There has been a serious misconception that productivity and colocation are two inseparable factors for success. The need of a swift business expansion in emerging startups has encouraged a new approach towards management that favors remote teamwork as a time-saving and cost-effective solution.

Despite being extremely popular, especially among tech companies, remote team management is still an evolving concept. As such, it comprises a wide array of management techniques which vary from strict surveillance and employee evaluation to a more relaxed approach that puts freedom over tight regulations.

Open Your Doors To New Horizons

One of the many benefits of telecommuting teams is the lack of limitations when it comes to hiring a talented crew member. With a remote team, you’re no longer restricted to a certain location. You’re free to explore hiring opportunities with talented people all across the world. This can help you expand your team quicker and join in fresh, creative minds from all around without worrying about relocation costs or office equipment.

Hire People Who Care

Your workforce is the pillar of your success. You need to cherish your employees and assist them in building on their existing skillset. Yet, more than anything, you need to help them feel connected with the values and goals of your company. Make sure your team resonates with your company’s mission and it truly motivated to carry it out.

Trust Your Employees

Managing a team of digital nomads means you won’t be able to constantly keep an eye on your employees and apply the same regulations that office-based teams have. You have to trust your crew instead of investing in an audit or monitoring service. Putting trust in your team is not only necessary but it will also help your company develop a

Provide a Protected Company Data Access

Getting your data out of the safety of the office environment requires an extra security step. A valuable part of protecting your data while working with a remote team is using a virtual private network.

You can protect your data by restricting data accessibility via a VPN service. This way, remote team members who connect via unverified networks won’t unwillingly put your company data in the wrong hands while working from a cafe, an airport, a resort or any other place that provides free internet access. Business owners can take advantage of the many tools out there for establishing a virtual private network. The data encryption process of the VPN will filter unwanted visitors and help you better manage the remote access to important company files.

Encourage Team Communication

Remote teams often find it to connect due to the somehow limited environment they’re forced to work in. Frequent team meetings, brainstorming, and video hangouts might help break the ice. Yet, there’s more to quality communication than fixed work discussions.

The CEO’s job is to fill in the gap of communication by encouraging off-topic conversations instead of banning them. Despite lowering productivity within a fixed time frame, a relaxed communication environment will encourage team members to better connect and explore different idea generation pathways.

Apply The Rules of Gamification

Gamification is a new team management strategy which can be applied for both virtual and on-site teams. It is comprised in the creation of a fun and engaging working process with clear rules, consistent feedback, and unlimited space for development.

Instead of providing punishment, gamification accepts failure as part of the learning process. It encourages constant team communication and perceives high risk as an expected and enjoyable challenge. This work strategy will motivate both your remote and office-based teams. It will provide an entertaining and productive work atmosphere while helping you overcome various remote employment issues.

Get to Know Your Team Members

Aspiring businesses have the advantage of working with smaller teams that can be easily managed. This opens up the opportunity for managers and CEOs to get to know their employees better and establish a more personal connection with each member of the crew. This is equally important for both on-site and telecommuting teams.

Managers have a broad range of opportunities at their disposal to establish a strong connection with their team. They could schedule a personal video call with a relaxed topic choice or designate a special, skill-based task to a specific crew member. Carefully picked work challenges could both motivate the employee and help the manager get a better hold of the strengths of his team members.