#67: Short guide on managing remote workers in tech
The way of working in tech has changed, and managers need to adapt
Hey friends,
Welcome to the 67th edition of the “Level Up Ladder” newsletter.
While we spent the last weekend in Bucharest, we came to the seaside this week to work from here. The temperatures are much better, and hanging out with friends on the beach after work is nice.
Unfortunately, we'll head back soon, and I can't wait for our actual vacation at the end of next month.
Optimizing Remote Work: Strategies for Tech Teams
If you're working in tech, you probably work from home quite a lot.
15 years ago, remote work was frowned upon, with most managers viewing it as "taking time off". In my case, I had a nice boss, who was very supportive and had a lot of qualities, but he was very opposed to the idea.
It must have been around 2018 when we were allowed to have one day off per week. Yet, most people would not take it, afraid that it would not be perceived positively.
But then, 2020 came, and we know what happened. Since then, a lot of companies have tried to make people come back to work. In tech, though, the majority will let you work from home at least half of the time.
As a developer, it's not even hard to find a remote-only job.
I won't get into the positives and negatives of working remotely. That's another discussion, for another time.
The reality is that we, as managers, need to handle teams who work predominantly from home.
And that's not going to change anytime soon.
So, how do we handle remote employees?
1/Embrace Flexible Scheduling
One of the greatest advantages of remote work is the flexibility it offers. However, this can also lead to challenges in coordination and productivity. Here’s how to manage it:
Core Hours: Establish 5–6 working hours where everyone is available for meetings and collaboration. This ensures overlap and availability for team interactions.
Individual Flexibility: Allow team members to design their schedules around the core hours. This will help them accommodate personal productivity peaks and life commitments.
2/ Ensure Clear Communication
Communication can easily become fragmented in a remote setting. It's vital to create a communication strategy that keeps everyone on the same page:
Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular team meetings and one-on-ones to ensure everyone knows what they need to do.
Asynchronous Communication: Use tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams for asynchronous updates. Team members in different time zones or with different schedules can stay informed and contribute at their own pace.
Clarity and Brevity: Encourage clear, concise communication to avoid misunderstandings and unnecessary back-and-forth.
3/ Foster a Collaborative Culture
It's very hard to build a strong team culture when your team is working from home. It requires an intentional effort.
Virtual Team Building: Organize virtual team-building activities to strengthen relationships and morale. This can include online games, virtual coffee breaks, or themed events.
Collaborative Tools: Use tools like Trello, Jira, or Confluence to keep everyone aligned on tasks.
Open Forums: Create open forums or channels where team members can share ideas, ask questions, and provide feedback.
4/ Invest in the Right Technology
The right tools can make or break remote work efficiency. Ensure your team has access to the best technology to facilitate their work:
Reliable Hardware: Provide team members with high-performance laptops, monitors, and other needed equipment.
Software Solutions: Invest in reliable software for project management, communication, and version control. Tools like Zoom, Slack, GitHub, and Asana can be game-changers.
Security Measures: Implement strong security protocols to protect sensitive information and ensure compliance with industry standards.
5/ Encourage Work-Life Balance
While there are many benefits to remote work, there are also some drawbacks.
For example, the lines between personal and professional life can get blurred. This leads to overwork and burnout. As a leader, it’s important to promote a healthy work-life balance:
Set Boundaries: Encourage team members to establish clear boundaries between work and personal time. This might mean setting specific work hours or creating a dedicated workspace.
Promote Breaks: Remind your team to take regular breaks and use their vacation days. Model this behavior by taking them yourself.
6/ Measure and Optimize Productivity
Keep track of productivity without micromanaging. Here’s how to balance it:
Outcome-Based Metrics: Focus on outcomes and deliverables rather than hours worked. This can include project milestones, code reviews, or completed tasks.
Regular Reviews: Have regular performance reviews. Use them to discuss progress, set goals, and find areas for improvement.
Encourage continuous improvement. Do this by regularly asking for feedback. Then, make adjustments based on what’s working and what isn't.
7/ Maintain Transparency and Trust
Building and maintaining trust is crucial for remote teams. As there is no longer a water cooler or a smoking place, people can feel like they're missing out on news and gossip.
Open Communication Channels: Keep channels open. All team members should voice their opinions and concerns. This could be through regular town hall meetings or anonymous feedback tools.
Make decision-making transparent. Share the reasoning behind key decisions. Involve team members when you can.
Provide updates often. Updates should cover company goals, project progress, and strategy changes. This helps to keep everyone aligned and informed.
Final Thoughts
To optimize remote work for tech teams, use:
Flexible scheduling.
Clear communication.
A collaborative culture.
The right technology.
A work-life balance.
Productivity measurement.
Maintain Transparency and Trust
Use these strategies. They can help you create a remote work environment that is productive, engaging, and fosters innovation.
Remember, the key to successful remote work is adaptability. Stay open to feedback and be willing to make changes as needed.
Your team’s success in a remote setting depends on your ability to lead with flexibility, empathy, and a focus on continuous improvement.
Is there something I need to add to the list?
Please let me know in the comments section!
Recommendations
1/ Movie “Seven”
I rewatched this movie after 10–15 years, and it’s still one of the best. It probably has the best ending scene in cinema history.
2/ 13 Years Of Brutally Honest Business Advice in 90 Mins
As you probably know, already, I am a big fan of Alex Hormozi.
In this long video, he shows us the lessons he learned in his business life.
3/ Elle’s view on company ownership
Thank you for reading, and I hope you’ll join me in the comments section for further discussions!
I hope you have a great weekend!
Leo Alexandru
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