With the rise of remote work, HR professionals and recruiters are in for a challenge. How to build a strong, engaged team when everyone’s working from a different part of the country or even from a whole other country? Managing a remote team comes with its own hurdles and opportunities. But mastering this skill can set you apart as a proactive, innovative HR leader.
In this article, we'll talk about how to effectively manage your remote team - let’s cover the main pain points, best practices, and how nPloy makes the process smoother for both candidates and companies.
Benefits of remote work for candidates and employers
While remote work has started as a temporary solution for companies during the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become a new workplace standard. With statistics showing that 71% of companies have chosen to permanently allow some form of remote work, we can safely guess remote work will be a hot trend for 2025.
The shift from working in an office to working in a hybrid or fully remote model has a lot of benefits for both candidates and companies. From employers’ point of view, it offers flexibility, access to a broader talent pool, and cost savings, among others. However, remote work also requires new management skills, more robust communication strategies, and reliable tools to keep productivity and morale high.
HR professionals are presented with the task of creating an environment where employees feel connected and valued, regardless of location.
Top Challenges in Managing Remote Teams and How to Overcome Them
Let’s face it: managing remote teams is rewarding, but it’s not without hurdles. Let’s go through some of the most common pain points HR professionals face.
Communication gaps
Without face-to-face interactions, remote teams can struggle with miscommunication and delayed responses. Information can easily fall through the cracks, leading to frustration and
Low productivity
Tracking performance and productivity remotely can feel intrusive if not properly done. Finding the balance between accountability and autonomy is key, but many HR managers are still trying to figure out how to achieve it without micromanaging.
Low team spirit
Remote employees may feel isolated, and without intentional engagement efforts, they risk becoming disengaged over time.
No work-life balance
Remote employees often face blurred lines between work and personal life, leading to burnout. A Buffer’s survey on the state of remote work found that 11% of remote employees struggle with unplugging after work, which can impact long-term well-being.
5 Essential Tips for Managing Remote Teams Successfully
Good news is that with the right strategies and tools, these problems can be solved. Here’s how HR professionals streamline remote team management:
Set clear goals and expectations for your team
Define roles, responsibilities, and communication norms from the get go. Keep these guidelines accessible and ensure everyone is on the same page.
Do regular check-ins with your team
Schedule weekly team meetings and one-on-one check-ins to provide support, review goals, and connect on a personal level. Virtual bonding events can be a fun addition to the schedule.
Encourage breaks and flexibility among team members
Encourage employees to take regular breaks to avoid burnout, and make flexibility a core part of your remote work culture.
Embrace asynchronous work
Have you ever heard the term asynchronous (a.k.a. async) work? It refers to working on a team that doesn't require all members to be online at the same time. When teams work asynchronously, employees can maximise their productivity without waiting for others to complete tasks.
This method has proven to be efficient as it resolves the challenges of real-time dependencies and limited opportunities for collaboration between colleagues. Async work empowers employees with greater flexibility and allows for seamless collaboration across time zones.
Foster a positive work environment
Provide continuous learning opportunities, mentorship programs, and clear growth paths. Showing employees they can develop within the company keeps them engaged.
nPloy’s bonus tip on remote team management: Trust your team
When done right, remote team management can help you retain quality employees, keep people focused and encourage them to work together. When employees feel valued and trusted, they're likely to be more productive and contribute to the success of the company.
How nPloy helps companies hire remotely
AI-powered matching between candidates and open positions
nPloy helps remote teams hire by using an AI-powered algorithm to connect companies with a diverse pool of candidates across the globe. With its focus on aligning candidates' skills, experience, and salary expectations with employers' needs, nPloy ensures that remote job opportunities are filled with the right talent. By offering a seamless and efficient hiring process, including anonymous recruitment to eliminate bias, nPloy helps remote teams quickly find candidates who are not only a good cultural fit but also meet the specific demands of remote work.
A global Talent Pool
nPloy’s global reach and fully remote job listings give companies access to talent from various regions, enhancing their ability to build strong, diverse, and distributed teams.
Built-in chat and video interview features
The built-in chat and video interview features further streamline the hiring process, allowing employers and candidates to communicate and conduct interviews directly within the platform, eliminating the need for third-party tools.
Conclusion
Remote team management is here to stay, and while it has its fair share of challenges, it also opens doors to new opportunities for HR professionals. By understanding common pain points, implementing effective solutions, and leveraging a powerful platform like nPloy, you can build a high-performing, engaged, and resilient remote team.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do you make your remote team more productive?
To boost productivity, start by setting clear expectations around roles and responsibilities. Incorporate communication practices to keep everyone aligned and minimise misunderstandings. Regular check-ins help maintain accountability, and encouraging flexibility and regular breaks prevents burnout, allowing team members to stay motivated and efficient. Balancing autonomy with oversight lets employees work effectively without feeling micromanaged, which helps sustain productivity over time.
How do you manage and keep remote teams engaged?
Keeping remote teams engaged requires intentional efforts to create connection and growth opportunities. Regular team check-ins and one-on-one meetings allow HR to address concerns, provide support, and connect on a personal level. Hosting virtual team events and offering continuous learning opportunities, such as mentorship or growth programs, fosters a positive work environment, ensuring employees feel valued and invested in the company’s success.
How do you collaborate effectively with remote teams?
Effective collaboration with remote teams relies on open communication channels and a strong meeting cadence. Schedule regular team meetings and utilise communication tools to ensure team members can communicate seamlessly, share updates, and address challenges.
How do you hire remotely?
Hiring remotely is easier with tools like nPloy, which uses AI to match candidates with job openings based on skills, experience, and salary expectations. Its global talent pool gives companies access to diverse candidates, and built-in chat and video features make interviewing convenient, eliminating the need for third-party tools. This efficient, unbiased approach ensures a better cultural and skills fit, helping companies build strong remote teams.
