8 Best Practices For Managing Remote Teams
Depending on the size of a work team, it may be challenging to get and keep everyone on the same page. Managers will have to find a middle ground that will include all team members regarding their management style, as not all employees will respond equally well to one specific management type.
Add another difficulty level to this feat—remote working team members. It could be challenging for teams to function well together under the best of circumstances, but keeping them apart and not physically around each other can contribute to many factors of productive units.
However, there are some best practices that a company can implement to make things easier for management and their teams. Below are some of these that management can consider following:
- Have Open Communication Channels
When team members know that they can go to peers or management with their concerns without feeling that they will face retribution, they can build open and honest relationships. So, unify your team through communication and set up the best way for all to get in touch. Cloud-based telephone systems could improve the quality of contacts and other methods the company can easily set up for its teams.
- Check In With Team Members Daily
Most remote workers enjoy the freedom of not having to sign into the office physically every day, but this shouldn’t exempt them from checking in with their team throughout the day. Management can communicate with each person daily to see if they have any issues they need help with or just as a show of support.
One way of subtly checking in with remote employees is asking them for feedback or input on a specific matter. When doing this, they feel included and part of the team, while the manager can see whether the team member is keeping up with the rest of the team.
- Use Technological Advances For Streamlining
Nowadays, there are many applications that a company can use to make the lives of their teams easier. For example, within the healthcare industry, the use of a specialised app for caregivers can greatly enhance communication and efficiency. These apps are designed to streamline the whole team’s tasks in person or remotely. These can include shared project management, customer relations, and calendars on which team members can record the various data so everyone can access it.
Software applications save the manager tons of time and effort, as most of them will have a function to show the progress of the team or their specific tasks. With the apps in place, managers can give their superiors feedback without being close to their team members.
- Stipulate Expectations For The Team
Workers with clear parameters between which they can complete their daily tasks will know what the company expects of them. They can then plan their day accordingly and ensure that all of their work meets the company’s standards without someone having to lean over their shoulder to remind them. It also builds trust between the team members and the company when managers don’t have to micro-manage their teams.
On the other hand, it shouldn’t be confused with leaving the team to their own devices, where there would be no structure or support. Instead, it would be best to provide the team with the freedom to show their managers that they are responsible and capable of handling daily activities.
- Monitor Output And Not Activity
Managers could drive themselves up a wall when monitoring a team member’s activity. Just because they aren’t showing up online doesn’t mean they won’t finish their daily tasks. Some remote workers find a new balance between work and home life, which may look different from the model managers are used to seeing in an office. Companies that adjust will have a better team member retention rate, even during the ‘great resignation.’
- Ensure Employees Engage With The Company
Scheduling regular sessions where all the team members can meet up in person or socialize through a video call may bring them closer. Some people may struggle with being away from their team members, but when they can interact with them now and again, they fill that social void that can improve their performance. If it isn’t possible for employees to all get together as a team, their employees can encourage the team members from the same area to lean on each other for support.
- Have A Resource Pool To Reference
People that choose a more remote option for work tend to be more responsible and self-sufficient. To assist them with this while keeping up the standard of work, companies can use a pool of resources that team members can access when needed to make them more productive on their own. These resources prevent hold-ups where managers have to sort out less severe issues instead of more significant ones, saving valuable time and effort.
- Provide Team Members With Support
Although most remote workers will need little to no daily support, there may be a few hiccups along the way that the company will have to provide support for when they arise. When team members know there will be someone on the other end to help them, they can carry on with their activities seamlessly after a quick reply from their superior.
In a fast-paced office environment, companies don’t have time to hold each employee’s hand but rather empower them to become more autonomous and develop their problem-solving skills in a safe environment.
The Final Thoughts
It is clear that remote working still makes up a large part of some companies’ culture, and those that don’t adjust to this new work model could suffer in their productivity. Although the through may seem daunting initially, managers can efficiently handle their teams as they would like if they were all in the same office. Everyone will achieve their goals by adding good practices that help them and their teams.
