The Unexpected Benefits of Remote Team Building

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I’ve been working exclusively remotely since 2016, but when COVID-19 caused a sudden shift in workplace dynamics in March 2020, some of my colleagues panicked.
“How will we know team members aren’t slacking off during working hours? How will we get the work done if we have to email assets around and wait for responses? How will older team members learn to use the technology without someone there to show them in person?” These were just a few of the questions they asked.
In the end, teams around the world pivoted to fully remote or hybrid models, and they began reaping the benefits that many of us have enjoyed for years. Below, we’ll outline some of these benefits and strategies for obtaining them. By the time you read the end, you’ll want to brush up your teamwork skills resume and start a remote team of your own.
I live and work in the southeastern United States. When I began working remotely, one of my first regular clients lived and operated brick-and-mortar businesses in the northeast; we were separated by over 1,200 miles. I soon had clients in Canada, Spain, and Australia as well.
This is an example of how remote teams can overcome geographic barriers. Instead of being limited to writers and editors living within an easy commute of 50 miles or less, these companies were able to access the exact talent they needed.
This benefit becomes even more apparent when you require a rare, hard-to-find skill, such as speaking or translating an uncommon language. You may also need a team member who can use highly specialized software, ethically hack, develop blockchain, or scientifically analyze data. If you’re having trouble locating a candidate in your vicinity, try hiring one remotely.
It is estimated that the cost of losing one employee and hiring and training a replacement is about one-half of that employee’s yearly salary. With that kind of money on the table, it pays to keep your employees and keep them happy.
In a recent study of employees at Trip.com, researchers found that employees with a hybrid schedule “experienced higher satisfaction and lower attrition rates compared with their colleagues who worked from the office. This reduction in turnover saved millions of dollars in recruiting and training costs, thereby increasing profits for the company.”
Much of this contentment comes from flexibility for family and other responsibilities and time regained from long commutes. Happy employees, in turn, are less likely to seek out ‘greener pastures’ elsewhere.
It costs money to rent or purchase office space and keep the lights on—not to mention other expenses, such as heating and cooling, water, internet, technology upgrades, janitorial services, keeping the bathroom stocked, and the coffee maker flowing.
When all or part of your team is remote, it reduces the amount of real estate you have to maintain. Even if you offer remote employees a home office stipend, this amount is probably less than you would spend in the office.
Many remote team members are hired as freelancers as-needed. This can further reduce costs compared to a full-time, salaried employee with benefits.
Interacting remotely requires team members to hone their use of various hardware and software. They have to stay on the cutting edge of communication and collaboration technologies. This will help them be most adaptable and digitally literate in the long run.
Engaging communication methods are important to fostering adequate collaboration. Keep mandatory meetings to a minimum and avoid click-tracking technologies that can feel invasive. Set an example in clear and concise written communication. Lean into visual and interactive tools.
As mentioned above, remote teams can enjoy enhanced diversity because they are not limited by geography. Working with team members from diverse backgrounds can expand the cultural horizons of all.
Remote communication also provides opportunities for practicing and improving emotional intelligence (EQ). For example, written communications like emails and text messages lack the social cues of voice inflection and facial expression. In their absence, team members can practice using clear communication that is respectful and considerate.
Likewise, video conferencing etiquette requires emotional intelligence. Eye contact, active listening, and resisting distraction are even more important in this virtual environment.
When you build a remote team, you will enjoy two types of unexpected benefits. First, your company will benefit from enhanced access to talented employees. You’ll also see benefits to your bottom line as you let go of office expenses and contented employees stay in their jobs longer.
Next, you will find that the hard and soft skills of your employees grow exponentially. Exposure to new technologies will keep them at the top of their game, and their communication and interpersonal skills will benefit from unique usage in a different medium.