Nowadays most teams are either fully remote or hybrid. Managing remote employees requires a different approach compared to in-person management. It's easy for managers to fall into classic mistakes when it comes to remote management since it requires trust and the right tools to master it.

Here are some dos and don'ts to help you effectively manage remote teams:

Dos:

1. Set Clear Expectations: Establish clear and specific performance expectations, goals, and deadlines for remote employees. Make sure they understand their roles and responsibilities.
2. Communicate Regularly: Maintain open and consistent communication channels. Use video conferencing, chat platforms, and emails to keep in touch with your remote team members regularly.
3. Use Collaboration Tools: Utilize collaboration and project management tools to facilitate seamless teamwork and communication among remote employees.
4. Encourage Feedback: Create an environment where remote employees feel comfortable providing feedback and suggestions. Actively seek their input to improve processes and team dynamics.
5. Recognize and Appreciate: Acknowledge and celebrate remote employees' achievements and efforts. Recognize their hard work to boost motivation and engagement.
6. Provide Necessary Resources: Ensure remote employees have the necessary tools, equipment, and resources to perform their tasks efficiently.
7. Promote Work-Life Balance: Encourage a healthy work-life balance for remote employees, and avoid contacting them outside of their regular working hours.
8. Offer Professional Development: Provide opportunities for remote employees to enhance their skills and knowledge through online training or workshops.
9. Trust and Empower: Trust your remote employees to manage their own work effectively. Empower them to make decisions and take ownership of their projects.
10. Be Flexible: Understand that remote employees may have different working hours or personal situations. Be flexible and accommodating when possible.

Don'ts:

1. Micromanage: Avoid constant monitoring or micromanaging remote employees. It can lead to decreased morale and reduced productivity.
2. Overlook Communication: Don't let communication lapse or become infrequent. Consistent and effective communication is vital for remote team success.
3. Exclude Remote Employees: Ensure remote employees feel included and part of the team. Avoid creating an "us vs. them" mentality between remote and in-office workers.
4. Rely Solely on Email: While email is essential, it might not be the best platform for real-time communication. Consider using instant messaging or video calls for more immediate discussions.
5. Ignore Personal Connection: Take time to build personal connections with remote employees. Show genuine interest in their well-being and professional growth.
6. Forget Team Building: Organize virtual team-building activities to foster a sense of camaraderie and strengthen team bonds.
7. Neglect Performance Feedback: Provide constructive feedback regularly, just as you would in an office setting. Performance evaluations are essential for growth and improvement.
8. Assume Everyone Understands Remote Work: Don't assume all employees are experienced with remote work. Offer support and guidance as needed, especially to those new to remote setups.
9. Tolerate Poor Performance: Hold remote employees accountable for their work. Address performance issues promptly and professionally.
10. Underestimate Cybersecurity: Ensure remote employees follow proper security protocols to protect sensitive company data and information.

By following these dos and don'ts, you can promote hybrid or remote work within your team and harvest all the benefits that come from it.

Make sure you create a positive and productive remote work environment and build a strong, cohesive team regardless of geographical distances.