Keeping in touch with team members seems to positively affect their mood, engagement, and the quality of their work. It may mean that companies who invest in proper communication methods or systems like cloud telephones, among others, may reach new heights and rise above their competition.
Additioanal:
Tags:
Recent
Related Articles
Essential Office Equipment For Boosting Productivity In The Modern Workplace
Efficient workflow and optimal output are necessities for companies aiming to stay ahead. The key to attaining these goals lies in selecting the right office equipment, which fosters productivity and innovation. This article explores essential office equipment that significantly enhances productivity in the contemporary workplace. Ergonomic Furniture Customize your workspace with lumbar support in chairs and sit-stand desks to reduce discomfort and prevent fatigue. Enjoy better posture and a healthier work environment. On the other hand, height-adjustable desks help in transitioning between sitting and standing positions seamlessly. They minimize work-related injuries, fostering your consistent presence and productivity. When you buy office equipment online, you enjoy the convenience of browsing through an extensive product catalog, including ergonomic furniture. High-Quality Computers and Laptops High-quality computers and laptops are vital for modern offices, ensuring efficient operations and productivity. These devices reduce downtime and enable swift task completion. Advanced security features enhance data protection, while the devices' longevity and compatibility with software updates contribute to cost savings. Ergonomic designs and connectivity options enhance the user experience, fostering higher employee satisfaction. Noise-Canceling Headphones Noise-canceling headphones are essential in open-plan offices, creating a focused and quiet workspace amid ambient noise. They excel in reducing distractions, promoting concentration, and enhancing overall productivity. When choosing these headphones, key considerations include effective noise reduction, comfort for extended use, battery life, wireless connectivity, intuitive controls, durability, and compatibility with various devices. A successful choice ensures a seamless blend of functionality and user comfort. In the dynamic workplace, these headphones play a vital role, allowing employees to tune out disruptions and maintain their focus on tasks requiring intense concentration. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Phones VoIP phones and communication systems enhance office productivity by consolidating communication channels and supporting remote work. The unified platform integrates voice, video, instant messaging, and email, streamlining workflow efficiency. Call forwarding, voicemail, and email transcription contribute to efficient call management. The scalability of VoIP accommodates organizational growth, allowing easy adjustments to phone lines. Mobility features enable employees to use their office phone numbers on mobile devices for increased accessibility. VoIP systems are reliable, with redundancy features minimizing downtime. Real-time collaboration tools, including video conferencing, enhance communication among team members. Centralized management capabilities in VoIP empower IT administrators to handle configurations and maintenance efficiently. In summary, VoIP phones and communication systems boost productivity by offering unified communication, supporting remote collaboration, providing advanced features, and adapting to changing business needs. This contributes to a more efficient and responsive work environment. Just ensure to work with a reputable VoIP provider. Video Conferencing Equipment Choosing video conferencing equipment is crucial for your modern workplace productivity, especially with the growing prevalence of remote and hybrid work models. Your decision-making process is fundamental, considering improved communication, minimized miscommunication, and enhanced collaboration facilitated by high-quality video and audio equipment, fostering effective teamwork. Video conferencing also saves you time and cost by reducing the necessity for travel, offering added convenience for your geographically dispersed teams. Essential to this is flexibility and accessibility, enabling you and your team to join meetings from various locations and devices, catering to the demands of your remote work environments. This technology contributes to maintaining a sense of connection among you and your team members, promoting employee well-being, and mitigating feelings of isolation. During your equipment selection, assess your organizational needs, including considerations such as the number of participants, room size, and required technical features. Prioritize audio and video quality to ensure clear communication for your team. Task