5 tips for effectively managing a remote team
The changes brought about by the pandemic have created a new reality for both employees and managers. For the latter, even more so, as in addition to fulfilling their direct responsibilities, middle and senior-level managers must also ensure the cohesion of a dispersed team, provide encouragement, and sometimes address psychological issues. These additional duties inevitably increase mental strain and bring managers closer to burnout. How can one balance achieving team results with employee well-being and recharging one's own batteries? SIA Visma Enterprise's HR Director Ineta Juškēviča shares her perspective on this topic.
Informal gatherings
After spending the entire workday in front of a screen, it might seem that no one would want to spend time on informal work events. However, this assumption can prove to be premature. Many employees are accustomed to being part of a team, socializing with colleagues, and being around people. Remote work has taken away this opportunity, and many long for meetings with familiar faces, including colleagues.
To prevent the friendly bonds within the team from weakening, managers should initiate informal events. These could include online board games or various outdoor orientation activities, maintaining safe distances but staying close enough to converse and enjoy each other's presence. One or two events per month are enough to rekindle the fading team spirit without encroaching on family time.
In some teams, digital calendars are created to mark employees' names and birthdays, ensuring colleagues don't forget to congratulate one another. While in the office, we might see a brought-in cake, but in remote mode, celebrations are often overlooked.
Take care of yourself
When caring for mental and physical well-being, managers must start with themselves. Just like in an airplane during an emergency, you must first put on your oxygen mask before helping others. A tired manager is a poor manager—grumpy, prone to mistakes, and quick to lose their temper. That's why they need to carefully manage their work hours and find ways to recharge their batteries. This could include sports activities, meditation, quiet retreats in nature, courses to regain mental balance, and similar solutions. These were relevant for managers even during "peaceful times," but now they are simply essential.
Delegate responsibilities
Months of remote work have shown that those managers who engage in micromanagement face the greatest challenges. While in the office, one can quickly walk around desks to gather information about work statuses, doing so remotely requires more time and effort. Closely monitoring the work of the entire team allows for effective management of a group of 8-10 people, but no more.
That's why this is an opportune time to learn to trust employees. A good start is identifying each employee's strengths and delegating tasks that they can take on and complete most effectively. Trusting employees reduces the manager's workload and boosts employee motivation.
Find inspiration and inspire
Inspiration plays an invaluable role when uncertainty and gloom prevail. But how can one find it? A mentor or spiritual guide from outside can help, offering valuable advice, finding solutions in unconventional circumstances, or simply alleviating stress. Of course, such individuals are rare, and it's uncommon to find everything needed in one person. Therefore, inspiration can be pieced together like puzzle pieces by joining various interest groups or webinars on relevant topics. Often, wise colleagues from previous workplaces, former mentors, and authoritative figures can provide assistance.
Inspiration doesn't always have to be sought in professional fields. Don't underestimate the value of good movies, literature, and podcasts. Nowadays, these provide access to the thoughts and advice of the world's brightest minds. They can certainly help view various life and work situations from entirely unexpected perspectives.
To inspire employees, consider trying walks in nature with each subordinate individually. Conversations focused less on work and more on pleasant topics—hobbies, future plans, desires, and dreams—can be beneficial.
Work-life balance
For remote work beginners, the biggest challenge is adhering to the hours allocated for work. Since the day often involves helping children, preparing meals, and handling various household tasks, there's a feeling that the full 8 hours haven't been dedicated to work. To compensate, the workday extends and often ends late in the evening. As a result, less time is left for rest, and fatigue accumulates.
To prevent this, it's recommended to plan activities during free time that prevent overworking. For example, at 6 PM, go to a playground or park with the kids. Children won't hesitate to remind you that it's time to turn off the computer and focus on them. Evening runs with a partner or other planned household activities can also help limit work hours.