Many US workers do their jobs remotely, and it seems like that’s here to stay. Employers find that they can save money and attract talent by embracing a remote work culture. However, there are challenges to overcome when you have employees not working together in an office space. In particular, collaboration becomes more difficult when you don’t have people across the room or down the hall to help you when you need it.
Hybrid work addresses these issues; however, there are ways managers and employees alike can foster collaboration, even if they’re not all in the same room at the same time. You must do this if remote work is going to reach its full potential.
It’s Not Impossible
While remote work can be tricky, it’s not impossible. Establish clear communication protocols. Whether that means regular check-ins or weekly one-on-one meetings, it’s essential to have a system in place. Additionally, make sure there’s a way for remote workers to communicate directly with each other outside of email. For example, Slack is an excellent tool for this purpose because it allows for real-time chat conversations between coworkers and private channels where one-on-one collaboration can take place.
Managers Should Stay Involved
Managers are the most critical link in remote work, as they play a role in setting expectations and providing support for remote teams. Managers should stay involved by keeping in touch with their team members, answering questions, providing resources and training, and offering feedback on performance.
They should also be available to answer questions about the company’s goals or strategy so that remote workers can understand how their work fits into the bigger picture. Employees should have support when struggling with the ways remote work impacts collaboration.
Video Calls
Video chat can be a great way to keep people connected, especially when working remotely. Video calls are one tool in your remote collaboration toolkit.
One of the most significant advantages of video chat is that it allows you to better understand who you’re talking with and how they communicate their ideas. You can even use video calls for team-building games and activities.
Provide the Right Tools and Training
The right tools and training can improve the way remote work impacts collaboration. Most importantly, you should train people on your company’s culture, values, and what it means to be part of that team.
The ability to work from anywhere, combined with the power of modern technology, can make remote work an attractive option for employers. But it also presents some challenges for businesses and their employees. Remote work isn’t for everyone, but it’s worth considering.