Many startups have their workforces stationed across the world and since you are here reading this at the moment, yours must be too. It certainly takes a lot of work to ensure that each member of your team feels included whether they are working part-time, full-time or remotely. In this article, we will be discussing the ways to Integrate In-House Teams in order to improve the collaboration.
You must already be using a mobile monitoring app, such as Xnspy or Trackmyfone, a tracking software, or productivity tools, like Trello, Asana, etc. to manage your team and the workflow, but one thing that you will definitely find challenging is to build a company culture by integrating your remote and in-house teams.
1) Fix the perception of your team and you
The truth is, our perception of remote work needs to change. When it comes to leaders, they have lack of trust in the ability of their team employees to get the job done when left with their own devices. That’s why lots of companies provide devices to their employees that have mobile monitoring apps and software installed just to ensure everybody is doing the work they are supposed to. To fix that, it is best for the leaders to explicitly outline goals for their employees and use the probationary period to build trust, evaluate their skills and set accountability.
The same stigma follows remote employees. A survey says that 62% of the remote workers worry their coworkers think they are less productive since they work from home. Because of this stigma, they are reluctant to take advantage of the flexible policies. This also needs to be fixed.
2) Communicate consistently
Many believe that you can only create a culture with the people who you work with side by side in an office. Well, that might be true in the past but now that so many collaboration tools are available, it is possible to build a culture even if you have teams remotely located at different places.
You must create a collaborative environment for this purpose where everyone shares their personal experiences, jokes around and chat during the downtime. Along with that, use collaborative tools to provide your remote team with quick answers to work-related questions. Also, keep them updated with the company’s updates. Make a personal connection with everyone.
3) Have some in-office days
If some of the members of your remote team are located within the same state, invite them for a meeting in the office or have some in-office days. This will make them feel connected to the organization they work for and even get to know other team members. This will not just boost productivity within the organization but improve communication too. You need to make your remote employees feel they are an integral part of your team and their presence makes a difference.
4) Use Skype group for chats and calls
You may have different offices within the country or maybe across the world. You have to make sure everyone in those offices shares a regular conversation that’s not just about work. Have Skype groups for this purpose where everyone can chat. Encourage the use of Emojis to add some fun into the conversation and maybe even break the ice. Do video meetings once a month to talk about life.
5) Empower local involvement
Come up with creative ways for your remote team to act as a representative of your company. Offer them the opportunity to host an event where they can serve as your company’s brand ambassador. Invite them at job fairs, encourage them to speak at career days and maybe even sponsor their membership to a professional organization. That’s another way to make your remote employees believe their presences makes a difference too.
Model inclusive behavior
You must show your employees how to treat and build a relationship with long-distance colleagues. Find ways to include them even if you have to spend a few dollars for that. Make sure everyone participates in the conversation before you end the call. As you prioritize inclusiveness, slowly, it will become a part of the culture of your company.
6) Trust your team
After you have delegated responsibility amongst your team members, learn to trust their experience. Yes, sometimes you have to micromanage and even use mobile monitoring apps to ensure your employees are making the right use of the company-owned devices, but you have to trust them too. Since you won’t always be around to manage your global teams, taking a leap of faith is all you have. But don’t be too isolated that you are not even aware of the type of challenges your teams are facing.
Technology has allowed us to redefine the way we staff our organization and the way we work. As a startup, using mobile monitoring apps, such as Xnspy, Asana, Trello or Quip, has become necessary because it makes you productive and communicate better, it’s time to pay attention to integrate your remote and in-house employees too. For that, follow the tips mentioned above.