In the age of remote work, both employees and businesses are encountering a new set of challenges. Communication breakdowns, loss of trust, and diminished team cohesion are common when team members no longer share a physical workspace. To address these issues, it is crucial to prioritize effective communication and foster workplace connections among remote teams. In this article, 20 members of the Forbes Business Council share their experiences with the struggles of remote work and offer their tried-and-true solutions. Let's dive into their recommendations and explore how they can improve remote team dynamics.
Maintaining a personal touch can be difficult in remote environments. Arslan Hajdarevic, from Tech387, suggests introducing 'Monday Sign-Ons' and virtual coffee breaks focused on life outside of work. By starting work discussions with sessions that preserve personal connections, remote teams can strengthen their bonds.
Burnout from endless online meetings is a real issue. Robin Daniels, from LMS365, recommends mixing things up by going for a walk while having a conversation, using audio-only calls, or surprising someone with an unplanned call. These authentic and unexpected connections can help combat fatigue and foster meaningful interactions.
When working on digital solutions with diverse stakeholders, leading discussions effectively can be challenging. Barbara Wittmann, from IT Zeitgeist LLC, suggests using visual process models to demonstrate how future systems and users will interact with the solution. Collaborative platforms like Miro can facilitate this process, starting with high-level models and gradually adding more details.
Managing different time zones is another struggle in remote work. Dmytro Lokshyn, from Stockpile Inc., emphasizes the importance of meticulous planning to ensure clear communication and set deadlines that accommodate everyone's schedule. By being mindful of time zone differences, confusion can be minimized, and productivity maximized.
Distractions, such as social media and household chores, can easily derail remote work. Michael Shribman, from APS Global Partners Inc., recommends setting clear goals and deadlines, breaking work into manageable tasks, and rewarding oneself upon completion of each task. This structured approach helps combat the temptation to engage in non-work-related activities.
Maintaining team connections is a common challenge in remote work. Matt Gubba, from BizBritain, suggests regular virtual meetups and collaborative platforms to foster a sense of community and ensure everyone is on the same page. Incorporating team-building activities, such as online quiz games, can also strengthen connections among remote teams.
Transmitting company norms to new hires can be challenging without direct interaction. Jon Osterburg, from Jitasa, proposes regular virtual meetups focused on culture sharing to help new employees integrate into the company and understand its values and practices. This can enhance team cohesion and performance.
Effective communication and team collaboration can be challenging in a remote work environment. Stephen Nalley, from Black Briar Advisors, emphasizes the use of regular check-ins, meetings, and collaborative tools to address this struggle. This ensures that teams stay connected, minimizes misunderstandings, and mitigates feelings of isolation.
In some cases, remote work may lead to employee dissatisfaction due to a lack of visibility into their work. Robert Brill, from Brill Media, suggests creating standard operating procedures to clarify employee responsibilities and implementing tools like Slack for improved communication and collaboration. These solutions have been effective in enhancing employee happiness and tenure.
Global remote workforces often face challenges stemming from a lack of standardization in computing hardware. Erik Pham, from Health Canal, recommends providing additional benefits to employees in different locations to standardize their technology and level the playing field. This helps improve communication and collaboration among teams.
Feelings of isolation are a common struggle in remote work. Tomas Keenan, from Step It Up Academy, highlights the importance of regular virtual team meetings and informal catch-ups to foster a sense of community and reduce isolation. These initiatives help employees feel connected and engaged in the remote workspace.
Coordinating team availability for discussions is another challenge in remote work. Bittu Kumar, from Enterslice, advises setting up a weekly plan that outlines key activities and specifies when each team member is needed for discussions. This ensures efficient collaboration and time management, preventing delays and misunderstandings.
Fostering connection is an essential solution to address the feeling of isolation in remote work. Pavel Stepanov, from Virtudesk, suggests organizing regular team check-ins, virtual hangouts, or a virtual water cooler channel to keep the bond within the team strong. Building a remote culture that feels like home and encouraging breaks also helps combat the remote blues.
Communication issues associated with working remotely can lead to misunderstandings and frustration. Khurram Akhtar, from Programmers Force, emphasizes the importance of transparency, regular correspondence, and utilizing video conferencing for complex conversations. These practices have made a significant difference in effective communication.
Blurred boundaries between personal and professional life are a common struggle in remote work. Sevana Petrosian, from SEV, suggests the concept of a virtual commute, where individuals dedicate time before and after work for activities like walking or reading. This mental separation mimics a physical commute and ensures individuals are mentally prepared for work and can relax afterward.
While remote work has its advantages, it is crucial to have effective oversight. Allen Kopelman, from Nationwide Payment Systems Inc., recommends having remote workers log into a server to access their work and implementing measures to monitor screen time. Having someone oversee these employees helps maintain productivity and accountability.
Communication and awareness are key challenges for remote teams. Jason Foodman, from Oxzeon.com, suggests employing top-notch communication and collaboration tools like Slack, organizing discussions, and making the virtual environment transparent and accessible to everyone. These practices enhance understanding and foster team cohesion.
To combat isolation and foster connections within the remote workspace, Andreea Vanacker, from One Million Years Of Joy, proposes a 'Digital Buddy System.' This system pairs individuals randomly each week, encouraging informal chats beyond work topics and sparking creative connections. Additionally, incorporating gamification in virtual team brainstorming sessions can enhance both professional and personal bonds.
In a remote work scenario, it can be challenging to establish clear boundaries between personal and professional life. Adam Povlitz, from Anago Cleaning Systems, recommends creating a designated workspace in your home to mentally separate work and personal life. This physical separation helps individuals disconnect from work when needed.
Misinterpreting messages due to the lack of nonverbal cues is a common struggle for remote teams. Aleesha Webb suggests encouraging clear and concise written communication while scheduling regular video calls to enhance understanding and foster team cohesion.
These insights from Forbes Business Council members shed light on the challenges of remote work and offer valuable solutions. By prioritizing effective communication, fostering connections, and implementing various strategies, businesses and remote teams can overcome these hurdles and thrive in the evolving work landscape.
