How to Manage a Mobile Workforce
When you have employees that live in different parts of the country — or even world — it can be a challenge to manage them the same way you would a team working in the same office. These five strategies will help you nurture communication among your mobile team and help your staff be as productive as they would be in your office.
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Provide Easy Means of Communication
Most mobile teams default to email to communicate, but not everybody uses email effectively. There are other tools to consider, and you might use more than one, depending on the situation:
- Internal Instant Messaging: great for quick questions and short replies.
- Messaging in Project Management or CRM Software: great to tie conversation to files, tasks, and deadlines.
- Video Calls: ideal to have that simulated face-to-face experience.
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Set Up Regular Meetings
Just because everyone isn’t in the same location doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be meeting with your team regularly. Phone is good, but video meetings are better. And don’t overlook the importance of that pre-agenda chitchat. Because you don’t have those casual conversations at the water cooler, you need to find other ways to get to know each team member outside of business protocol.
You don’t need to hold long meetings; in fact, the shorter, the better. You can get what you need done in a 5-minute meeting, by putting focus on what each team member is working on, and discussing any impediments that might be keeping them from achieving milestones. Just stick to an agenda, and schedule separate calls if there’s more to be discussed.
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Check in Once in a While
As the leader of a mobile workforce, you have to be diligent about fostering trust and open communication with each team member. That means setting up time to chat every month or so. If it’s possible to meet in person, do it. Otherwise, aim for a video chat. You want to stay on top of any frustrations or issues an employee might be having and make strides to improving the situation so that he’s not tempted to find another job.
And don’t forget about praise! It’s often one of those “out of sight, out of mind” situations, but even though you don’t see your team each day working hard for your company, don’t let that keep you from commending them for their hard work.
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Gather Them in Person
If you have the budget (and it might be a good idea to prioritize this expense), fly everyone to your home office once a year. This will help your employees get to know one another, which can make them more successful at working together when they’re not in the same place. It will also create a nice sense of camaraderie, as you and your staff build bonds over activities and interests outside of work.
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Send Gifts
One way to show your appreciation to your mobile workforce is to send a holiday gift or bonus at the end of the year, as well as maybe a thoughtful birthday card. We’re still in uncharted territory when it comes to protocol for remote work teams, so do your part to make each employee, no matter where they live, feel like part of the team.
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