If you’re not already storing all of your documents in the cloud, what are you waiting for? Below, we’ve compiled a list of 6 key strategies that will help you get the most out of your remote collaboration. You might be wondering why you’re reading about pickles when you set out to learn how to manage your time.
This way, only the collaborators are involved, and communications don’t get too chaotic or interrupt the workflow of other employees. Setting measurable goals and expectations for remote team members provides a clear path to success and aligns individual efforts with organizational objectives. It promotes accountability and motivation, increasing engagement and productivity among remote teams. Setting measurable goals and clear expectations for remote team members is essential for maintaining productivity and accountability. These goals provide a roadmap for remote employees and help them understand what is expected of them.
Track Performance Transparently.
One solution is to use internal communication tools that let you share, edit, and save your work in a unified online workspace. In a digital environment, the right tools can turn a siloed https://remotemode.net/ workspace into a connected one. Importantly, these aren’t always the tools you’d pick for an in-person environment. Instead, you need ones designed for remote and async communication.
- Additionally, the reliance on software or other collaboration tools puts teams at risk when there’s a malfunction or connection issue.
- Zoom is a popular video conferencing app and is regarded as one of the industry leaders for audio and video conferencing.
- If you’re already using Google Workspace, you already have access to Google Drive.
- It’s rare that we miss a critical piece of conversation or request by using Basecamp.” – Annie Raygoza, Director of Client Services at Clear Digital.
- “While I appreciate many aspects of Notion, I find a few areas somewhat disappointing.
You might create performance awards or celebrate employee milestones. For example, when an employee goes above and beyond, let them know you see it—and shout it out in broader meetings for them to get recognition with other teams and executives. You don’t need to be best friends with all your coworkers or direct reports, but you do need a remote-friendly environment where employees can just chat.
Learn to embrace asynchronous communication
Most new hires don’t feel adequately prepared and supported post-onboarding. Research shows that 10% of employees left companies due to subpar new hire experiences. Setting rules may sound formal and rigid, but games need directions to ensure everyone can enjoy playing them. Unfortunately, research from Microsoft shows that only 28% of companies created clear team agreements. But sadly, according to McKinsey, only 27% of leaders create psychological safety. Remote work adjustments take time, so patience is essential as your team adapts to new routines and dynamics.
We face challenges and chances in this era of online meetings and digital tools. From improving cross-time-zone communication to utilizing technology for smooth collaboration, our approaches to success are developing. Following the remote remote collaboration collaboration best practices mentioned above, you can find success and provide your employees with a happier, more fulfilling work environment. Fostering a culture that recognizes the importance of recognition could help you achieve this.
Timeliness and Rewarding
While technology problems are not solely a remote work problem — traditional offices rely on many of the same tools — they’re certainly more of an issue for distributed teams. Over time, this builds a culture of “default to transparency” and improves communication across the board. You never know who else needs to be aware of what you’re working on and quite often, the best insights come from those outside of your team or project. One of the most effective things remote companies can do to improve communication across and within virtual teams is to mandate that all communication is as transparent as possible. Basically, everything that remote employees need to know to do their best work and communicate as effectively as possible with co-workers. Remote collaboration and asynchronous communication challenge the traditional modes of workplace communication.
It’s like being with the team in real life, and it’s quick and easy. When messages are getting a little too long, it’s really helpful just to record your thoughts and have the team tune in. And, by choosing the right tools, you can rewrite the rules of remote collaboration. With Switchboard’s “always available” rooms as your team collaboration platform, remote work becomes inclusive, spontaneous, and fun—and even better than in person. You need shared values, like psychological safety and ownership, to build a culture of learning and collaboration—and best practices that focus on developing teamwork and mutual trust.
Here’s our list of recommended tools that can empower leaders and teams to navigate the complexities of remote work, organized by the remote work practice they can improve. In a remote work environment, a positive company culture doesn’t just happen; it must be cultivated deliberately. This not only boosts morale but also reinforces a positive team dynamic. Virtual teams can celebrate in various forms, from shout-outs in group chats to themed virtual parties. By actively celebrating achievements, you contribute to a positive work culture and motivate team members to strive for excellence in their remote roles. It can be hard to learn how to collaborate virtually and create healthy boundaries.
In other words, you’ll need to shift your leadership style from top-down to bottom-up to be a successful remote leader. If you aren’t getting much feedback, consider an anonymous option where employees can be a bit more candid without fear of repercussion. Make time at least once a year (more often if you can manage) to meet together in person.