Lighting For an efficient and comfortable work environment, focus on task lighting that provides specific illumination. Often overlooked, proper lighting significantly enhances your productivity and overall well-being. While natural light is ideal, task lighting is essential. It minimizes eye strain, helping you stay alert and focused throughout the day. Well-lit workspaces contribute to increased efficiency, allowing you to work comfortably. Customize lighting levels for specific tasks and preferences, creating a dynamic and adaptable work environment. When choosing task lighting, understand your task requirements, consider light intensity, and opt for adjustable fixtures suitable for precision tasks. Choose color temperatures and bulb types that match the nature of your work. Ensure the aesthetics and style of fixtures complement your overall workspace design. Evaluate your space's size and layout to determine the number and placement of fixtures. Prioritize energy-efficient options for a sustainable and eco-friendly workspace. Whiteboards and Flipcharts These tools offer tangible, hands-on interaction, allowing you to express ideas immediately and engage in dynamic collaboration. Their simplicity ensures visual clarity, making communication straightforward in group settings. With real-time collaboration, you and your peers can contribute simultaneously. The flexibility of these tools supports quick adjustments during discussions, and being cost-effective and low maintenance, they reduce technological barriers, ensuring accessibility for a broad user base like yours. The physicality of whiteboards and flipcharts aids your memory retention by visually tracking the progression of ideas. Backup Power Solutions Ensuring uninterrupted operations during power outages is crucial, especially when implementing backup power solutions. Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems guarantee a steady power supply, preventing data loss and safeguarding your electronic equipment. This setup facilitates a smooth transition to generator power during prolonged outages, supporting your continuous workflow and productivity. Additionally, these backup power solutions help you avoid financial losses, ensure compliance with regulations, and contribute to the longevity of your electronic equipment by reducing wear and tear due to power fluctuations. Personal Productivity Tools Digital calendars, to-do lists, and physical notebooks can help you manage time, prioritize tasks, and collaborate effectively. That way, you can easily set and track goals, reducing the stress of remembering everything. They also give you a break from constant screen time, improving focus. Whether jotting down notes or using a digital calendar, these tools help you stay organized and productive. Think of them as your assistants, making work less overwhelming. Conclusion Choosing the right office equipment, including cutting-edge computers and ergonomic furniture, is crucial for optimizing efficiency, fostering collaboration, and empowering employees. This strategic combination enhances work processes and contributes to overall well-being and productivity. Businesses prioritizing integrating advanced technology and ergonomic solutions are better positioned to adapt to evolving work trends and remain competitive in a dynamic business environment. Read Also: What Is An Operating Agreement: Does Your Business Need One? 11 Tips For Saving On Business Insurance Profitable Business Ideas To Start In UAE
Jan 12, 2024
How To Modernize Your Pub
If it’s been a while since your pub had a fresh lick of paint, it may be time to undertake some modernization. Creating a sleek and welcoming space can reap huge rewards for your business, helping to entice new customers, retain loyal pub-goers, and ultimately protect your bottom line. Here, we explore several ways to modernize your pub’s interior. Why Do You Need Modernization Of Your Pubs? Just like any other area of fun and entertainment, the pubs have their levels of interest. This is why the stakeholders understand the need for refurbishment plans. However, here we describe why there is a need to modernize the pubs. If your pubs are not performing as they used to, then you can understand that there is a need for refurbishment. The hotel and refreshment sector is undergoing a huge transformation, and therefore, the stakeholders in the sector understand the need for change. This is why they are bettting on modernization. Competition governs the sector. This is why they are investing their hard-earned money in giving their pub a new look. Driving away the monotony is another point that you must understand as a pub owner. When the same person visits your pub quite often, then it searches for something new and fresh. We mean, they are looking for a new ambiance and service. You must work on keeping their expectations in