Though it seems counterintuitive, studies show working remotely does not have a negative impact on teamwork. Quite the opposite. Eighty-three percent of Cisco’s teleworkers reported “their ability to communicate and collaborate with co-workers was the same as, if not better than, it was when working on-site.”
Lead Business Support Associates Brandy Fox, Steve Riehle and Geneva Lieser share how they use modern-day tools and classic managing strategies to ensure telecommuters work smoothly together, as a team.
Since you’re not exactly running into each other at the coffee pot, how do you find ways to create a sense of community between team members?
Brandy: I’ve created a buzz category that I do each day to get the team talking [in chat]. I will pick a category–maybe female Academy Award winners. My team cannot just list out names; they have to make it into a conversation. Whoever says the name I’ve chosen wins! I also recently made a home visit to meet one of my associates, and I’m planning a get-together with my associates in March so everyone can meet. I also do theme days with my team, put pictures on our team website and run team competitions that include reaching out to other team members to learn new things about them.
What are ways you keep your team members motivated?
Steve: We do team games and post stats with goals. Also, speaking with them on an individual basis when they are not motivated helps them get a purpose for doing something again.
What are some of your favorite tools that make remote work easier?
Geneva: Google Docs is a great way to share information easily. Skype is an instant communication tool that can provide help from many directions at once.
What are some of the obstacles you find you have to overcome in remote work, and how do you deal with them?
Geneva: Some associates seem to think they need not be as accountable as they would be in an office, which is not quite accurate. Distractions outside of work can be difficult to minimize. I generally start by pulling a time log of a recent challenging day for them. Ultimately, I think the more aware an associate is of how closely their day can be monitored, the more likely they are to stay on task. The key is to find the right way to share positive reminders that motivate rather than frustrate.
What are some benefits to managing a remote team?
Steve: Working from home. This makes it very convenient and saves gas money. It also makes it easy to not deal with in-office arguments. For example, I remember when working in-office, people would each have a different opinion of how loud the phone should ring. It’s nice not having to deal with that stress.
Thanks Brandy, Geneva and Steve, for your excellent insight and helping our company provide stellar service to our clients!
