6 Best Practices for Building a Strong Remote Team & Community

In the ever-evolving landscape of today’s digital world, managing a remote workforce has become the norm rather than the exception. But let’s face it—this isn’t a walk in the park.

Whether you’re a veteran remote manager or just getting started, this guide equips you with the tools to lead with confidence. Some of our top tips for managing remote employees include:

Establish Clear Communication Channels
Implement Remote-Friendly HR Policies and Procedures
Foster Engagement and Company Culture Virtually
Prioritize Training and Development
Promote Work-Life Balance
Manage and Measure Performance and Success Metrics

Need support in creating a connected, high-performing remote team?

Navigating the challenges of remote work—from maintaining seamless communication to nurturing a vibrant company culture—can feel overwhelming, especially for small business owners and remote team managers.

This guide is here to help. Below are six best practices designed to empower you in building a resilient remote workforce and fostering a connected, engaged community. These strategies will keep you on the right side of HR compliance, deepen team engagement, and create a positive work atmosphere in which everyone can thrive.

1. Establish Clear Communication Channels

Effective communication is the lifeblood of any successful remote team. Without it, even the best-laid plans can unravel.

To keep everyone aligned and reduce the risk of misunderstandings, it’s essential to set up clear communication channels. A well-rounded approach might include:

Email for formal updates and communications.
Video conferencing for team meetings and one-on-one check-ins.
Instant messaging for quick questions and informal chats.
Phone calls and text messages can also do the trick.

But you can’t stop after merely picking the right tools. Setting clear guidelines for their use is equally important. Define which types of communication should flow through which channels, and establish expectations around response times. This prevents communication overload and ensures everyone knows where and when to communicate.

By creating a robust communication framework, you’ll keep your remote team connected, informed, and engaged—paving the way for a strong, cohesive workforce.

2. Implement Remote-Friendly HR Policies and Procedures

HR policies and procedures are the foundation of a fair and consistent work environment. They ensure compliance with employment laws and provide a clear framework for decision-making.

When developing HR policies for your remote team, consider these key aspects:

Flexibility: Remote work often demands greater flexibility than traditional office roles. Think about offering flexible work hours and time-off policies.
Consistent Availability: Ensure that employees know when they need to be available for meetings and other work.
Complying with Wage and Hour Laws: Remote employees still need to take meal periods and rest breaks throughout the day if they reside in a state that requires breaks.
Performance Management: Set clear goals, performance metrics, and feedback procedures so remote workers know what’s expected and how they’re doing.

Creating these policies is just the start—they need to be shared and regularly reviewed to ensure they remain relevant and useful in managing your remote workforce.

By implementing remote-friendly HR policies, you’ll build a supportive, productive work environment where your remote team can excel.

3. Foster Engagement and Company Culture Virtually

A thriving company culture isn’t confined by physical spaces. Even in a remote setting, fostering a sense of belonging and engagement is crucial.

Here are some strategies to keep your company culture thriving, even from afar:

Virtual Team-Building Activities: From online games to virtual coffee breaks, these activities build camaraderie and strengthen team bonds.
Regular Feedback: Encourage open dialogue and constructive feedback. When employees feel heard and valued, they’re more likely to stay engaged.
Shared Values: Regularly reinforce your company’s core values. This helps create a unified sense of purpose and identity across the team.

Remember, fostering engagement and culture in a remote setting is an ongoing effort. It requires consistent attention and commitment from everyone involved.

By cultivating a strong virtual company culture, you’ll boost morale, productivity, and retention, making your remote workforce not only effective, but exceptional.

4. Prioritize Training and Development

Investing in training and development is a must for building a capable remote workforce. Continuous learning helps employees sharpen their skills and adapt to the unique demands of remote work.

Consider incorporating these strategies:

Online Training Resources: Provide access to a variety of online courses, webinars, and workshops that empower your team to expand their knowledge and skillsets.
Regular Performance Reviews: Conduct regular reviews to identify areas for growth and tailor training programs accordingly.
Career Development Opportunities: Offer paths for career progression. This motivates employees and helps you retain top talent.

Remember, as with all of these best practices, training and development should be a continuous effort. Keep your programs current to meet the evolving needs of your workforce.

By prioritizing training and development, you’ll ensure your remote team remains skilled, motivated, and well-prepared to tackle whatever challenges come their way.

5. Promote Work-Life Balance

One of the unique advantages of remote work is the potential for a better work-life balance, but it’s not something that happens automatically. As a remote leader, it’s important to actively promote and support this balance within your team.

Consider the following strategies:

Encourage Regular Breaks: Remote employees often find it hard to step away from work. Encourage regular breaks and ensure team members take their full lunch hours. Remember, in some states, this is a legal requirement.
Set Clear Boundaries: Help your team establish boundaries between work and personal life by setting expectations around working hours and after-hours communication.
Lead by Example: Model healthy work habits by respecting your own work-life boundaries. When leaders take time off and set limits, it signals to the team that it’s okay to do the same.

Promoting work-life integration is good for morale and productivity. When employees are well-rested and not overwhelmed, they’re more focused, creative, and effective in their roles.

6. Manage and Measure Performance and Success Metrics

In a remote work environment, it’s essential to have clear methods for managing and measuring performance. Without the natural visibility of an office setting, you’ll need to be more intentional about tracking progress and providing feedback.

Here’s how you can do that:

Define Success Metrics: Clearly outline what success looks like for each role. These metrics should be specific, measurable, and aligned with broader company goals.
Use Performance Management Tools: Leverage technology to track performance and productivity. Tools like project management software can provide transparency into task progress and outcomes.
Regular Check-Ins: Schedule consistent one-on-one meetings to discuss progress, address challenges, and provide feedback. This keeps everyone on the same page and helps nip potential issues in the bud.

By managing and measuring performance effectively, you ensure that your team remains aligned with company objectives and continues to perform at a high level, no matter where they’re working from.

Team Up for a Strong Remote Workforce Community

Next Level Strategies believes that creating a strong remote workforce is all about fostering connection, clarity, and growth. By implementing these best practices, you’ll build a team that’s productive, engaged, resilient, and ready to take on any challenge.

If building and managing a remote workforce seems daunting or you’re unsure how to apply these best practices, we’re here to help. We offer a free consultation to explore how we can support you in creating a connected, high-performing remote team. Reach out to us today by filling out the form down below, or call us at 415-876-NEXT, to take your remote team to the next level!

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