What do you do if your remote team is struggling to stay productive?

1. Identify the challenges 2. Improve communication 3. clear goals and expectations 4. Foster a positive team culture 5. support and feedback It's essential to approach the situation with empathy and understanding. Each team member may have different circumstances and challenges, so be flexible and supportive in finding solutions that work for everyone.

In my experience the key is to keep in touch with each team member on a regular basis. Make yourself available to them and ensure they know you welcome their calls etc. Having a good understanding of each individual drivers and motivations allows you to agree the best methods of communication and ensures your style does not negatively impact them. This will go a long way to keeping each individual productive. Lastly, ensure you have regular 1:1 field visits and don’t forget the benefits of getting the whole together on a regular basis.

Our team was remote during COVID. We did see a drop in productivity though also the team connection was lost. We implemented a time block system, where the team would work on specific tasks during blocks and we would ask them to provide a weekly summary of what they achieved during their blocks. It worked very well. To keep us connected, we held virtual socials, every few Fridays, we would send a basket of snacks and goodies to the team, we would put on our out of office on at 3pm, and connect via zoom.

In my experience communication is the most important key to keeping the team motivated. Not only do you make constant teams calls but individual calls as well, this enables each person to speak freely. Talking each person through their difficulties whether it be work related or personal. Ensure the team know that you, as their manager, are there for them at any time. I used to make Friday afternoons a fun afternoon, where everyone would grab a beverage and we'd sit and chat casually about the upcoming weekend.

Managers consistently underestimate the time and consistent effort needed to successfully manage a geographically distributed team. A greater degree of 1:1 calls will be needed to check in with individual team members so that the conversation can go beyond team tasks to their individual needs and create that personal connection. I always think of these as planned adhoc interactions. Its the time for those conversations you would normally have at the coffee machine or over lunch. Team meetings are important to create cohesion but giving each individual a moment of your undivided attention on a regular basis is important to create a sense of belonging and inclusion.

Oftentimes, reduced productivity stems from miscommunication, ambivalence or lack of proper guidance. One thing I have found helpful is setting clear goals and expectations from the beginning. Once those have been set, follow up meetings to identify potential blockers and tasks that might require cross collaboration are a great way to foster human connection and to motivate folks to accomplish their goals.

Clear, fixed, and especially achievable goals are the basis for keeping a team motivated. But the best motivation is to see how the team leader will participate and get involved as if he or she were one or more of the team. Without a team feeling it is difficult to keep the team motivated.

For remote teams in property management, setting SMART goals is crucial. These goals must be clear, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound, aligning with company objectives. This approach ensures everyone understands their roles and targets. Additionally, maintaining regular progress reviews fosters accountability and keeps the team on track. Implementing these strategies leads to improved focus and productivity, which are essential for success in a remote working environment.

1.Communication- 2. Set Clear Expectations- 3.Provide Support- 4. Encourage Collaboration- 5.Flexible Schedule 6.Recognize Achievements 7. Address Issues Promptly 8.Promote Work-Life Balance 9. Provide Feedback: Offer constructive feedback to help your team members improve their performance. Regular feedback sessions can help identify areas for improvement and encourage continuous growth. 10.Lead by Example: As a leader, demonstrate productivity and professionalism in your own work. Lead by example and show your team what is expected of them.

That's true but add milestones, Communication with all parties including others . Clear and transparent Communication are mandatory

As an employee that worked remotely even pre-pandemic, I have seen the shift over the years as more companies move to remote settings. Communication is absolutely critical for all employees in a remote situation. Connecting on video helps as we don’t always know a tone associated with every email, text or call. Allowing people to feel apart of something bigger is very helpful. Communicating expectations, deadlines, company updates, etc. will help remote employees to feel more involved.

For thriving remote teams, clear and frequent communication is key. Establish regular check-ins through daily briefings or weekly meetings to cover project updates, client feedback, and potential obstacles. These structured interactions ensure everyone is aligned and can contribute effectively. Additionally, adopting tools that complement your team's processes enhances collaboration. Beyond task-focused discussions, fostering an environment for casual conversations is vital for team bonding and preserving a strong work culture. This approach not only boosts productivity but also strengthens team cohesion in a remote setting.

Encourage them, and remind them that they play a vital role in what a winning team is. Everyone’s strengths are different but the collaboration is what makes a good team behind the people they serve.

Productivity falls down due to various reasons - isolation , lack of clarity, lack of focus and definitive goals. It’s crucial that tasks for the remote worker are not set in isolation and he/she is knitted into the wider task/goal. Regular catchups and encouraging open communication which is two ways is crucial. Boost morale by opening informal dialogue,coffee catchups,mental health checks,mentoring.