mind. How To Modernize Your Pubs Every business, irrespective of size and manner, faces challenges. It is the same with the pub business. If you loiter around your favorite streets, you can easily find the wave of competition there. It narrows down the opportunity. Therefore, you have no option but to consider modernizing your pubs. It is one of the ways to keep yourself competitive. Upgrade the furniture Tatty tables and worn-out chairs don’t create the most welcoming environment, so it’s worth upgrading any outdated furniture when modernizing your space. Consider the overall look you’re trying to achieve, as well as the clientele you want to attract. Are you keen to create a modern bar area perfect for evening drinks? Then a minimalist design with plush velvet bar stools and glass tables might work well. Going for a rustic country pub vibe? Then warm oak tables with plaid or leather chairs could be the ideal choice. There are plenty of interior design styles to explore, from farmhouse chic to industrial – so choose one that best suits your offering and location. Use mood lighting Installing ambient lighting throughout is one of the easiest ways to give your pub a new lease of life. To figure out the best option for the space, break down the interior into sections such as the bar, seating areas, and dining spaces. Each zone will require a different type of lighting. Large pendants may work well over dining tables, while strip lighting is hugely effective underneath bars. In intimate seating areas, consider using floor or wall lamps to create a warm and cozy atmosphere. Whatever lighting design you go for, we recommend using warm, yellow-toned bulbs rather than cool lights with blue undertones. Embrace natural elements Add life to your pub by using a range of plants and flowers throughout. Bringing the outdoors in is a hugely popular interior design trick, as it can instantly add color, texture, and shape to a space. Plants make great focal points in pubs and can also serve as privacy screens between tables. If you want to make a statement, consider putting a large artificial tree in the center of the space, like a cherry blossom or olive tree. Alternatively, install something Insta-worthy, like a large flower wall with neon lighting in the middle. This not only looks good but can be a great marketing tactic. As customers tag you on social media, it helps attract attention to your pub and encourages new customers to try you out. Pub Gardens If your pub has an outside space, then you can make the most out of it. You can follow different design patterns to create a lively atmosphere. You can keep it simple…just a few chairs, benches, and waterproof sofas and make the place charming and fresh. You can take a look at the patio or kitchen garden design and thereafter ensure that you decorate it in the most simplistic of patterns. Add some points and make the pub a family spot where people, mainly the guests, will find themselves in utter comfort. Toilets Redesigning the toilet must be an integral and inalienable part of the pub design. You might have read the social satire called The Rape Of The Lock by Alexander Pope. Though the poem’s approach is bantering the trivial grandly, you can not simply overlook the fact that the toilet was an important section of the day. Yes, its importance still persists. You can reach out to Prime Dumpster porta potty rentals while your toilet is under renovation. You can invest in the unique and stylish fixtures of your sinks and faucets. Moreover, you could choose the eco-friendly and the water-saving plumbing fixtures so that you live the values of sustainability. Optimize The Available Place We all know that the available space is depleting with time. You will need to work cleverly with the space available to you. At the same time, you will have to ensure that you optimize the space to make the place beautiful. Screening tables near the entrance also offer seating arrangements. First, take a look at the space that you are not utilizing. Thereafter, you call the expert designer to redesign your pub hall completely. Look that utilization of the available space governs the new design. Or if you want to do it alone then first draw a picture of the empty hall and look at the flow and traffic engagement. Screening tables near the kitchen also offer quite a nice touch so that people who are sitting do not feel the gush of cold air. Conclusion When undertaking any form of upgrades to your establishment, you may find it useful to check if you have the right level of public house insurance to cover your contents. It’s also important to set a realistic budget for the work and keep track of costs to avoid overspending on your upgrades. How will you choose to modernize your pub? Read Also: How To Get A Start-Up Business Credit Cards EIN Only? Is Startup Business Insurance Necessary For New Businesses?
