The Ultimate Guide on Managing Remote WorkFroce [Updated 2024]

A study shows that 44% of global companies allow work from home to some extent, while 16% are fully remote. As much as remote work looks appealing to employees, employers also recognize the benefits of working from home and managing a remote workforce. Each industry has seen a natural inclination towards remote work.

While working remotely, technology has made work easier for different departments and completely transformed the way of working. For example, video interview software has gained tremendous popularity during the pandemic, and these tools have entirely changed the hiring world. Although these tools have made our work life significantly more accessible, managers still face challenges while managing a remote workforce. With proper remote team management, organizations can capitalize on the benefits of a remote working model. Explore this ultimate guide about how organizations can get tips and tricks for managing a remote workforce.

What is a remote workforce?

Remote work is practically a desire for everyone today. Coronavirus has pushed everyone to work from home; many companies work off-site. A remote workforce is a group of people who work not from their traditional office but from a remote location. It is a type of flexible work arrangement that every employee wants today.

Why is remote work so important?

Remote work became so popular during COVID-19, and now it has become a need of the hour. Remote work has various benefits, such as no commute, working from the comfort zone, etc. Moreover, contrary to all popular beliefs, remote work has proven to be more effective in productivity. The reason can be the elimination of the commute. Employees can now use that time to do something more productive. All the benefits of remote work make it even more popular. Some of these advantages include the following-

• Less commute stress
• Better work-life balance
• Enhanced productivity
• Better work-life balance
• Location independence
• Money savings
• A customizable office
• A healthier and happier work life

Challenges of managing a remote workforce

While working remotely, one of the main concerns in managing a remote workforce. It comes with a unique set of challenges that require equally impressive solutions. While every organization is different, the following are the potential hurdles businesses expect to encounter when managing a remote workforce.

1. No face-to-face supervision

Managerial support and communication are essential to keep employees engaged in the workplace. And this applies even while working remotely. During remote work, employees may think they are out of touch, making them lose interest in the job. Employers face challenges in showing they are always available to support their employees. However, managers can even supervise through texts or emails, but they are susceptible to being misunderstood or misread.

2. Lack of communication

One of the most common challenges that every remote workplace faces is a lack of communication.  Communication is the key to success whether you are working remotely or from the office. Gathering all the information from employees while working remotely is critical. When teams work from home, managers may face difficulty in fostering open communication. However traditional emails often seem to be used for interaction, but that doesn’t enable quick communication.

3. Scheduling difficulties

For global teams, scheduling can be one of the significant hurdles. As employees may be working from different time zones, scheduling a video meeting or a phone call is challenging. Finding a time that suits everyone is an arduous task. It isn’t straightforward for managers to bring everyone to the same table at the same time during remote work. To make scheduling easier while working remotely, you can use modern tools. Additionally, project management time-tracking apps can help managers ensure that remote employees work during their designated hours, making it easier to schedule meetings and collaborate effectively across time zones.

4. Missing company culture

As an employer, you probably have mentioned your company’s culture and values to employees while hiring. But while working remotely, it isn’t easy to recognize whether a particular employee aligns with the company culture. Company culture takes time to cultivate, including various aspects, such as instilling positive values among employees, fostering healthy communication, etc. It is up to you whether you want your team to be professional or the team is known for being fun and energetic. It takes more concentrated efforts to create a remote culture.

5. Tracking work and productivity

One of the other challenges is tracking the yield and productivity of employees. Many managers are unclear about how they work and how much work they complete daily. It is hard to know whether someone is doing the work or just chilling at home. Creating accountability is very important, and it was easier when teams were working from the office. Managers could walk in to see the status of the work.

6. Building trust

Building trust is one of the significant challenges for remote managers. Managers may think that employees are not completing their work on time, while they may have other concerns. All these misunderstandings can hinder building trust between the team members and employers. Being transparent is the real solution to this problem. Be honest with your employees, and enlighten them with every necessary information.

7. Setting clear expectations

As a manager, you must ensure everyone knows what is expected of them. Just because employees know their job responsibilities at the office doesn’t mean that you don’t need to interact with them about it during remote work. Your workers may need clear directives and more guidance to know how to complete the task when they work remotely.

Tips for managing a remote workforce

1. Embrace technology

The only solution to all the mentioned problems is to embrace modern tools. As you will not be physically present to communicate or assist your employees, these modern tools will help you. Various tools in the market have all the features to make your work life easier during remote work. With these tools, you can easily communicate with your team and cope with these challenges seamlessly. As you will be able to communicate effectively, you can quickly tell your work priorities and build trust with your employees.