Communicating is always the way to go. Even when it's uncomfortable I believe having weekly meetings where everyone shares every little thing about their feelings and doing it over lunch is the best possibly in the kitchen

Creating opportunities for collaboration are essential. During a period of travel budget constraints we weren't able to come together at the end of the year. To solve for this we set up a 6 week series of calls to address the topics we wanted to cover. We set up a framework and every Thursday morning 2 hours were dedicated to this with a different group responsible for driving each session. Each group started with "we won't need the whole time" and every session ran to the full 2 hours. Taking the decision to dedicate that time to our team helped everyone get to know each other better and understand the opportunities and challenges emerging in our department and encouraged greater communication and collaboration between the different teams.

Fostering teamwork in a remote environment demands strategic use of online collaboration tools. These platforms enable real-time project management, crucial for maintaining productivity and a sense of community among distant team members. Prioritize training so everyone is proficient with these tools, understanding their capabilities fully. This approach not only streamlines workflow but also strengthens the collective mission, ensuring that geographical separation doesn't hinder team cohesion and performance.

I reach out to my team on a regular basis via text, but also with a phone call. I find that they appreciate that I am checking in on their needs, not just professionally, but overall. We also utilize services like Discord, which can never replace that in-person experience, but does make people feel like others are more accessible. Lastly, I will offer "drop-in" events. It isn't mandatory, but "Hey, I'm going to be at this location from this time to this time and you should feel free to stop by for some human interaction.

Collaboration in remote work teams is a must and a comparative advantage if you consider that you can play with time zones. Make a collaborative workflow can make the difference when you need to keep the work flowing to reach a time-bound goal.

Providing in person support I believe is key. Going to the job site or walking down the hall to an office can do more for morale and productivity than an email or quick phone call. It signals to your team that you are there with them and will work side by side until the current goal is met.

Prioritizing the well-being of your team is crucial for sustaining high levels of productivity, especially in a remote work setting. To combat potential feelings of isolation or burnout, it's important to provide access to mental health resources, such as online counseling or employee wellness programs. Additionally, offering flexible working hours can significantly enhance the work-life balance for team members, leading to increased satisfaction and output. Supporting your employees in these ways not only fosters a healthier work environment but also contributes to the overall success of your organization.

Actually, sometimes it is not always about telling your team about productivity, the teams need a shoulder to lean on when the need arises. Support can be on a work place issue or personal issue.

Being a remote team member myself, I find that the biggest element that is missing with remote workers is engagement and socialization. This is a key ingredient to the workplace that often times is missing with remote workers. Being intentional about setting a time for socialization and engagement is integral to the success of these team members to feel that they are part of the integral bigger picture.

The environment has to be fun and engaging if you want to keep people focused and motivated. Nobody likes to hate to go to work. We all have a desire to enjoy our job and have a “get to” mindset versus “have to”. That’s created by the leader! Foster an atmosphere where it’s engaging and you’re creating conversations that aren’t all 100% work related. Have fun with the ones that are work related. There’s always a time for total serious, head down, get it done work, but that shouldn’t be all the time every day. Celebrate team members! Announce successes and personal achievements! Share positive feedback from others. Keep it active! No hermits! Leaders must be INTENTIONAL to keep their team engaged!

Creating a productive workspace is key for remote property managers. A dedicated area, free from interruptions, boosts focus and efficiency. Tips for enhancing your home office include ensuring adequate lighting to reduce eye strain, investing in ergonomic furniture to support posture, and maintaining an organized desk to streamline tasks. These small but impactful adjustments can significantly uplift daily productivity.

Not being stuck on the fluorescent lights and switching up the atmosphere is best. It is unhealthy to sit for hours and be under fluorescent lights all the time

One thing I found helpful. You're own space. Bills paid. Food to eat. A vehicle, paid for. Clothing. Financial security. A comfort zone.

Keep the team motivated, appreciate their efforts irrespective of the outcome. Give them right direction and advise on small corrections which could have given better results.

I recommend prioritizing mental health support by providing access to workshops, counseling services, and wellness apps. Additionally, fostering professional development is crucial; offer continuous learning opportunities through online courses, webinars, and workshops to help team members advance their skills and prevent stagnation. Finally, implement a recognition and awards program to motivate employees by visibly acknowledging their hard work and successes, demonstrating that productivity and achievement are attainable in a work-from-home setup. These strategies will help teams adapt and thrive. And if all else fails, going back into the office is still a viable option for many - we have lots of vacant seats to fill!

Remember that every team is unique and what works for one company may not work for another. The more you experiment with different tools, the more you'll get to know what works for your team. Also consider investing in your employee home office with useful tools. This will not only help them be more productive but shows them the company cares about their work environment.

Ensure that every team member understands their role, responsibilities, and what is expected of them. Set clear goals and deadlines to provide direction and focus.

I’ve always held “refocusing” sessions, where we all natter-on about what we’re up too and what needs to be done Then, we focus into the specific issues and any challenges All challenges and difficulties get extra air-time and emphasis on seeking solutions We do a weekly refocusing session, to retain momentum and effort