Managing a remote team requires a different approach. For one, you don’t get the benefit of being in the same space as your employees. For another, you have to guide them to ensure they work properly together even when they aren’t meeting in person.
Additionally, you have to navigate challenges that come with separation. If you want to make sure you’re up to the task, here are some best practices for managing remote engineers and technicians that can help.
Support Employee Mental Health
Mental health needs to be a focus in every organization. When wellness is a priority, your team is primed to thrive. Without it, they may struggle to remain productive.
As a manager, make sure your remote employees know that you care about their mental health. Give them access to resources that can help them navigate or avoid challenges. Make sure they are able to take time off. Discuss the importance of quality sleep and exercise. Create opportunities for social connections.
By doing all of what’s listed above, you give your team the support they need. They’ll be better equipped to manage daily stresses, ensuring they can remain healthy over the long term.
Focus on Relationship-Building
While technology makes it relatively easy for employees to stay in touch, many of the digital-first approaches aren’t ideal for forging strong connections. Since robust relationships enhance communication and collaboration, make time to focus on relationship building.
Schedule one-on-one meetings with your employees to check in with them. Ask about their struggles and achievements, offering guidance when needed.
Additionally, make sure there is time for casual socialization. Create online communication resources dedicated to watercooler-style conversations. Start video meetings with quick catchups. Host virtual gatherings that focus on fun.
By focusing on relationship-building, you set your employees up for success. Use all of the techniques above to craft connections, ensuring everyone feels like part of the team.
Create Formal Structures
When you’re leading a remote team, structure is essential. By standardizing certain processes and setting clear expectations, you’ll have an easier time keeping everyone on the same page.
One easy place to begin is with communication. Determine which approaches are ideal for specific situations. Create a check-in schedule for project updates. Establish set routines that outline when people need to be accessible on particular communication platforms.
Similarly, having a set approach for sending in deliverables is wise. By having one process in place, all incoming information is sent using the same procedure, reducing the chances that a critical deliverable will be overlooked by the recipient.
By using the approaches above, everyone
understands what they need to do and how they need to do it. It removes harmful ambiguity from the equation, creating an ideal amount of consistency.
If you’d like to learn more about how you can successfully manage remote engineers and technicians, the skilled team at Selectek wants to hear from you. Contact us to speak with a member of our knowledgeable staff today and see how our employee management expertise can benefit you.
