7 Tips On How To Manage Remote Teams During COVID-19
Since the start of the COVID-19 public health crisis, we have all had to adjust. Schools, organizations, and companies have adjusted to staying inside and maintaining social distancing. Fortunately, many businesses are able to function remotely and have implemented work from home policies. What changes can businesses make to manage remote teams during COVID-19?
COVID-19 is changing the way we are doing business. For many companies, that means making changes within internal teams. There are changes that business owners will need to make to manage their company during this crisis.
How To Manage Remote Teams During COVID-19
The good news is that we live in an era where we are well-connected via technology. There are plenty of programs and tools that you can use to lead teams while you are working remotely.
Use VOIP with Extensions for Calls
VoIP stands for “Voice over Internet Protocol” also known as IP telephony. It is a form of technology that offers voice communications and multimedia sessions over Internet Protocol (IP) networks such as the internet. VoIP calls are made using a broadband internet connection instead of a regular (analog) phone line. Apps such as WhatsApp, Google Voice, and Skype all integrate VoIP calls. With these apps, you can call anyone in the world -all you need is a broadband internet connection. Ideally, for teams, you’ll want to have VoIP with extensions for calls. You can get a professional number and extension from Ring Central or AT&T Business.
Have Teams Meet and Congregate on Virtual Reality Platforms
You can meet with your team on a regular basis. The future of remote offices are virtual reality/augmented reality platforms. Having a virtual office or virtual meeting space is the closest thing you can get to a physical meeting space. Programs such as Virbela, Altspace VR, or MeetingVR enable your team to meet in a virtual world. What makes it engaging is that your team has a character or avatar. Avatars can be customized with different clothes and hairstyles to tell your team members apart. Even if you are at a distance, you can feel physically close to each other. Your team can collaborate, meet, discuss, present and make collective decisions.
Integrate video conferencing and Communication
Video conferencing and communication has been regularly used for several years. However, with the advent of COVID-19, it is being used immensely. These platforms are ideal for webinars, audio conferences, and screen sharing. Since Video conferencing platforms are face-to-face component, they are a more engaging experience. Some of the most widely used are Zoom, Google Hangouts, and Skype. Video messaging platforms are easy to set up. The vast majority of laptops have webcams attached to them. If your computer doesn’t have one, you can always purchase one for an affordable price. You can use these platforms for meetings, phone webinars, or chat.
Engage With Your Employees Everyday Using Workflow Platforms
Projects and tasks can be managed using programs focused on workflow and collaboration. Slack, Monday, Wrike, and Asana are all designed for team collaboration and organizing projects. These programs come with project management, task organization, and deadlines. Users in these apps can chat with each other and comment on posts. You can even send documents and reports via these platforms. These apps are good for enabling collaboration, planning, and streamlining workflow.
Utilize File Sharing and File Transfer Systems
Team members have the option to email documents to each other. However, there are size limits on emails, and response time might be delayed. Luckily, there are cloud-based systems of sharing files with team members. Cloud-based tools such as Dropbox, OneDrive, and Google Drive enable team members to share files. These files can be accessed from anywhere.
Over Communicate With Your Team
Whether you are using video conferencing or virtual reality offices, you need to be in constant communication. Due to the distance, you have to stay connected. Your team is not in the other room, so you won’t get instant replies. Now is the time to ramp up your communication efforts. Communication helps keep your team productive and on track. Also, the lack of face-to-face communication can take a toll on people. We are social beings who need to socialize with other people. It can take an emotional toll when we no longer have social contact with work friends and colleagues.
Mandate End Of The Day Reporting
An end of the day report keeps your team productive and organized. You’ll know what got accomplished and what didn’t. Mandatory end of the day reporting ensures that your team stays on track with completing tasks. These reports can be a brief summary of what work was done that day.
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Stay Flexible To Change
Leaders are constantly thinking creatively and staying on their feet. Being able to Manage Remote Teams During COVID-19 will reveal a true leader. While you are keeping business running, you are also keeping your employees safe. A leader needs to be able to accommodate the changing needs of the workforce. This is the time to make changes to enable your team to work efficiently from home. These tips will help you support your remote team so they reach their full potential.
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