Are you considering building a remote team for your company? Wondering how to start when you’ve only worked with in-house employees? You might be surprised to know that creating an effective remote team is simpler than it seems, especially when you follow some basic steps. Here are five essential tips to guide you in finding, hiring, and retaining a reliable remote team that’s productive and satisfied working virtually.
1. Lay Down This Important Groundwork Before Building a Remote Team
Before diving into the hiring process, it’s crucial to lay the right foundation. Skipping these first steps can lead to costly mistakes in the long run.
Map Out Your Team Member Needs and Their Roles
Think about your current and future team needs. Don’t rush into hiring—taking the time to identify which roles are critical now and which will be important down the line will save you time and money. Drafting an organizational chart can help visualize both current and future positions, making it easier to create clear job descriptions and expectations for new hires.
Determine How You’ll Communicate and Project Manage Remotely
Deciding how to manage your remote team’s communication and workload is just as vital. Will you have weekly video meetings? Will team members work in different time zones? How will you keep in touch on a daily basis—via Slack, email, or another tool?
For communication, tools like Slack, Twist, and Skype are great options for team chats. For project management, try tools like Trello, Asana, or Basecamp to help keep everyone on track and aligned.
2. Find Team Members with Remote Working Experience
When hiring for remote positions, aim for candidates who already have remote work experience. They will be familiar with the challenges of remote work, such as maintaining self-discipline and effective communication. This can reduce training time and help you avoid common mistakes.
To find remote workers with the right skills, skip traditional job boards and post your ad on remote work-specific platforms. These workers often come with the skills you need, such as organization and communication expertise, and they’re eager to work remotely.
3. Set Expectations Early
Clear expectations are key to maintaining a smooth remote work environment. Be upfront during interviews about what the role entails—whether it’s wearing multiple hats in a small startup or specific daily tasks—and let candidates know what you expect from them. Also, make sure to clarify these expectations once they’ve been hired. This transparency will help you reduce employee turnover by preventing surprises down the line.
4. Create an Enjoyable Onboarding Experience
When working remotely, onboarding is more than just paperwork. Make new hires feel welcome and part of the team from day one. Simple gestures like sending a “Welcome to the Team” message on Slack can go a long way. You can also send a digital welcome packet detailing your company’s mission, training procedures, and role expectations.
If you want to elevate the experience, consider sending a physical care package with company-branded merchandise (like mugs, pens, or t-shirts) to make your new employees feel even more connected to the company.
5. Keep the Communication Strong Moving Forward
Building a remote team doesn’t end after the onboarding process. Maintaining open, friendly communication will help keep morale high and foster a sense of connection among your team. A simple “Good morning!” message in Slack or regular check-ins can go a long way in keeping team members engaged. Striking the right balance in communication will help prevent feelings of isolation, especially for remote employees.
Ready to Build Your Remote Team Now?
By following these five tips, you’ll be able to build a remote work environment that experienced virtual employees will be excited to join. The key to success is clear communication, solid planning, and making your team feel valued and connected, no matter where they are.
