Working remotely is becoming more common across cities and industries. While it can have numerous advantages, it does have one major drawback – it can leave you feeling disconnected from your co-workers. This is especially an issue if you work in or lead a team and need to connect with them to ensure that your collective work is the best it can be.
If this sounds like you, don’t worry – there are some easy, convenient ways to ensure you can stay connected and make sure that your workflow is as smooth as possible while still working from home (or your favorite coffee shop)!
1. Follow a Schedule
It’s tempting to try and work on projects whenever you feel like it, especially if you’re working from home. A schedule will ensure that team members reach goals at the same time and can make working on projects seem much more cohesive.
However, this doesn’t mean that the schedule you and your team create has to be strict. 78% of employees prefer a flexible schedule, so it’s essential to keep that in mind as well. Instead, consider creating a flexible schedule for you and your team members.
This could mean something like saying “task X should be done by time Y” and then letting the member break down the tasks and do things on their own. You get what you need – results at the right time – while still ensuring that team members have space to relax.
2. Have Online and In-Person Meetings
Just because you’re away from the office doesn’t mean that you can’t host staff meetings. Invest in a professional virtual office that can host your team online.
Virtual offices allow online meetings, moreover, they also have a host of benefits that set them apart from the usual meeting apps like Zoom. Furthermore, having a local virtual office in Glasgow can help establish your business’s presence in the market. By choosing Glasgow Virtual Offices for your postal address, clients will associate your brand with a prime location, increasing credibility and trust. This can be especially beneficial for small businesses looking to create a professional image.
Additionally, you’ll have access to their support features, including in-person meeting rooms. This allows you to set up face-to-face meetings with team members without making them feel like you’re transitioning back to an in-office schedule, which many may not want. At the same time, meeting in person allows you to connect with them better.
3. Get Feedback
Every team – and, in fact, every team member – works differently. While you may feel comfortable with a particular way of working and think it is turning out well, this isn’t necessarily what they feel.
It’s essential to speak to your team members frequently and ask for feedback. Feedback encourages people to stay engaged and can motivate them as they know their opinions are valuable. You can also discover options you may never have thought of on your own.
Make sure to implement the feedback you receive where possible. After all, while feedback helps employees feel valued, this is only the case if you take their opinions on board. If you simply discard them for no reason, they will feel even more unheard than before.
4. Encourage Healthy Competition
Even in a team, it’s always healthy to have competition between members. However, it should be done carefully, as you don’t want there to be ill will between team members.
Offer the team small rewards for tasks such as being the first to finish a task. Make sure the rewards aren’t too great – a simple meal or a small shopping voucher can help motivate without causing infighting. Additionally, offer team incentives as well. Providing the team as a whole with a reward for completing certain predetermined goals will increase the group morale and foster teamwork. This also helps team members push each other to perform better, and team rewards can even help them bond.
While creating a smooth workflow is always a challenge, it’s becoming more intimidating to navigate when you work remotely. However, with these easy, convenient tips, you should see things going more smoothly before you know it!