Overcoming Communication Challenges in Remote Teams
From the “Employment Law Handbook” come the following seven useful steps to take in order to ensure the effectiveness and overcome potential problems in remote group communications:
Set communication guidelines / decisions needed: size of team, frequency of communication needed, time zones involved
Choose the right communication tools / types needed: IM, chat, email, teleconference, etc.
Schedule regular check-ins: based on team needs; have agenda for each
Encourage virtual team-building/ideas: online games, virtual tours, creative challenges
Establish healthy boundaries to avoid burnout: help with setting personal & team limits/ schedules/boundaries, ensure availability of assistance, encourage video contact
Provide technical support: company-sponsored, remotely available; backup channel
Give feedback to your employees: “Praise in public, criticize in private!” Call out good team member contributions, create environment enabling people to request assistance without being criticized or humiliated.