Thanks to the digital era, we’re now living and thriving in an interconnected world. A device can help you speak to people halfway across the world, get work done, and engage in new activities all without leaving the comfort of your own. Everything can be done with mere taps of buttons and clicks of the mouse, thanks to the powerful world of the internet. So much can be done with the help of technology, which is exactly what job seekers and employers understand.
As a way to leverage this opportunity of interconnectivity, virtual teams are now steadily rising in demand. Organizations now can access new revenue opportunities, recruit talented professionals, and create a diverse work culture—all done digitally.
A virtual team is made up of employers based in dispersed geographical locations. They work in different time zones and exist in different cultures, but their company brings them together in a common goal—to pursue their career interests, help the company achieve its goals, and live a satisfying path of comfort and stability
It may sound like it’s too good to be true, but countless companies now invest in virtual teams—especially since they can improve your bottom line in more ways than one. The question now stands—why should I invest in a virtual team?
The reasons are aplenty, but as previously mentioned, organizations will now be empowered to explore growth internationally, all without investing much on operational costs thanks to the nature of the organization. Finding the best talents will also be easier to do, especially since you’ll be able to explore qualified candidates across regions—and not just in a concentrated area.
The opportunity, however, will come with a given set of unique challenges, such as proper management.
How to Effectively Handle A Virtual Team
1 – Make sure to clearly define your work systems
There is not a single way to do things, which is why different people employ different ways of performing tasks. When it comes to remote work, micromanagement will never work. While work systems need to be in place, it’s important to focus not on the way you wish things to be done, but the standards in which you want the results to be.
Doing so allows you to shorten the time needed to complete the desired result, especially since your virtual team will be asking fewer questions for clarification and spend more time working and achieving.
2 – Leverage various communication tools
Since you’re exclusively working in a digital environment, it’s important to establish communication tools to ensure that everyone stays on board. Your team will be able to communicate any urgent concerns, especially when it concerns a specific individual.
You’ll also be able to properly standardize the processes involved in collaboration, which could mean screen recordings, screen sharing, conference calls, and so on. By establishing the right communication tools, you allow your team members to thrive and collaborate—no matter the challenges.
3 – Take schedules seriously
Working remotely means never having the opportunity to work face-to-face. For this reason, it can be incredibly easy to fall into miscommunication and misalignments, which could eventually affect the company’s bottom line. That said, make sure to schedule meetings as regularly as possible.
Creating a routine allows your team to feel more at ease, especially since they’ll have firsthand access to the company’s standing, needs, and concerns. Video calls are the best avenue for meetings, especially since you also allow your employees to interact—which is a challenge difficult to overcome in the remote world. Not impossible, though!
It’s also important to ensure that work hours overlap, even if it’s just a few hours every day. Team members need to be online at the same time, ensuring that tasks can be completed and any concerns are addressed before the work hours end.
4 – Allow your teams access to resources and benefits
By relying on your virtual team, you’ve already cut costs on tangible resources, which includes the physical office space, amenities, and other necessary office costs. They also likely rely on their own devices and internet connections to help your company grow, which is why it’s important to provide them with the necessary resources to ensure they get the job done—without sacrificing comfort.
This doesn’t entirely mean shipping out a complete office setup, but benefits such as itinerary reimbursement, maintenance cost covers, and even medical plans can help. It also pays to provide certain employee perks and benefits, such as gift cards, discount codes, and other items that will help make them feel appreciated.
5 – Value your team’s opinions and views
You may be the head of the company, but you’ve hired the best talents for a reason—you’re committed to growth. That growth means listening to the views of your employees, which could mean constructive criticism. Never make the mistake of neglecting how they feel about the company, as they essentially make your operations flow. They have voices that deserve to be heard, especially in the context of their regions. They also serve as the stewards towards potential growth and expansion, especially if you wish to become an established organization in the years to come.
They’ll help you correct any mistakes, improve processes that no longer work, and curate innovative ideas that will help you move forward. Your virtual team is irreplaceable—listen to what they have to say, especially when it comes to contexts you have no direct access to.
The Bottom Line
As the world progresses further into the digital age, bear in mind that work as we know it is set to shift and change even more. Technological change and transformation have now become non-negotiable, especially in the business world. By investing in a remote team, you allow yourself to move forward in unprecedented ways.
The challenges will be unique and difficult to overcome, but with the proper tools, leadership, and strategies, you’ll handle engaged and motivated employees happy to be part of your virtual team.
Having and managing remote workers comes with a unique set of challenges. But with the right tools, planning, and leadership, this can be overcome. Remember to keep the aforementioned tips in mind!
If you wish to invest in remote support for your business, CrewBloom has you covered. We offer you a disrupted approach to outsourcing, ensuring that you have access to only the best talent at affordable prices. Request for a consultation today.
