7 Tips to Manage and Motivate Remote Teams

Businesses worldwide have been relying on remote teams to maintain their productivity through lockdowns and travel bans. Companies in Sydney have widely accepted this work model. However, within a few months, most of them came across a lack of motivation and management issues. It is usual for virtual workers to feel disoriented and discouraged because of the monotony of sitting in one place and missing the vibrant office environment.

Thus, aspiring entrepreneurs looking for profitable businesses for sale in Sydney must have a plan in mind to keep their remote team inspired and brimming with energy. Working from the comfort of home for an extended period can make employees lethargic, dull, and indifferent. Thus, business owners need to have a few tricks up their sleeves to encourage them. Here are seven such tips that can help in the efficient management and motivation of remote teams.

1. Communicate Consistently

Communication is the key when your employees are working remotely. The CEO and the senior management must include video calls into their daily to-do list. Several free online tools allow smooth interactions, including Microsoft Teams, Skype, Zoom, etc. A daily virtual meet will force the team to get out of their beds, take a shower and dress up to interact with their seniors.

Also, it is the best way to understand the progress of the teams and discuss issues and challenges. It helps in a two-way flow of communication and gives birth to new ideas and opinions that can be shared with everyone. The emphasis should be on engaging and interacting so that the workforce does not feel bored and unimaginative. Thus, if you are buying a Sydney business for sale, your employees must feel connected with the company, its values, products, and people.

2. Appreciate Their Hard Work

Whether they are working remotely or from the office in Sydney, employees need to be recognised for their work. They must be appreciated for their contribution and inputs that help in achieving targets. Acknowledgment can work wonders in boosting the confidence of the team. It must be done during the team meetings so that all the members feel enthused to emulate the effort.

The human resource team can create a wall of fame with an employee of the month page. Managers must talk about their achievements on the private chat groups and send a shoutout on social media. They must be given a certificate of appreciation along with incentives, such as company merchandise, a coffee mug, t-shirt, cap, etc. It is more than enough to keep them striving hard.

3. Equip Them with the Best Tools

Your workforce in Sydney can become frustrated if they do not have access to the tools and information they need to work to the best of their ability. Whether it is a laptop, mobile phone or software and webcam, the company must supply everything they need to work seamlessly without any downtime. They should be provided with time tracking software, project management software, video conferencing tools, private chat apps, data storage system, etc.

Also, the team must be trained to use the newly introduced tools to ensure that everyone is on the same page and is not lagging because of technical challenges. The IT and systems security team must brief them about the use of these tools, and they must be readily available for support. Thus, if you intend to purchase a successful business for sale in Sydney, you must have this remote working management plan ready.

4. Delegation and Management Ethics

Most employers want to know what the employees are doing while working from home to measure their performance. However, pinging them on the chat frequently or calling them after every hour to check on them is not the right thing to do. Micromanagement can take the zeal out of work for your employees. They should not be put under a microscope to ensure they are not watching a movie at home during work hours. You must trust your team to make them responsible.

Delegate work to each team member and make them understand their key performance areas. Inform them about performance measurement criteria and the deadlines. Make them accountable for their projects and ask them to submit daily reports to track their productivity instead of spying on them.

5. Team Building and Work Culture Proliferation

With work from home becoming the way of life in Sydney and a top business trend, it is challenging to make the team members work as comrades and co-workers. The small talks, gossip, brainstorming and goofing around the coffee machine has ended. However, the office feel can be kept alive virtually through team building activities and parties. The last working hour on Friday can be an informal session where everyone can come together for a Townhall and enjoy singing, dancing, stand-up comedy, etc.

It should be utilised by the CEO to make important announcements and emphasise the company goals, vision, and mission. Thus, entrepreneurs planning to purchase a business for sale in Sydney must inspire their teams to maintain their focus and never lose sight of their goals.

6. Getting them Organised

It is easy for employees to get distracted at home because they have quick access to TV, music, neighbours, friends, and family. It can hamper their efficiency as they may succumb to the temptation of catching an episode of their favourite web series or taking the dog out for a walk or playing with their kids. Employers must understand this need to unplug and unwind after a few hours.

Employees are not robots who can sit in front of the computer screen for straight hours without blinking. Thus, it is important to give them designated break time, which can help them manage their social needs. The Sydney-based business must offer them the flexibility to stretch or reduce their work time without affecting their productivity. They must use schedulers and planners to plan their day. They must prioritise their daily tasks and prepare their to-do lists in advance.

7. Give Precedence to Mental and Physical Health

The pandemic and the restrictions have taken a toll on the mental health of the workforce, which has made them depressed and stressed. Business owners in Sydney must treat their employees with respect and make them feel empowered. They must encourage them to have a dedicated workstation with an organised desk to concentrate on work.

The company must create a competitive streak among the team members by asking them to download fitness apps and calculate their sleep hours, daily exercise or steps and screen time. They should not stretch the work hours unless it is absolutely required. Also, HR must organise meetings to understand their needs, feeling and desires in a one-on-one interaction. They can organise mental and physical wellness camps, share motivational and inspiring quotes, and provide all kinds of support in an emergency.

Conclusion

If you are interested in buying a lucrative business for sale in Sydney, you need to know how to manage and motivate your remote team to scale it up. Without investing in employees, businesses cannot flourish. So, use the tips mentioned above to make them put their best foot forward.