Working in a team is one of the most efficient ways to deliver the best results and produce value for your company. But working with other people in different time zones, cultures and personal styles can be challenging and inefficient. To improve this, many companies are using remote work as an alternative solution to overcome these challenges.
If you’re looking for ways to improve your remote working experience, here are 5 efficient approaches to ensure you’re on the same page as your colleagues:
- Collaborate through common tools
The first step towards an effective virtual collaboration is determining how each party will communicate. This can be done using tools like video conferencing and social media applications. Nowadays, Zoom is the most common collaboration tool that allows users to invite their workmates and engage in scheduled meetings. You can check on how your team is doing without working in an office setting.
- Work on projects together in real-time
The power of technology is manifested in the use of real-time document programs such as Google Docs and Canva. These applications offer a feature to communicate with peers concurrently while working on presentations and projects. This is important when you have established deadlines for outputs so that these are accomplished promptly. These programs are also a great alternative if your workmates are unavailable for video appearances.
- Start weekly company check-ins
Employees must feel valued and motivated at a time when most people are isolated in their homes with their families or alone. Efficiently working with your colleagues also means that you should ponder on their well-being once in a while. You can host weekly hangouts through Zoom or begin end-of-the-month discourses about any topic under the sun.
- Training, training, and more training
Being an employee in a remote work environment doesn’t entail that one’s learning stops. As a matter of fact, majority of individuals are unfamiliar with virtual elements. Those who are accustomed to physical work tend to struggle with handling online spreadsheets, instant messaging programs, and collaboration instruments. In such cases, organizing a mentorship program or work seminar contributes to the efficiency of a workforce.
- Recognize people’s work
In addition to boosting the morale of your team, one helpful method to have an overall efficient work ethic in remote settings is employee recognition. You can execute this through rewarding them with certificates, food, and other tokens of appreciation. These ways aid in improving worker engagement and performance.
Takeaway
Remote work allows employees to come together as a team without limitations on location, time zones, or personal preferences. Remote workers present fewer distractions from their colleagues leading to more focused discussions and higher-quality outputs. Working remotely also helps increase creativity by breaking down barriers between individuals that may have existed before.