‍

‍

‍

We are Oceans, and we work with a network of remote startups to boost their success with anything related to offshore outsourcing. Every time we onboard a startup, we discuss their biggest concerns about remote working. This article addresses them all!

‍

Managing remote teams has always existed, but it has been largely inaccessible to all but the most remote-first organizations like startups. Then, the COVID lockdowns left us all with no option but to work from home.

This is when we all collectively realized that the meeting could have been an email.

‍

People started to work to live rather than trying to live to work. Think about it: The hustle culture has always focused on planning personal aspirations for one’s career. However, during COVID, people realized that health and relationships rank higher. Slow living has started to become the norm. People are taking their time to make breakfasts, and skipping the morning fuel isn’t something to brag about anymore. Remote working has made this all possible by making it easier to live. Therefore, people are only looking at work as a means to live but not to make it their whole personality. This made remote employees happier and, therefore, more productive. 

‍

‍

‍

‍

A Stanford study shows remote employees are 13% more productive than traditional office workers. Beyond productivity gains, remote work offers several other advantages for startups, including:

• Access to Top Talent: You can recruit highly skilled individuals from anywhere in the world, expanding your talent pool far beyond your local area. This is something we at Oceans can help you with.
• Reduced Overhead Costs: Eliminate expenses associated with physical office space, utilities, and maintenance.
• Improved Work-Life Balance: Remote work fosters a healthy work-life balance for employees, leading to increased satisfaction and potentially lower turnover rates.

‍

However, like everything else, remote working has its own slew of challenges. The good news is that they are all manageable. Once you overcome them, remote working is one of the best things you can do to set yourself and your company up for success. Here’s how to tackle some of the thorniest issues that come with remote work.

‍

‍

How do I overcome my trust issues as a manager?

‍

This is a common problem. And it’s normal to feel that way as employers.

The answer to this is simple: You need to be results-oriented and have regular check-ins with your team. This way, you know your remote employees are getting their work done. If they complete their tasks on time, there’s nothing to worry about.

‍

In fact, it’s easier to track your remote team’s progress because they are mostly in writing. Therefore, it’s key to implement the following.

‍

• Define their roles and responsibilities directly and concisely. This will allow you to focus on the work instead of the promises.
• Always set deadlines and track them closely.
• Never micromanage, as it would be in a physical office, this can hinder your employees’ workflow.
• Keep a record of the employees who work proactively and those who only submit when the work is chased. If you have to constantly manage someone’s every little work, something’s wrong.
• Provide extensive feedback. This way, your team will be aware of its strengths and weaknesses. They will either improve in building mutual trust or better prepare to bid goodbye!

‍

‍

‍

‍

How do I avoid any miscommunication in a remote working setup?

‍

Communication is a universal problem everywhere. It’s almost like…inevitable. But that’s no excuse not to fight it!

‍

• Track all the tasks in one software like Asana or ClickUp. This way, you can see what’s up in one glance. Ensure the remote employees update their task sheets without fail.
• Regular meetings are a must! Whether it’s brainstorming or discussing progress, have a quick call with the relevant members. Meetings with no fluff, just the important details. This way, you’re not standing in the way of your own startup’s progress. Also,  NEVER underestimate meeting notes.
• Have a secondary communication system. While Asanas, Trellos, and Gmails are great for formal exchanges and planned tasks, it’s good to have a Slack or Microsoft Teams group. This way, you can receive updates on matters that may require an immediate response.

‍

‍

How can I keep my employees motivated?

‍

Some may repel remote working as it can make them feel isolated, which can lead to feeling disconnected and demotivated.

‍

• Stay connected by checking in on how they are doing. Grow a genuine, friendly, yet professional interest in them. People like being cared for.
• Provide positive feedback wherever necessary. This makes the relationship less transactional and more human.
• Take their mental health seriously. Working from home can be as stressful as working in an office.
• Find creative ways to engage with them in outside work activities. For example, the whole team could visit the nearest beach on the same day, or it could be as simple as creating a fun playlist! And if you all live in the same country or town, take the time to meet up every month!

‍

‍

‍

‍

What do I do if there are any technical difficulties?

‍

This is, again, unavoidable but can be minimized greatly.

‍

• Be patient, especially in the beginning. Getting used to new IT systems may take a little time.
• Work with an expert who knows how to handle any technical problems relating to your software and technology.
• If your remote employees need assistance purchasing a better laptop or secure connection, help them out. You can always pay for it and deduct it from their salary as per an agreed-upon plan.

‍

Feel like you want to try your hands at hiring remote employees? Have a chat with us. We aren’t your usual marketplace or a recruitment agency; we do things a bit differently. The global talent pool is out there, but it is not as easily accessible as you may think. That's where we come in.

‍

We hire global talent, give them benefits, career growth, training, and most importantly, a company culture that ensures they’re not lonely working for a foreign client by themselves and bill them out to our clients at a fixed monthly rate. We do all this to ensure our clients have access to the world’s best talent, not just whoever is available for part-time contractor work. Drop us a message here to explore your hiring needs to grow your company together.

‍

‍

We specialize in all things relating to outsourcing like:

‍

• Implementing well-defined processes that keep all the parties accountable.
• Ensuring that the hires are compatible with a remote working environment.
• Handling the communication for you and managing the tasks along with a US-based coach.
• Creating a happy, progressive culture for your permanent remote employees.
• Setting up systems and processes ensures things run smoothly on all ends.

‍

‍

Final Thoughts

‍

Managing remote teams effectively is crucial for the success of modern startups. You can create a productive and cohesive virtual team by addressing common concerns such as trust issues, communication, motivation, and technical difficulties. Video calls/conferencing, regular team meetings, and using tools like Slack for quick updates are essential strategies for keeping everyone on the same page. Ensuring a good work-life balance and fostering employee engagement are key to retaining happy and productive remote employees. Embrace these practices, and you'll find that managing remote teams can lead to outstanding performance and growth for your startup.