Nov 27, 2023
Everything You Need To Become A General Contractor
In every construction project, general contractors play a significant role. They coordinate the project, manage workers, and make strategic decisions to ensure the successful completion of the project. But how does one become a general contractor? What does it take, and what paths are available for those interested in this career? Keep reading to learn more. Understanding the Role of a General Contractor A general contractor oversees all stages of a construction project, from inception to completion. They manage day-to-day operations on a construction site, coordinate subcontractors, and liaise with engineers, architects, and stakeholders. Their role also includes requesting and evaluating bids, negotiating contracts, and obtaining necessary permits and licenses. Besides, general contractors follow project specifications and enforce safety regulations. They must be conversant with building codes and construction-related legal matters. They also maintain open communication with clients, providing updates and addressing concerns promptly. Another important responsibility of a general contractor is to maintain the site equipment. This includes making sure that items such as grease fitting caps are in good condition and replaced when necessary. Essential Skills and Qualifications for Becoming a General Contractor To become a successful general contractor, certain skills and qualifications are necessary. First and foremost is a strong background in the construction industry. Most contractors get this through years of on-the-job experience, whether as laborers, tradespeople, or construction managers. Another key competency is project management skills. General contractors need to plan for projects, manage resources, and coordinate teams to execute the tasks. These activities require excellent time management, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. One must also have strong communication skills. General contractors frequently interact with workers, subcontractors, clients, suppliers, and regulators. They need to effectively communicate project expectations, safety precautions, and task deadlines to all these different stakeholders. Most states also require general contractors to have a license. The process of obtaining a license often includes proof of experience and education, taking an exam, and acquiring General Contractors Insurance. If you’re looking for a Contractors Insurance Ontario provider, it's important to carefully review and understand the terms and coverage of the insurance policies to ensure appropriate protection for specific needs and risks. Financial and Business Management Tips for General Contractors Effective financial and business management is crucial to the success of any general contractor. This includes setting accurate project estimates, pricing bids correctly, managing project costs, and ensuring the project delivers a profitable return. One of the essential aspects of financial management is cash flow monitoring. This allows general contractors to pay for materials, labor, and overhead without running short. A positive cash flow ensures the smooth running of projects, avoiding project delays or shortfalls. Developing a clear business plan is also fundamental. This should detail the services offered, target market, marketing plan, sources of funding, and expansion plans. Additionally, it should also include risk management strategies to mitigate any potential threats that might arise. Business management also involves maintaining a strong reputation in the industry. A well-respected contractor often has access to the best contracts, the best team, and the best protection against the unexpected. Staying Ahead in the General Contracting Industry: Embracing Continuous Learning and Technology The construction industry, like any other industry, is subject to constant change and evolution. To stay ahead, general contractors need to embrace continuous learning and be open to new technologies that can help streamline operations. Continuous professional development can be achieved through workshops, seminars, and professional courses. These often focus on emerging trends and technologies in the construction industry, including green building practices, energy efficiency, and project management software. Digital tools and software can assist in various areas such as project management, estimating, bidding, and scheduling. Embracing these can help improve efficiency, reduce errors and rework, and enhance communication among team members. Additionally, networking is incredibly crucial. Maintaining strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, suppliers, and other industry professionals can lead to more business opportunities and continuous growth. Overall, becoming a successful general contractor requires a balance of diverse skills, proper licensing, effective business management, and a willingness to continuously learn and adapt. By cementing a strong foundation in these areas, you will navigate the fast-paced construction industry with confidence and success. Read Also: What Is QuickBase? A Low-Code Database Platform For Citizen Developers Business Deductions And Tax Planning: Two Critical Steps To Save Money Where And Why Should I Get An NDA?
Nov 01, 2023
Business Risks – How To Identify, Manage, And Reduce Them?
