4 Tips for Creating and Managing Effective Remote Work Teams

With many thanks to the guest author Tina Martin from Ideaspired who wrote this post.

The world is rapidly changing around us, and that includes the business world. One of the most significant changes that has impacted business owners and workers is the rise in remote staffing. So, if you are a small business owner, you may be wondering how you can keep up. Well, you can start by gathering the right tools and information to make the right decisions when it comes to assembling and managing your remote teams. To that end, here are some tips that can make remote work less stressful for both managers and employees.

Apps and Tools Can Make Remote Collaboration Simple

If you’ve never managed or worked with a remote team before, you may be worried about being able to pull off those all-important team projects from afar. Collaborative project platforms, which include Slack and other tools, can put your fears to rest so long as you make the most of them. Be sure to create team-focused and project-focused channels so your team can stay on the same page and use a newsfeed to communicate any updates or pressing information.

In addition to communication strategies, you can also use task management tools, like Trello or Easynote, which will keep your team and your projects organized. If you miss having facetime with your employees, you can also look for video conferencing tools to keep you connected.

Freelancers Can Help Fill Out New Remote Work Teams

Before you begin using the project management and communication tools mentioned above, you need to have your remote team put together. If you already have a team of regular or full-time employees, transitioning to remote work may be your best bet at cutting office costs and providing flexible work arrangements for employees. If, however, you are a new business owner who needs to fill your remote team out, consider looking into remote hiring platforms. Using their straightforward and trusted tools, you can easily find and hire freelancers to help with just about any project you can think of, from graphic design and web development to administrative assistance. Plus, freelance staff can turn into permanent employees in the future.

Remote Teams Can Help Small Business Owners Cut Costs

When your business is growing, you may think you need to rent more office space, but that may not be the best option for your budget. In addition to the cost of a commercial lease for a new building, you’ll also need to factor in other operating expenses. These office expenses include utilities, furniture, and maintenance, all of which can quickly cut into your profit margins. So, if you want to keep your business booming without taking on these extra costs, setting up remote staff could be your best option for doing so. Businesses that utilize remote teams can save $10,000 or more in expenses each year, and those workers tend to be more productive when working from home, which means even more profits for your business.

Flexible Work Options Can Provide More Access to New Talent

Another perk of remote teams that you should consider is the ability to hire your team members from a wider talent pool. You can use job boards to find freelancers from around the world to help fill your remote team, or you can use other online resources to tap into more potential candidates. Being able to hire people from any corner of the world can provide an added advantage, especially if experienced workers are scarce in your area. Also, having the option for remote work can attract more local employees who are just entering the workforce. Over half of all college graduates expect remote or flexible work arrangements from their employers, so by instituting remote teams now, you will be ahead of the curve.

Hiring and vetting a remote team is no small undertaking. If the particulars of putting together a remote team cuts into your ability to focus on the big picture, teams like On Global can create a team of professionals from around the world, or even guide you along the way.

While remote teams can come in handy during difficult times, they can also make your business more competitive in even the best of times. The best candidates are likely to be looking for remote work opportunities, plus these arrangements can trim your budget. So, use this guide to build and manage a remote team you can trust.

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