There was a time when remote teams were fairly uncommon; it was an accepted practice that most employees worked in a centralized office space. Those days are long gone, with advances in collaborative technology, along with disruptive events like the COVID pandemic, making remote teamwork commonplace.

Even so, many managers are still adjusting to some of the unique challenges that come from having dispersed team members. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at just a few of the most common issues that managers have when it comes to leading remote teams.

What are Some Common Challenges When Managing Remote Teams?

1) Unclear expectations.

You naturally want your remote team members to be productive… but what exactly does that mean? It’s critical for managers and employees alike to have measurable, specific standards for productivity, which means having clearly defined expectations and tangible deliverables. These aren’t the kinds of things that “go without saying.” Instead, you need to codify your expectations for all remote workers.

2) Micromanagement.

When you have remote employees, it means you’re not walking by their desks or making small talk with them throughout the day. This prompts many managers to overcompensate, checking in with their employees to the point of micromanagement. Make sure you have those clear expectations in place (see tip #1), as well as protocols for reporting and accountability. But also provide your workers with the autonomy and trust required to do their jobs.

3) Siloes.

One of the most devastating effects of remote teamwork is that it winds up not being teamwork at all. Instead, managers provide their employees with separate tasks, then send them to their individual corners to work independently. Create an environment in which remote workers are encouraged to collaborate. Assign projects to groups or partners, not just individuals.

4) Low engagement.

Managers fret about losing engagement when their employees switch to an all-remote model, and understandably so. You can address this problem simply by being proactive, scheduling regular online huddles and meetings where employees have the chance to see and hear from one another. Use these meetings to encourage conversation and to remind all employees of your team’s mission and values.

5) Lack of celebration.

Another common problem that remote teams face is that they forget to celebrate together. Even if your workers aren’t all in the same room together, you can still have virtual happy hours or holiday mingles. And you can certainly send email or video messaging, celebrating the achievements of your team or of specific employees.

Discover the Best Strategies for Managing Remote Teams

More and more business leaders find themselves in the unique position of managing remote teams. This brings some challenges, to be sure, but also plenty of opportunities. To take advantage of those opportunities, you’ll need cutting-edge strategies. That’s where we come in. Reach out to the WhiteWater Consulting team and ask about the two tools we use to help our clients manage their remote teams effectively whenever you’re ready to discuss HR strategies and solutions.