How to support your remote teammates
Working remotely brings multiple benefits for both employers and their employees. Due to technological advancements and flexible working, remote working is now on the rise with many employers giving this option to their team. However, when your company consists of both remote and office-based staff, the dynamic changes as team members need to adapt to collaborating with colleagues in different locations, in some cases all over the world. For a remote worker, it can sometimes feel daunting and isolating when working within a mixed team with many colleagues being physically together in the office. At Twinkl, part of my role is to make sure that teams are working in a way that’s as inclusive as possible of our remote workers.
When it comes to people feeling happy, being engaged and working harmoniously to achieve success, many factors come into play. So how do you achieve the right conditions for the WHOLE team when you could be working in different places, on different days, at different times and in different timezones? The fact is that the ‘right’ conditions for one team member will be entirely different for another, so creating an approach that works for everyone significantly depends on working hard to support each other. This could be by talking to your teammates, using social cues, giving feedback and getting to know each other’s interests and working styles.
So, here we go!
During my time as Remote Engagement Assistant, I’ve worked extensively with the remote team and gained some insights into the unique challenges and opportunities presented by remote working. Here are some tips on how to support the remote workers in your life to ensure they feel part of the team, in the loop and confident within their role.
Harness technology
Create social communication channels for your team. Within these, people can discuss things from outside of work as well as sharing music or photos. This creates connections between those in the office and those at home, allowing you to form great relationships. Additionally, video conferencing is your friend; hold meetings where everyone logs in remotely, including the office team. This not only puts everyone on an equal footing within the meeting but also saves you having to worry about booking out a meeting space.
Make meetings inclusive
Record meetings where possible so those team members who can’t attend can listen back in their own time and feel connected to the team rather than relying on someone else to relay a summary. This will also allow them to hear conversations and be part of jokes if they arise in meetings. If someone is joining a live meeting remotely, give them specific opportunities to contribute by addressing them by name and asking if they have anything to add. It can be really hard or nerve-wracking to interject when you are the only one who is remote. Try keeping a document with basic minutes from meetings that remote workers can add to and access in their own time. That way if they can’t attend, they can still contribute.
Involve them in celebrations
If you are all chipping in for a gift or card for someone on your team, ask any remote members of the team if they would like to contribute by sending money or sharing a message that could be written on their behalf.
Be flexible
Many remote workers may also work flexible hours and have other commitments during office hours. If a remote team member has certain days when they work with your team then try to meet on those days if possible, or alternate days each week to give everyone an opportunity to attend.
Take the initiative
If an important company update is shared, check in on any remote workers in your team and make sure they’ve had all the info. Set aside 5 minutes to talk about it, just like you would with someone in the office. If you are having a chat with someone in the office about a decision that should involve a remote team member as well, consider opening a communication channel where you can all discuss it so that everyone has the chance to be involved and have their say.
Get social
We’re really social here at Twinkl and socialising is an important part of any office dynamic — but don’t forget your remote teammates, too! Maintaining a healthy work-life balance can be difficult as a remote worker. Why not organise a team social that is held remotely? A cuppa and a 10-minute chat can be extremely effective in helping remote workers to feel less isolated as well as facilitating great working relationships.
Listen
The most important tip is to listen to your remote team and try to empathise with the challenges they face. Not everything can be adapted for remote involvement but knowing they are being considered and equally valued is a huge part of feeling happy, engaged and achieving success.
About Kirsty Cooper
Kirsty Cooper is a Remote Engagement Assistant at Twinkl. She loved working as a Foundation Stage teacher before taking a break to have her two children. Kirsty is thrilled to be combining her passion for writing with her experience in teaching by creating stories to inspire children’s learning.
READ MORE:
