumar
Digital transformation/Transition | IT Service Delivery | Cloud Computing
Managing a remote team has its own challenges. Other then the things already mentioned here, there are few more that are critical to understand. 1. Cultural difference - Often happens with globally distributed teams. The work culture is always little or more different in different parts of the world. 2. Handshake (As I fondly refer it) - the process of having a regular contact with other teams. This is important so the teams doesn't feel like they are on their own.
Clear communication of expectations is vital for remote teams. Establish well-defined goals, deadlines, and performance metrics that align with your organization's objectives. Ensure everyone understands their responsibilities and the standards to which they are held. This clarity helps remote workers manage their time effectively and remain focused on what's important, thereby enhancing productivity.
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Manoj Kumar
Digital transformation/Transition | IT Service Delivery | Cloud Computing
Setting right expectations is always important in such cases. and also communicating these effectively. These expectations (goals) would be your scale on which the team will be monitored for progress. Take steps to make the team realize the importance of these goals.
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Arthur Weinstein
Apple & Google Certified IT Professional
Your team needs to know their KPIs and to pace themselves accordingly. Some KPIs involve quality of work and if your team rushes to meet some standards so they can relax, they probably are skipping a qualitative component that can negatively impact your returns.
Ensure your team has access to the right tools and technology to facilitate seamless remote work. This includes reliable communication platforms, project management software, and secure access to necessary resources. Investing in the appropriate IT infrastructure is not just about having the latest gadgets; it's about providing an environment that supports efficient and collaborative work from any location.
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Manoj Kumar
Digital transformation/Transition | IT Service Delivery | Cloud Computing
This need to come first. In order for any team to be productive, give them the best tools. Tools, which reduce wait time, provide in-built security and best practices by design. collaboration between teams should be a 1- click action, not a huge task for any team member.
Creating a sense of community and engagement among remote workers is essential. Promote regular virtual meetings, team-building activities, and opportunities for informal interactions. This helps to build trust, encourages collaboration, and can significantly improve morale and productivity. Remember, a team that feels connected and valued is more likely to be motivated and high-performing.
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Manoj Kumar
Digital transformation/Transition | IT Service Delivery | Cloud Computing
Some ways to achieve this is using online team building games. build team from different functions, and keep shuffling the members. This would be more fun than it sounds. Also, keep changing the nature of activities. While planning these, give the teams a heads up, prompting them to plan their strategy , make it something they look forward to.
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Arthur Weinstein
Apple & Google Certified IT Professional
I once asked a hiring manager how often the team got together. He chuckled and thought I meant in-person. Meeting over video and getting creative conversation going between staff members allows a safe space for motivation and self starters to share and feel like they're making an impact.
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Kabindra Sharma
Founder and Managing Director at Saivion Outsourcing Services Pvt. Ltd.
I would first prioritize open communication channels, encouraging team members to share concerns and ideas freely. Implementing regular check-ins and virtual team-building activities can help strengthen bonds and morale. Additionally, providing resources for skill development and creating a supportive work environment can boost productivity and motivation in the evolving landscape of remote work.
Encourage a healthy work-life balance to prevent burnout among your remote team members. Advocate for regular breaks, flexible working hours, and time off when needed. By supporting your team's well-being, you not only enhance their productivity but also contribute to their overall satisfaction and retention.
Finally, implement a system for monitoring progress and productivity without micromanaging. Use project management tools to track tasks and milestones, and hold regular progress reviews. This allows you to stay informed about your team's work, intervene when necessary, and celebrate successes together. Monitoring progress helps in maintaining accountability and ensuring that everyone is on track to meet their objectives.
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Manoj Kumar
Digital transformation/Transition | IT Service Delivery | Cloud Computing
Monitoring is another important function when we are required to measure progress in any area. The parameters you use for monitoring should be directly aligned with the expectation you have set for the team. And don't forget to reward the progress. You may want to map some parameter to the team's performance appraisal. Regularly share the progress levels with the team so they always are in know where they need to catch up.
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Noe Ramos, PsyD
Vice President of Operations/Executive Team Member at Agiloft/Founder of The NCR Giving Project
These are all great points. I would add that you should speak with them as a group and ask them for ideas to be more efficient and complete more faster. Solving this topic is easier, in my opinion, with open discussion. It is important to not make your employees feel they are a cog in the wheel and should do more, but rather show their value and importance with regard to achieving company goals. Also to give them clear direction which is often missing. Also celebrate your team’s wins/milestone achievements with them along the way, and at the company level. Lastly, pay close attention to what motivates each person. It will not be the same for everyone. Put your employee hat on, instead of your leader hat. What motivates you?
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