How Employees & Managers Can Build the Best Culture for Remote Work

The Growing Trend of Remote Work

Types of Remote Workers

1. Distributed Teams, Small Satellite Office Workers & Cross-functional Groups
2. Work-from-home Employees, Freelancers & Contractors
3. Mobile Workers & Travelers
   

Setting Up for Remote Work

We regularly advise clients to ensure their remote employees have a productive workspace that is quiet and distraction-free. Minimizing distractions is crucial to maintaining focus. A comfortable, ergonomic, and uncluttered workspace is essential for productivity, and remote workers should have all necessary supplies within reach to stay well-stocked.

Connectivity is crucial for remote work, and we stress the importance of a reliable internet connection as the lifeline for staying connected. Essential communication devices and tools such as smartphones, webcams, and apps like Slack or HipChat facilitate seamless interaction. Access to critical information through tools like Asana, Trello, Dropbox, and Google Docs ensures seamless information sharing.

We often remind our clients that demonstrating work is key to maintaining productivity. This includes tracking time with tools like Toggl, Freckle, and Harvest, staying available and responsive during work hours, documenting accomplishments with project management tools, and maintaining a visible presence through video calls.

Creating boundaries is a common challenge we see. We advise setting and sticking to a daily work schedule, valuing results over hours by focusing on delivering outcomes rather than clocking hours, and knowing when to disconnect to ensure clear work-life boundaries and prevent burnout.

Managing Remote Workers

Keep Communication Open

Communication is a frequent issue we see arise with remote teams. We suggest thinking in terms of constant collaboration and utilizing chat tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams to enable continuous conversation throughout the day. This can mimic the informal office interactions that naturally occur in a physical workspace. It's also crucial to consider time zone differences when scheduling meetings to ensure all team members can participate without disrupting their work-life balance. Using the appropriate mediums for communication, such as video calls for more personal interaction and emails for detailed information, can help maintain clarity and connection among team members.

Make Your Team Culture Inclusive

Inclusivity is key to managing remote teams effectively. We recommend engaging creatively through video streams and greeting sessions to keep remote workers in the loop and make them feel part of the team. For instance, virtual coffee breaks or team lunches can simulate the social interactions of an office environment.

Manage Everyone Fairly

Fair management practices are essential for a harmonious remote team. We advise ensuring equal access to data and tools for all team members, which means investing in cloud-based systems that provide the same level of accessibility regardless of location. 

Plan Some Face Time, Too (Online & Offline)

Face time is crucial for team cohesion. We recommend scheduling regular in-person meetings on a predictable basis, such as quarterly or bi-annual gatherings, to strengthen relationships and facilitate deep-dive discussions that are often more effective face-to-face. 

Potential Pitfalls in Remote Work

Common Challenges

We frequently see several challenges with remote work that can hinder productivity and employee well-being. One major issue is switching gears frequently, which can significantly impact focus and efficiency. Remote workers often face numerous distractions at home, such as household chores, family members, or even personal technology. To mitigate this, it's essential to create a dedicated workspace that minimizes these distractions.

Another common challenge is feeling isolated. Remote workers can miss the social interactions and camaraderie that come with working in an office. This sense of isolation can lead to decreased motivation and job satisfaction.

Overloading is also a prevalent problem. Without clear boundaries, remote workers may find themselves working longer hours and struggling to disconnect from their jobs. This can lead to burnout, negatively affecting both their personal and professional lives. 

Final Tips for Remote Workers and Managers

Expanding to Europe can be daunting, especially if your international workers are mostly remote. Identifying challenges that they are likely to face is key to ensuring a good work remote culture. Reach out to EuroDev HR Outsourcing for more information on how to implement a remote work culture for your European team.