Navigating Remote Work: Strategies for Companies

Navigating Remote & Hybrid Work: Strategies for Companies

In today's business landscape, many businesses find themselves overseeing teams scattered across various locations or meeting demands from prospective employees for remote or hybrid working patterns. Whether your employees are working from home, on the road, or engaged directly with clients and suppliers, remote work has become the new norm, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, managing a dispersed team presents unique challenges. Without the ability to physically observe or interact with your employees on a daily basis, maintaining productivity, and fostering a positive work culture can be daunting, particularly when you're already stretched thin.

Here's a deeper dive into the intricacies of remote management and some practical tips gleaned from SME owners and HR specialists who have successfully navigated these waters.

1. Decide what your company's needs are

Some companies can't do remote or hybrid, it is after all difficult to serve coffee or build a car remotely, but many jobs can be. Managers need to decide what to do about this, and set policies around remote and hybrid working. Since many workers now see hybrid and remote working as a dealbreaker, there is a balancing act. Deciding how to manage this is going to be key to building unity around the policies and ensuring that the company goals are met.

2. Set Clear Expectations

As a manager, your primary role is to drive team performance to achieve company goals. In jobs which can be done remotely instead of micromanaging your remote employees, focus on articulating clear objectives and desired outcomes, if employees need micromanaging you may need to reconsider remote or hybrid working. Effective managers describe the end goals you want them to achieve, rather than prescribing specific methods to reach those goals.

Encourage autonomy and trust your employees to deliver results in their own way, once they know your expectations. Provide constructive feedback that highlights what they're doing well and offer guidance on areas for improvement, all while keeping communication channels open and transparent. Effective employee reviews are a key part of this.

3. Lead by Example Virtually

In the virtual realm, actions speak louder than words. Lead by example by demonstrating the behaviours and values you expect from your team members. Be accessible, reliable, and responsive in your communication, and strive to uphold high standards of professionalism and accountability.

Developing a company culture can really help. Build into expectations of your staff what sort of culture you want and the attributes which matter to the company, for a school or nursery this may be kindness and respect, for a financial company this may be honesty and integrity. Culture matters.

Embrace technology to facilitate seamless collaboration and streamline workflows. Leverage video conferencing, instant messaging platforms, and project management tools to bridge the gap between remote team members and cultivate a sense of camaraderie.

4. Stay Connected and Responsive

Effective communication is the cornerstone of remote team management. Establish regular check-ins, team meetings, and one-on-one sessions to maintain connectivity and foster collaboration. Set expectations for response times and communication etiquette to ensure everyone stays on the same page.

Combat feelings of isolation by nurturing a supportive and inclusive work environment. Take the time to engage in casual conversations, show genuine interest in your employees' lives beyond work, and demonstrate empathy and understanding during challenging times.

5. Prioritise Employee Well-being

Recognise that your employees are more than just workers—they're individuals with their own aspirations, concerns, and responsibilities. Show empathy and compassion by acknowledging the challenges they may face outside of work and offering support where possible.

Encourage open dialogue and foster a culture of psychological safety where employees feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns. Solicit feedback regularly and use it as an opportunity for growth and improvement, both personally and as an organisation.

6. Learn from Others' Experiences

Take inspiration from other firms who have successfully adapted to remote work environments. Emulate their best practices and learn from their insights and experiences. Recognise that effective remote management requires ongoing learning and adaptation to meet the evolving needs of your team.

7. Leverage technology to make remote and hybrid working succeed

From employee engagement to, tracking time and attendance to reminding managers to engage with remote staff there are technologies which can help companies improve their chances of making remote and hybrid work successful. Of course, we are going to mention Workforce Wisdom here, this is why we built it, based on our experience of managing teams remotely in the UK and remotely in two different countries.

By embracing these strategies and continuously refining your approach to remote team management, you can cultivate a thriving and resilient workforce that thrives regardless of location or circumstance.