CIOs Face Challenges in Managing Remote Teams
30% of CIOs say they greatly struggle with communications issues among their remote teams.
22% indicate they find it difficult to stay on top of their remote teams’ productivity, and lack insight into how work is getting done.
22% say their remote teams deal with significant technology issues, including the ability to access needed information.
Make it clear as to how often you need remote employees to check in by phone or e-mail, and when they must be reachable during office hours.
Establish concrete immediate and long-term goals and benchmarks to help remote workers stay on track with department objectives.
Each remote team needs a leader who is ultimately responsible for making sure all deadlines and expectations are met, in addition to a back-up appointee for when the primary leader is unavailable.
Take advantage of teleconferencing, online meetings and file-sharing services to foster collaboration. Use videoconferencing to “put a face” on remote staffers.
To help these teams stay connected, arrange for them to work on-site a few times a month (or as appropriate). Ask them to attend important events and meetings in person.
Remote team members often feel there is no separation of their work and personal lives. So encourage them to electronically unplug when not on duty, and seek a healthy work-life balance.
Schedule days to get together with remote teams for meals and team-building exercises in order to build trust and comradery.