Building a remote team is not just about hiring people who work from home; it’s about finding individuals who will thrive in a virtual environment and contribute to your company’s growth. The remote work model requires strategic thinking and intentional processes to ensure your team remains connected, productive, and motivated.
If you’re ready to take your remote team to the next level, here are 8 tips that will help you build a team that works for you.
Define Key Roles Based on Your Remote Needs
Before you start hiring, take a moment to evaluate your current business needs and define roles based on the remote work environment. For example, if you’re in real estate, you may need a VA to manage listing inquiries and client follow-ups, or a marketing assistant to handle your online presence.
At CoreAssist, we specialize in identifying remote positions tailored to your specific industry needs. Whether it’s administrative support or specialized roles like social media management, we help you find the right professionals who fit your business model.
Hire for Remote-Specific Skills, Not Just Experience
Remote work isn’t for everyone, and it requires a particular set of skills. When hiring for remote roles, look for candidates with experience in remote collaboration tools, such as Slack, Zoom, or project management platforms like Asana. They should also be comfortable with time management, self-motivation, and written communication.
We recommend hiring people who have successfully worked remotely before. CoreAssist connects you with remote professionals who are already equipped to hit the ground running in a virtual environment, reducing the learning curve.
Use a Strong Onboarding Process for Remote Workers
Onboarding a remote employee should be more than sending them a welcome email and an instruction manual. It’s crucial to integrate them into your company culture and set them up for success. This includes introducing them to your communication systems, providing training on your tools, and assigning a mentor or team member to guide them through their first few weeks.
CoreAssist can help streamline your onboarding process, ensuring that new remote hires are equipped with everything they need from day one to make them feel connected and engaged.
Establish Clear Communication Guidelines from the Start
In a remote setting, miscommunication can easily occur. Set clear guidelines on how often team members should check in, how to handle urgent requests, and which communication channels to use for different types of information. For example, use Slack for daily check-ins and Zoom for in-depth meetings.
We recommend establishing a communication protocol that works best for your team and reinforces the importance of responsiveness. With CoreAssist, we help integrate the best tools for communication and provide ongoing support to ensure clarity among your remote team members.
Implement a Results-Oriented Approach, Not Time-Based
In the remote world, micromanaging employees is counterproductive. Instead of focusing on hours worked, shift your focus to results. Set clear KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) and measure your team’s success based on outcomes, not the time spent.
If you’re not sure where to start, we can help you define realistic performance metrics tailored to your business. At CoreAssist, we guide remote teams in tracking performance through results-oriented goals, which boosts productivity and allows for flexibility in work hours.
Create Virtual Team-Building Activities that Align with Your Company’s Culture
Building a strong remote culture doesn’t happen overnight, and virtual team-building activities are essential. Instead of generic virtual happy hours, organize team challenges, project showcases, or even “virtual lunch breaks” where everyone shares what they’re working on and discusses personal milestones.
CoreAssist can help you create engaging, customized virtual team-building experiences that reflect your company’s values, making your remote team feel more like a cohesive unit.
Invest in Tools that Foster Collaboration and Accountability
Your remote team will need the right tools to stay connected and organized. Invest in platforms that facilitate collaboration, such as Trello for task management, Google Workspace for file sharing, and Zoom for meetings.
Ensure that the tools you choose align with your team’s workflow, allowing them to collaborate effectively without confusion. CoreAssist can assist in recommending and setting up these tools to ensure your team stays productive and connected.
Encourage Continuous Learning and Development
The remote work environment thrives when employees are constantly evolving in their roles. Encourage team members to upskill by offering online courses, webinars, or access to resources that help them grow professionally.