No matter what business you run or which industry you are in, business risks are always there. To add more, risks can be of different types. If the business risks are not identified, managed, or reduced, they can get hazardous for the business. Furthermore, repairing them can be costly and time-consuming for the business. Risk managers are responsible for identifying, anticipating, and preparing for business risks. In this article, you will learn about business risks and some of the major types of business risks. Apart from that, you will also learn some of the best practices to identify, manage, and reduce risks in businesses. Hence, to learn about the major risks in business and how entrepreneurs should manage risks, read on through to the end of the article. What Are Business Risks? Business risks expose a company or an organization to lower profits or lead the business to fail. According to Investopedia, “Anything that threatens a company's ability to achieve its financial goals is considered a business risk. There are many factors that can converge to create business risk. Sometimes it is a company's top leadership or management that creates situations where a business may be exposed to a greater degree of risk.” However, in some cases, a business risk might come from external sources as well. Hence, it is practically impossible for a company to stay away from business risks. Despite that, there are various ways through which businesses can mitigate risks that affect business operations. This can be done by adopting a risk management strategy. To deal with business risks, it is essential for businesses to implement a risk management plan in place. The steps to implement a risk management process include being able to identify the risks. Once you identify the risks, you will be able to manage and reduce those risks from your business, to ensure proper operations. Read More: Risk In Entrepreneurship : What Risks Do An Entrepreneur Face? How To Identify, Manage, And Reduce Business Risks? According to Forbes.com, “It’s impossible to truly eliminate risk when it comes to economic decisions that are best for your business. Decisions have to be made even when we don’t know all the facts and are unsure of the future. For instance, market regulations are an uncertain environment where the stakes are higher and risk-taking isn’t optional if you want to move forward.” However, it is still essential to account for business uncertainties and make smart and informed decisions that keep the business out of the negative effects of risks. The following are some of the essential steps you need to take to deal with business risks: 1. Recall Past Situations Your business might have come across risks before. Recall how did you react and manage those risks. Furthermore, think about your past decisions that led to the occurrence of the current business risk that the company is facing. If you have faced similar situations before, you will need to look at the past and try to find solutions for the current risk. However, you will need to create backup plans for your business and make your steps flexible enough to accommodate adjusted decisions. 2. Thinking Through Different Possible Scenarios To decide on what steps to take to mitigate risks, you will need to have 100% information on the risk. Your goal should be to manage the risks by making calculated decisions. Hence, you will need to think through different scenarios to get an idea of the potentiality of the risks. A good way to think and plan is to assess through - the best case, the likely case, and the worst case. This will help you to bring out possible outcomes. 3. Seek Feedback From Employees Every employee has a different perspective of the organization and the variety of risks that can negatively affect the business. Since employees are the most valuable resources of the organization, letting them identify the risks will go a long way. Employees and various other key stakeholders can provide useful insights into the risks that they encounter on a daily basis. This is because they are the ones who are fully involved in the day-to-day business practices that others are not involved in. Hence, it will be really helpful for you to get employee feedback. You can try one-on-one interviews or do group meetings with each team. 4. Take Signals From Various Customer Feedback Believe it or not, customers always try to send signals about disparate situations in the business. These can enhance the business risks and can negatively affect the business processes. As a business manager/ CEO, you must feed signals from various functions across your organization to find potential risks. According to ClearRisk.com, “This strategy is most useful for organizations where customers visit a physical location, such as a storefront. However, even solely digital customers may provide valuable feedback that can help identify and mitigate against reputational risks.” 5. Conduct Both Internal And External Research Conducting internal research in the organization is one of the major things that you can do to ensure the identification of risks. While observing the internal situation of the organization, you will be able to recognize those areas where processes are not properly carried out. You can use data and trend analysis to identify those problems. As for external research, you will need to find common trends in other businesses in the same industry. To do that, you must look through reports of professional organizations and access industry research and trend reports. This way, you will be able to highlight common risks for your idea. Read More: 10 Must-Have Entrepreneurial Characteristics Wrapping Up A business risk is an exposure that a company or an organization needs to factor, which can further lower the company’s profits, or make it go out of business. There are a variety of sources for a business risk, which can be both internal and external. No business, despite its size and market, can avoid business risks. Hence, businesses employ risk management strategies in place so as to properly identify, manage, and reduce them. If you want to do the same, follow the recommendations of this article. Do you have any further recommendations? Share them with us in the comments section below. Read Also: What Is a Franchise, And How Does It Work? – Examples, Benefits & More Intrapreneurship – Definition, Importance, Duties, And Responsibilities Entrepreneur : Who Coined The Term ‘Entrepreneur’?
Sep 02, 2023