Company cultures that are built by remote teams tend to be more cohesive than those built by in-house teams. However, in order for it to work, it requires a lot more effort. Unless you can set up an efficient remote workplace, your company will fail. Here are some tips for project managers who work with remote teams:
- Maintain a clear structure and organization
- Ensure that all employees feel like they are part of a larger group of people
- Keep remote contractors from poisoning the well
- Use Tools that Support the Culture of Your Organization
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Maintain a clear structure and organization
Every organization necessitates a formalized structure with clear lines of authority and accountability. Every remote team must convey the structure of the organization. Informal leaders may emerge and begin to communicate their own vision at times. Remote teams are even more likely to suffer from this issue.
It is important for remote companies to ensure that natural leaders adhere to the same procedures and chain of command as their peers. This is essential if the company’s values and organizational structure are to be preserved.
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Ensure that all employees feel like they are part of a larger group of people
Employee satisfaction is a top priority for any remote team. You need to make sure they have the proper tools to carry out their duties without difficulty. Employees working remotely are more likely to become depressed because they do not receive the same level of emotional support as those who work in the office.
Workfront found that employees use email for 15% of their work week. When remote workers are factored in, this number can easily be doubled. Managers are instead using project management tools that bring teams together and facilitate communication via chat and video conferencing for every project. As a result, remote workers are less likely to feel isolated because they can collaborate in real time with their on-site colleagues.
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Keep remote contractors from poisoning the well
High-performing employees and contractors can be found at many businesses. Regardless of how often they come into the office, full-time employees should be expected to fit into the company’s culture.
Contractors, on the other hand, should not have the same sway within an organization as employees with more significant responsibilities. A single or two internal project managers may be preferable to supervise all of their work. In order to get a sense of whether or not they’ll be a good cultural fit for the company, it may be best to limit their contact with other employees. It’s not that the contractors themselves are toxic, but rather that they could have a negative impact on the team’s culture.
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Use Tools that Support the Culture of Your Organization
To maintain the company’s unique culture, Wade Foster says online collaboration tools have been a crucial part of its success. During downtime, these tools are essential for facilitating communication and socialization.
When working in a traditional or remote environment, it is critical to maintain a social atmosphere in order to foster a strong company culture. You must make certain that the tools you choose are appropriate for your organization and the culture you hope to create with them.