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Starting a business can be an exciting and daunting experience. You’ve got the drive, the passion, and the grit to make it happen, but what industry should you choose? Here are some promising industries that are worth considering, along with some fun facts and examples of successful businesses.
1. Communicate, Communicate, Communicate
The first and most crucial step in building a remote team is to establish strong communication channels. In the absence of regular face-to-face interactions, it’s crucial to find ways to stay connected and ensure everyone is on the same page.
Slack and Zoom have become staples in the remote work world, but don’t forget to mix things up with other communication tools such as Google Docs or Notion, and encourage your team to use them in ways that work best for them. Also, consider scheduling regular video or phone calls, both for work-related discussions and casual conversations.
Statistics show that remote workers who communicate more frequently with their team members feel more engaged and satisfied with their job. In a recent survey, 83% of remote workers reported that they feel more connected to their team when using video conferencing, and 65% felt more connected when using instant messaging.
2. Establish Clear Expectations and Goals
Without a shared office space, it’s easy for employees to feel disconnected from the bigger picture. That’s why it’s essential to establish clear expectations and goals from the get-go. Set individual and team goals, and track progress regularly. This helps to keep everyone accountable and ensures everyone is working towards the same objectives.
As a leader, it’s crucial to communicate the company’s mission and values and how each team member can contribute to them. When employees understand how their work ties into the company’s larger goals, they feel a sense of purpose, which can go a long way in building a positive culture.
3. Foster a Positive Company Culture
Company culture has always been important, but when you’re working remotely, it’s even more crucial. When employees feel connected to their colleagues and their work, they’re more likely to be productive and engaged.
To foster a positive company culture remotely, you can start by creating channels for social interactions, like virtual coffee breaks or team-building activities. Encourage team members to share their interests and hobbies, and use this information to plan virtual activities that everyone can enjoy. Celebrating team members’ milestones like birthdays and work anniversaries can also help create a sense of belonging and community.
4. Hire the Right People
Hiring the right people for your remote team is essential. Without the in-person interactions that come with a traditional office setting, you’ll want to ensure that the people you bring on board are self-motivated and independent.
When recruiting, consider including a culture fit assessment alongside traditional interviews. This can help identify candidates who align with your company’s values and are more likely to thrive in a remote work environment.
5. Empower Your Employees
One of the benefits of remote work is that it allows for more flexibility in the way employees work. Giving your team members autonomy and control over their work schedule can help to increase their engagement and productivity.
Encourage employees to take breaks when they need them and set their own schedules. This can help them feel more in control of their work and more motivated to get it done. Also, ensure that your team has access to the right tools and resources they need to do their job effectively.
Case Study: Buffer
Buffer, a social media management tool, has been operating as a fully remote team since 2015. The company has built a strong remote culture, with transparency, communication, and positivity at the core of their operations.
One of Buffer’s most significant initiatives is their focus on employee wellness. Buffer offers wellness stipends to help employees stay healthy and motivated. This includes gym memberships, therapy sessions, and equipment for a home office setup.
Buffer also places a lot of emphasis on communication. They have weekly all-hands meetings where they discuss the state of the company, recent achievements, and upcoming goals. They also use asynchronous communication tools, like Notion and Twist, to ensure everyone has access to important information and can communicate effectively.
Through their efforts, Buffer has built a strong remote culture, with high employee satisfaction rates. In a recent survey, 98% of Buffer employees reported feeling like they were part of a team, and 97% felt comfortable asking for help from their colleagues.
Practical Tips for Building a Remote Team and Culture
- Set clear communication channels and encourage regular check-ins.
- Establish clear goals and expectations for your team.
- Foster a positive company culture through virtual social interactions.
- Hire self-motivated and independent employees who align with your company’s values.
- Empower your employees with autonomy and access to the tools and resources they need to do their job effectively.
Conclusion
Building a remote team and culture takes work, but with the right strategies in place, it’s possible to create a thriving team that can achieve great things. Remember to prioritize communication, set clear expectations and goals, foster a positive culture, hire the right people, and empower your employees to do their best work. Encourage creativity and flexibility in how your team approaches work, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different tools and practices until you find what works best for your team.
The most important thing to remember is that building a remote team and culture is an ongoing process, and it requires regular attention and effort. By investing in your team’s success, you can create a company culture that supports and motivates your employees to achieve their best work.
So if you’re an early-stage startup looking to build a remote team, remember that it’s not impossible. With the right approach and mindset, you can build a team that works together seamlessly, even if you’re miles apart.
