How to Manage a Team Remotely
Coronavirus Outbreak – A Case for Global Work from Home.
With the coronavirus pandemic affecting countries all over the globe, companies everywhere are following government advice on lockdowns and self-isolating or, in some cases such as the UK, making their own decisions.
For a lot of businesses, whether a case has been confirmed among their staff or not, they are doing their bit to limit the spread by telling their workforce to work from home.
At Sussex Business School, we like to help and assist managers no matter what’s going on.
Managing a team under the same roof is one thing, but remote management is something else. So, how do you manage a team remotely?
Expectations
Setting clear expectations is a crucial element of remote management.
Make sure you and your team have covered the basics such as expected working hours and the adapted processes.
Over-Communicate
Without face to face meetings or the daily check ins with fellow colleagues, it can be difficult to master tone and urgency.
What would have been a ‘how are you doing’ friendly check-up turns into a nagging email if you’re not careful!
Over communicate and over clarify and regularly update each other on progress and what you need.
Tools and Resources
If you do not have an agile workforce already, not everyone’s home will be prepared for efficient work.
Lots of managers have acknowledged this and have provided their team with a budget for workspace supplies such as chairs and desks.
Having a clear workspace and good posture will promote good working habits as opposed to slobbing it out on the sofa!
Be Reachable
By setting up regular remote meetings, your team can check in with each other and you, asking for help and assistance where needed and can prompt tasks into the right direction.
But it is also important to be present in case someone wants to pick your brain or needs further support and advice on how best to be efficient when adapting to working remotely.
The recent pandemic has altered many businesses and their methods of working and will continue to do so.
With the right preparation and processes, it is highly likely that many companies will adopt more agile and remote working in the future, even after the effects of the coronavirus are long gone.
With the work environment constantly changing, companies will want managers to consistently improve and remain up to date with best practices.
See all our remote learning management courses here.
