In the digital and interconnected era we live in, having a remote team is far from unusual. In fact, it’s become quite common for thousands of companies.
Flexibility and the ability to assemble diverse talent regardless of geographic location are some of the key advantages of this work mode that enables remote collaboration.
However, managing and keeping a remote team motivated, who doesn’t share the same physical space, also presents equally unique challenges.
How do you keep your remote team productive, positive, and motivated?
This article provides you with the answers.
Working with Remote Teams: How It Works
Working with remote talent might feel like navigating uncharted waters, especially when you’re just getting started with this hiring approach.
While the benefits are undeniable – greater flexibility, access to global talent, cost reduction, quick hiring, among others – challenges also arise that are unique to this mode of employment.
For most project leaders, managers, and entrepreneurs, the toughest part is the lack of face-to-face interaction.
That quick response that traditional hiring can provide.
However, the myriad tools, processes, strategies, and resources available for managing remote teams ensure that physical distance doesn’t hinder effectiveness and clear communication.
Resources are available, they just need to be utilized! Or leverage a team that knows how to manage remote talent and does it exceptionally well.
Another challenge that business owners and human resources departments fear is work supervision.
Is it a challenge? Yes.
Should you worry? Absolutely not.
There are strategies that can help you easily navigate these challenges.
But before we dive into those, let’s examine the triggers for a lack of motivation in remote teams.
Factors that demotivate a remote team
There are several reasons that can lead to the demotivation of remote teams, including:
- Lack of clear communication
Communication is the bedrock of any successful team. Lack of clarity can lead team members to feel lost or uninformed.
Establishing open and regular communication channels is essential to keep everyone on the same page.
- Feeling of isolation
Without the ambiance of a traditional office, employees might lose that sense of community and connection gained through in-person interactions.
This can lead to a decrease in the sense of belonging and negatively impact motivation.
- Lack of recognition
Recognition is a significant motivator. If team members’ achievements and efforts aren’t acknowledged or celebrated, they may lose motivation to “give their best.”
It’s crucial to express appreciation for a job well done, even in a virtual setting.
- Time management challenges
When working remotely, the lines between work and personal life can blur, making schedules flexible but also chaotic.
Lack of clear boundaries can lead to burnout and decreased productivity.
- Poor project management or delays in deliverables
Dependency on virtual collaboration can cause project delays if someone doesn’t meet their part.
Effective project management and clear communication about deadlines can prevent this issue.
Yes, the list of reasons could be much longer, but in broad strokes, teams experience demotivation due to these reasons or due to the time-money relationship.
Emotional salary and motivation in remote teams
One might think that a well-paid person will always remain motivated.
Wrong!
Today’s professionals, even the younger ones, want to have time to enjoy their lives. Their hobbies, families, going on the trips they want to, playing sports, or just having time for themselves.
Money cannot compensate for that need directly connected to their emotions, desires, and dreams.
This is what we know as emotional salary.
Emotional salary refers to the non-financial rewards an employee, collaborator, or team member receives for the work they do.
In a remote team, where physical contact and tangible rewards may be limited, emotional salary becomes even more critical.
- Feeling valued
- having growth and development opportunities
- enjoying a work-life balance
- having time for activities they enjoy having
- a work environment that prioritizes their well-being,
are crucial aspects of emotional salary and help keep your remote team motivated, happy, and engaged.
How to keep your remote team motivated
Now that we’ve explored the challenges and factors that can demotivate a remote team, here are some key strategies to keep them energetic and productive:
1 Encourage open and regular communication
Use instant messaging tools, emails, and video calls to ensure everyone is aware of developments and expectations.
2. Set clear goals and expectations
Defining clear goals and concrete expectations is essential for providing direction to the remote team.
When everyone has a common goal and knows what’s expected of them, they’re more likely to remain motivated.
3. Promote collaboration and teamwork
Despite the physical distance, encourage collaboration and teamwork.
Use online collaboration platforms to allow members to share ideas, work together on projects, and feel part of something bigger.
And, most importantly, listen to their ideas. Collaboration sparks suggestions, ideas, and new ways of doing things.
It’s important for the team to know they can share improvement opportunities and be heard.
4. Recognize and celebrate achievements
Recognition will always be a key motivator.
Celebrate individual and team achievements. Whether it’s through a thank-you note, public recognition, or even symbolic rewards.
Showing appreciation and gratitude for the value a professional brings to the company is a practice that reinforces the sense of belonging and increases motivation.
5. Facilitate the professional development of your remote team
Provide opportunities for growth and professional development.
This can include online training, virtual mentoring, and assigning projects that challenge the skills of remote team members.
For instance, you could help an e-commerce virtual assistant enhance their marketing and sales skills, or improve time management in office roles.
Your commitment to skill enhancement and process improvement will have a significant impact on your team’s motivation and commitment.
The importance of a strong staffing ally
Having a reliable ally in the process of hiring remote experts can make a significant difference.
A staffing agency like Shark Helpers can help you: find the right professionals who fit your company culture with the skills necessary to enhance work teams and with the right processes to keep motivation, positive energy, and commitment high.
Need help in building a stable, high-performing, and efficient remote team?
Let’s be partners!
With our help, you can overcome the unique challenges of working with geographically dispersed teams and build a highly motivated and successful remote team.
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