With the onset of COVID-19 a few years ago, the world was gripped with fear and terror due to the mass-scale effects of the pandemic. However, after some time, our workplaces slowly became functional again, switching between remote work and necessary on-site work. The pandemic taught us workplaces can function despite huge distances between their employees, and the methods to coordinate the workforce can also be applied later.
Now that the pandemic has subsided, many firms, especially in the tech world, have realized they can make a lot of savings by choosing to allow their workforce to work from home. Managing teams in multiple locations seemed a dream scenario, as coordination between such teams took a lot of work to achieve. Multinational conglomerates were lauded for their efforts to manage supply chains and groups scattered in different parts of the world. The tech boom and the connectivity options we have now mean that even small companies can operate teams placed in other locations.
Although plenty of work remains to be done regarding the cohesion of such a team, the template has been set. Here, we shall discuss those five practices that allow businesses to operate with teams scattered across the globe. One such sub-part of this business strategy known to us in today’s world is utilizing the SD WAN benefits to their full potential, which can solve our networking and coordination issues.
1. Clear Communication Strategy
A clear communication strategy is the hallmark of a thriving organization. Organizations that focus on improving communications and ensuring transparency of operations can foster an excellent working environment in which the employees feel valued and cared for. Besides the obvious benefits of team morale, effective communication is necessary when managing remote teams. A clear and straightforward communication strategy is the bedrock on which the company’s operations must grow.
Creating an environment where communication is encouraged is the duty of everyone, including the top management, which needs to set the trend for effective communication and transparency. How such communication can be achieved varies from team to team. Still, regular meetings, check-ins with your supervisors, daily reporting, and end-of-day summaries of the work completed can enhance such communication.
2. Standardized Processes and Workflows
Standardization of workflows and processes helps maintain a stable working environment. The top management’s job is to create SOPs based on the company’s profile, mission statement, and work ethos. The consistency afforded by implementing such SOPs and processes allows the organization to run smoothly and self-correct any impending issues. The more detailed such workflows are, the more equipped they will be in troubleshooting issues.
One way to ensure the implementation of such SOPs is to document them and publish them in your organization’s newsletter or general communications. This way, every employee will be familiar with the SOPs and work accordingly. Also, it is imperative that proper training be provided to employees on how to implement such SOPs and avoid any work-related confusion across all locations.
3. Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusivity
When working with teams from various locations, a constant effort must be inclusive and respectful. A careful and well-thought-out communication and media plan must be in place to curb hurtful communication to a particular group or individual. Cultural differences must be catered to, and diversity in a firm must be celebrated instead of being frowned upon. Different cultures may have distinct communication styles, work expectations, and holidays. Promoting inclusivity can foster a more inclusive and harmonious working environment.
4. Performance Metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
The measure of performance by the employees is an excellent way to keep a scattered team motivated to achieve company goals and objectives. Transparency in this regard will also help boost motivating factors for employees along with rewarding better-performing candidates. You must define clear and measurable objectives that can then be used to gauge employee productivity. Monitoring the implementation of such KPIs can then be pointed out to low-performing teams, and the management can do the needful. Data-driven insights can guide your decision-making and help you allocate resources effectively.
5. Flexibility and Adaptability
It is one thing to implement a company-wide policy, but it is completely acceptable and preferred if there is some flexibility owing to the needs of the employees in a particular region. Flexibility and adaptability in your management style reflect positive results in productivity. Allowing for customized solutions and workflows for different teams can significantly increase productivity and morale as employees feel cared for. Encourage local leadership and decision-making to address specific regional needs.
Team unity and trust are the two must-have features of a successful team. Effective communication, clear and concise objectives, and monitoring and implementing company-wide standards and processes can help a team flourish regardless of the distance between them. Moreover, a collaborative environment that hones in on cultural diversity, sensitivity, and inclusiveness can make a team of varying cultures and diverse backgrounds succeed even in testing times. The key leadership and team management rules also apply here, and managers must engage in team-building exercises to boost morale and increase productivity.
Ingrid Maldine is a business writer, editor and management consultant with extensive experience writing and consulting for both start-ups and long established companies. She has ten years management and leadership experience gained at BSkyB in London and Viva Travel Guides in Quito, Ecuador, giving her a depth of insight into innovation in international business. With an MBA from the University of Hull and many years of experience running her own business consultancy, Ingrid’s background allows her to connect with a diverse range of clients, including cutting edge technology and web-based start-ups but also multinationals in need of assistance. Ingrid has played a defining role in shaping organizational strategy for a wide range of different organizations, including for-profit, NGOs and charities. Ingrid has also served on the Board of Directors for the South American Explorers Club in Quito, Ecuador.
