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Since COVID many companies struggled to manage their remote (design) workforce. Even with the pandemic behind us, remote work is here to stay. Maintaining the efficiency of remote design teams in the future is a major challenge. The stage where teams were faced with challenges in setting up their remote work policies is over. The focus is now on being productive and making sure the current productivity trends continue for the rest of the term.

Here is a short overview of the recognised standard practises for remote design teams:

• Putting up offices at home

• Projects are timed according to team availability

• Specifying precise working hours

• SLAs and support hours are reviewed.

• Run only the bare minimum of operations.

• Using communication devices

• Using a tool for remote collaboration

These actions are crisis management steps to get through the day. Long-term businesses can't sustain themselves this way. In this article, we will look at how to effectively manage remote design teams, with a special focus on online project management tools. Harnessing the power of technology and implementing best practices can lead your remote team to success.

Selecting the Right Online Project Management Tool

The first step in effectively managing remote teams is choosing the right online project management tool. There are several choices, each with a unique set of qualities and abilities. Consider factors such as team size, project complexity, and budget when making your selection. Some popular online project management tools include Asana, Trello, Monday.com, Basecamp, and Hello Ivy, is the best online project management tool for design teams for managing any design work.

Clear communication is key

One of the most significant challenges of managing remote teams is maintaining clear and effective communication. Online project management tools play a crucial role in facilitating communication among team members. Use these tools to create a central hub for all project-related information, including tasks, deadlines, and project updates. Encourage team members to use the tool consistently to update their progress and provide status reports. Additionally, utilise features like chat, comments, and notifications to ensure real-time communication and collaboration.

Set clear expectations

Remote team members need to have a clear understanding of their roles and responsibilities. As a manager, it's your job to set clear expectations from the outset. Online project management tools can help in this regard by defining tasks, assigning responsibilities, and establishing deadlines. By having everything documented within the tool, team members can refer back to their assignments and expectations at any time, reducing misunderstandings and promoting accountability.

Regular Check-Ins

In a remote work environment, it's essential to maintain regular check-ins with team members. Use video conferencing tools or even phone calls to have one-on-one or team meetings. These check-ins serve multiple purposes: they provide an opportunity to discuss project progress, address any challenges, and foster a sense of connection among team members. Schedule these check-ins at consistent intervals to ensure that everyone is on the same page.

Use online project management tools for goal tracking

Online project management tools are equipped with features that enable goal tracking and progress monitoring. Set clear project milestones and use the tool to track progress towards these goals. This not only keeps team members motivated but also provides a visual representation of project advancement. It allows you to identify potential bottlenecks early and make the necessary adjustments to keep the project on track.

Emphasise flexibility and trust

Remote work often provides employees with more flexibility in terms of when and where they work. Embrace this flexibility while maintaining trust in your team. Online project management tools allow team members to work at their own pace, as long as they meet deadlines and deliver quality work. Instead of micromanaging, concentrate on the results and outcomes. Trusting your team members to manage their time and tasks effectively can lead to increased job satisfaction and productivity.

Provide resources and training

Managing remote teams effectively also involves providing the necessary resources and training. Ensure that your team members are well-equipped with the tools and skills they need to perform their jobs efficiently. Online project management tools often come with training resources and customer support, which can be invaluable in helping your team become proficient in using the tool.

Promote a healthy work-life balance

One challenge of remote work is the blurring of lines between work and personal life. Encourage your team members to establish a healthy work-life balance by setting clear boundaries. Online project management tools can assist in this by helping to define work hours and project timelines. Additionally, as a manager, lead by example by respecting your team members' personal time and avoiding sending work-related messages outside of working hours.

Foster a strong team culture

Maintaining a strong team culture can be more challenging in a remote work environment, but it's essential for team cohesion and morale. Online project management tools can be used to create virtual spaces for team-building activities, brainstorming sessions, or casual conversations. Encourage team members to share personal updates or achievements within the tool to foster a sense of community.

Regularly evaluate and adapt

Lastly, managing a remote design team is an ongoing process that requires continuous evaluation and adaptation. Solicit feedback from your team members about their experiences with remote work and the online project management tool. Use this feedback to make improvements and adjustments to your management approach. Stay up-to-date with new features and updates to your chosen project management tool to maximise its effectiveness.

Conclusion

Managing a remote design team effectively requires a combination of clear communication, the right tools, and a supportive work culture. Embrace the remote work culture, invest in online project management tools, and prioritise effective communication to create a successful remote team environment. By setting clear expectations, fostering autonomy, and providing the necessary support, you can lead your remote team to greater productivity and success.

Understanding the art of remote team management is not only a useful ability but also a must for the modern workplace in a world where remote work is becoming more common. When it comes to managing remote teams, online project management systems like Hello Ivy provide a thorough solution by facilitating smooth task administration, communication, and collaboration. These technologies and best practices can help businesses maximise the potential of their remote workers and succeed in the contemporary workplace.

Try it right away to smoothly execute the aforementioned tactics for your remote staff!