For example, if you belong to the hiring department, you must opt for digital interview software to organize your hiring process. These tools comprise excellent features to make your recruitment process convenient. Although these tools came into the market during the COVID-19 pandemic, they have become prevalent. These tools help you hire talented candidates remotely without any additional effort.

2. Take out time for communication

It is important to communicate with your team while working remotely. There is no particular time limit for how often a manager should contact the team. But they should make communication an essential part of their remote culture. In addition to formal meetings, casual discussions can work as a wonder for your team. Ensure your employees don’t feel disconnected while working from home. Moreover, you should also focus on soliciting and taking feedback. It alleviates the communication gap, making things convenient for you.

3. Promote a meaningful culture

Employees need to feel connected and engaged even when working from home. Ensure to share your office culture with your remote team and make them feel engaged. You can conduct some sessions where you can talk about your office culture. You don’t need to make it a formal meeting; keep it casual, and create a positive environment for each employee. When employees feel connected, they are more likely to maximize their productivity. Instill a sense of positivity or belonging in different ways and create a healthier workforce. When employees are happy and satisfied, managing them is more accessible.

4. Conduct team-building activities

One of the best ways to manage your remote employees is to host team-building activities. However, you may not be able to conduct activities where everyone will be present physically, but you can plan some remote activities. Team-building activities improve the relationships of employees with their peers and managers. Some of the activities for remote workers are video charades, Two Truths & a Lie, etc. As a manager, you must engage your entire team during remote work.

5. Define the work and expectations in advance

Don’t pre-assume that your employees know how and when they need to complete the task. You need to create a guide where employees can know what is expected of them. Not all employees are suitable for remote work; therefore, provide them with tips to avoid distractions and stay productive while working remotely. Set up timelines, and tell them to be prepared for last-minute conflicts. Prepare a sheet where you can check the work of all employees. It will also boost other employees to perform better. Moreover, you can easily track everyone’s performance through this database.

6. Go for video calls over voice calls

Although you can’t have a face-to-face meeting, you can interact with your team over a video call. Video calls are much more effective than voice calls. It is easier to make them understand what you are saying over a video call. It will give your employees a sense of belongingness. Moreover, they will feel like you are supervising them, and they tend to improve their performance. Many video conferencing tools are available in the market; choose the right tool as per your needs, and manage your team efficiently.

7. Take frequent feedback

The most effective managers are the ones who know how to listen to their employees. Making your employees feel heard is a great way to engage them, even when working remotely. Conduct frequent feedback sessions, and ask them if they have any suggestions. You can even give them feedback about their performance. Sometimes employees feel lonely because they can’t interact with people during remote work. You must make them feel engaged and interested. You must talk to them, listen to their concerns, and adjust accordingly.

Wrapping it up

Managing a remote workforce may differ from traditional management, but many of the same principles apply. Good communication has always been part of the effective management style. While working remotely, communication has just moved online. Follow up with your team members, and talk to them about their experiences. Apply all these mentioned tips, and manage your remote team efficiently.

Additional Reading: Measuring Employee Productivity with Remote Work

FAQs

What is a remote workforce?

A remote workforce consists of employees who work from locations outside of a traditional office setting. This arrangement allows employees to work from home, co-working spaces, or any other location of their choice, providing greater flexibility and work-life balance.

Why is remote work important?

Remote work has become crucial, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, due to its numerous benefits:

• No commute, reducing stress and saving time
• Improved work-life balance
• Increased productivity
• Location independence
• Cost savings for both employees and employers
• Customizable work environments
• Healthier and happier employees

What are the main challenges of managing a remote workforce?

Managing a remote workforce comes with several challenges:

• Lack of face-to-face supervision
• Communication difficulties
• Scheduling issues across different time zones
• Maintaining company culture
• Tracking work and productivity
• Building trust
• Setting clear expectations

How can technology help in managing a remote workforce?

Technology plays a crucial role in managing remote teams by providing tools for:

• Effective communication (e.g., video conferencing, instant messaging)
• Project management (e.g., task tracking, time management apps)
• Performance monitoring (e.g., productivity tracking software)
• Recruitment (e.g., digital interview platforms)

How often should managers communicate with remote teams?

While there’s no set frequency, regular communication is essential. Managers should balance formal meetings with casual check-ins to keep employees engaged and informed. Regular feedback sessions are also vital to address concerns and maintain a connection.