Managing a remote workforce is actually easier than it’s ever been before. Telecommuting as it’s often called, holds many hidden benefits for both workers and CEOs/managers. Quality of life improves for both, as there’s no obligation to commute to a place of business, no need to buy an expensive wardrobe in order to be fashionable around the office, and often: no rushing around first thing in the morning to get the kids dressed and ready for school before sitting in morning rush hour for god knows how long — or sitting in afternoon rush hour after work!
Just look at how relaxed the guy below looks blissfully working from home while caring for his baby:
Tip 1: Don’t act like you’re living in a virtual world.
Some people like working remotely because… well, they don’t like working one-on-one with other people very much. Specifically, they like to work from their own little bubble without dealing with all the issues that come with office work (read: politics). That’s all well and good. However, team members should keep in touch as needed. “As needed” can be as often as several times daily via email, phone or online chat. Or as little as once or twice a week. Don’t fall out of touch or things can quickly begin to slide backward.
Tip 2: Open chatlines are mandatory.
There’s no reason not to have an open chatline with all your virtual team members. And luckily, there’s a ton of platforms out there for free use online. From the trusty, yet sometimes clunky Skype or Windows live, to up-and-comers like e-chat. There’s no need for costly phone bills or hardware-intensive company intranets. Take advantage of all the free and/or paid tools you can to keep in touch with your team members and for them to keep in touch with you.
Tip 3: Don’t skimp on project management.
As with chat tools, there are hundreds of options available online to set you and your team up in the same virtual space using project management tools and apps. Asana, Zoho, Wrike — and many others offer free options for small businesses to get started managing their important projects together using their cloud-based interfaces. They can also grow with you, allowing for even more options and employee access when/if you decide to venture into their paid platform.
Tip 4: Have systems set up and monitor them.
Having no system is like putting machine guns in the hands of 15 year olds and telling them to go to war. People need training, guidance — someone to answer to. Have specific systems in place for things like:
- How new ideas are brought to the group and later implemented.
- How the chain of command works — who they/you answer to.
- How often everyone keeps in touch.
- How an employee’s time is to be used and what projects they need to allocate into that time.
- How time off and other special requests are handled.
- Etc.
Use your project management apps and frequent communication to ensure these systems are adhered to.
Tip 5: Use consistency and flexibility in equal parts.
As the old saying goes “Give a dog a long leash and he’ll take it.” As the boss, you have to allow for some degree of flexibility in employee’s schedules. And allow them a certain amount of leeway when it comes to decision-making. Just make sure you don’t give the hired help the freedom to do whatever they want (Ie., destroy your business!)
Tip 6: Track their time.
Going with the dog/leash scenario, it’s important to make your paid virtual staff accountable for their on-the-clock time. Otherwise, you’ll have the faster employees charging for more time than they’re working and slacking on your dime, while slower members dilly-dally on their computer with no sense of focus — which again, costs you more money. If you’re going to use a service to source your virtual employees, they will have time tracking software in place for you to access. Otherwise, a quick Google search can net lots of free and paid options for this.
Tip 7: Use time zones to your company’s advantage.
The days of the traditional 9 – 5 are over and done with. Why not have your team working round-the-clock to expand your business and make more money. Hiring local is a great idea. But also hire people from different time zones so your money never sleeps.
Tip 8: Review their performance every 3 months.
Tracking and reviewing data is important for any business to be successful. If your virtual staff isn’t up to par, you’ll save yourself a lot of lost time and money by sitting down and seriously reviewing their performance. Cut the chafe and touch base with those who’re doing well and ask them what they’re happy and not so happy about with regard to their job. This way you’re not just improving productivity and profitability, you’re improving how you manage your employees and ensuring they’re happy in their work environment.
Tip 9: Give them some variety.
Boredom leads to poor performance and/or high employee turnover rates. Remember that your team are actually people and not mindless robots that can be assigned a menial task for years on end. Even the best, most loyal and dedicated will leave sooner or later. It’s human nature. Give them some variety, especially for the less rewarding administrative-type tasks.
Tip 10: Pay them very well.
This doesn’t mean you need to pay someone doing basic SEO tasks $50k a year when the industry average for a given task is less than half that. No, not if you’re in business to make money. However, you need to pay them better than the last company they worked for. Most employees move on because of money first, and boredom a close second. Nip both possibilities in the bud and watch your remote workforce grow and flourish!
Main Image Credit: Ewan McIntosh/Flickr
