How to Manage a Telecommuting Team

2020-09-09T07:00:35+00:00

By Cory

Telecommuting is a special arrangement where employees do not have to show up physically at the office every day. Instead, they can work from home or anywhere else that is convenient.Considering the new realities imposed on us by the coronavirus pandemic, it has become all too glaring that telecommuting is not just a fling that’ll pass by in no time. With more and more companies moving towards working from home, this trend looks like it is here to stay.However, the chances are that you are still strange to this form of work arrangement. As such, you need to learn how to properly manage your telecommuting team if you are to get the best out of them.Here are a few tips to help you in that regard:

Specify your working times

One of the major problems that some people face when working from home is that they get calls at virtually any time of the day. This can be very tiring as they have other parts of their lives that they would like to manage. So, if you’ll be contacting your team and assigning work, specify when that would be. Having specified, ensure that you stick to it.

Check-in with them often

Now, you don’t want to do it so often that they become exasperated whenever they see your call. However, if you must utilize your telecommuting team efficiently, you must check in with them often. You could request progress reports daily. Alternatively, you could have video meetings where you’ll have a discussion at the end of each week. This will help to keep you abreast of whatever is going on and iron out any issues that come up.

Use technology to your advantage

The world has gone far beyond putting everything on physical papers and being paralyzed without your hardware. These days, there are several virtual tools and pieces of software you can use to make your work more efficient. So, use them. Examples include project management tools, KPI tracking software to help you determine how much progress you’re making, etc.

Don’t expect too much

Don’t think that your telecommuting team will be able to do more since they’re at home, and they’re convenient. As a matter of fact, being at home actually has the potential to reduce productivity. From the kids who require your attention to the internet that isn’t as stable as that in the office, there are many productivity issues. As such, don’t expect your team to be able to work magic and deliver three times more work than when they’re at the office.

Do not be rigid

One of the worst enemies of business is an excessive amount of rigidity. The business landscape is constantly shifting, and if you must be successful, you have to move with it. So, learn to make adjustments to your plans, your goals, and your modus operandi, among other things. This will help your team thrive as they won’t have to deal with too much pressure all the time.

In Conclusion

Just because you can’t see them doesn’t mean you have to constantly obsess over the work they’re doing. If they made it to your team, they’re most likely qualified. So, just follow these tips, and we’re sure you’ll be making most of their time at home.

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How to Manage a Telecommuting Team