Digitalization and recent technological advancements have allowed for a shift in the way we work and enabled remote working. Despite its perks, working with a remote workforce also poses unique challenges.

In this article, we will explore five of the most common challenges associated with managing employees working remotely as well as potential solutions to each of them.

1. Communication

Communication is one of the most common challenges of managing remote employees. Without regular face-to-face interactions, many employees feel it can be difficult to build trust and maintain relationships.

As remote employees are not in the same physical space, it is harder to gauge their reactions to ideas and feedback.  

Solutions

• Learn how to communicate effectively
• Choose the right communication channel for the best results
• Encourage team members to ask questions and clarify instructions
• Keep everyone updated by holding regular meetings (e.g. daily stand-ups, weekly check-ins)
• Use a project management tool to keep track of tasks
• Allow your employees to interact with each other on a personal level (e.g. through social media and company-sponsored events).

2. Supervision

Without being able to physically see what team members are doing, managers may feel the urge to always check that their remote team members are productive and working on the tasks assigned. Recognize that the problem is trust, not a real need to ensure a remote worker’s productivity.

Solutions

To overcome this challenge, managers must establish clear expectations and agree on deliverables.

• Define what success looks like. When team members know what is expected, they are more likely to meet those expectations. Additionally, setting specific and measurable goals will help to ensure that team members are on track and making progress.
• Focus on the work produced. Productivity cannot be measured by tracking the amount of time a team member spends at their desk. It is essential to recognize that in a remote work environment, managers need to focus on work outcomes instead.
• Establish regular check-ins. By checking in with team members regularly, managers can provide feedback, answer questions, and ensure everyone is on the same page. Be sure not to overdo check-ins – this can do more harm than good. 
• Make use of appropriate tools and resources. There are several tools and resources available that are more effective for managing tasks and deadlines than time tracking tools.

3. Time zone differences

When team members live in different time zones, it can be difficult to coordinate work schedules and find convenient meeting times. A remote team member’s schedule and commitments may also affect his or her availability. Managers may have to adjust their schedules to accommodate their teams. Working in different time zones can also make it difficult to provide timely feedback and support.

Solutions

To overcome these challenges, managers must be aware of the time difference and plan accordingly.

• Schedule team meetings and other activities at times that are convenient for everyone.
• Encourage team members to use tools that allow for asynchronous communication (e.g. email, chat)
• Use time conversion tools to enable better coordination

4. Cultural differences

Team members may interact differently and work together differently due to different cultural values, beliefs, and customs. Communication can also be difficult due to language barriers. These differences can potentially lead to misunderstandings and a lack of a sense of belonging and consequently decreased teamwork if not managed well. 

Solutions

To overcome this challenge, managers should foster an environment of respect and understanding.

• Organize team-building exercises that allow team members to share their culture and traditions
• Celebrate holidays and special occasions from different cultures
• Provide resources to help team members understand and respect each other’s cultures (e.g. training materials, language support)
• Make use of translation services to facilitate communication

5. Employee isolation

Managing remote teams can be tough because working in a remote environment can leave employees feeling isolated from their teams and company culture. This feeling of isolation can lead to decreased motivation and productivity, and feel like they lack support or are undervalued. To help remote employees feel included and engaged, managers will need to make an effort to connect with their remote team members regularly.

Solutions

• Schedule regular one-on-one virtual meetings with remote employees
• Encouraging employees to socialize and network with each other
• Remember to offer remote staff opportunities for professional development and growth
• Celebrate successes and milestones together
• Show genuine interest in employees’ lives and well-being

Managers can effectively manage employees who work remotely by addressing these challenges head-on and ensuring that all employees are productive, actively engaged, and satisfied. As well as improving work-life balance and mental health, it will promote employee engagement.

Conclusion

While managing remote employees can be challenging, there are ways to mitigate these problems. Managers can set their remote teams up for success by establishing clear expectations, enforcing accountability, and investing in the right tools and resources. If you use the right approach, managing remote employees won’t be a problem.