Teamwork is the key to any successful business, but what if that team is spread out across the country or the world?
In this new era of digital fluency and remote work, it is more important than ever to have a fully functioning team. That means having the right software to support them. Today, we look at the top reasons you need a collaboration tool for your remote team.
Pinpoint What’s Working And What Isn’t
Every business is unique, and what works for another may not serve your interest. You must determine what’s working for you and what isn’t. The Sprint retrospective tool, which makes this “health-check” of your business interactive and fun, highlights this point.
It’s not always easy being the boss and keeping staff on track. Rather than berating teams for not performing to expectations, make them a part of the solution with this easy-to-use software. It points out where improvement is needed, in a non-judgmental and helpful manner.
Suggestions of areas needing action can be implemented, which will further streamline and elevate your business. And you’ll also easily see what is working. This will give you a clearer picture of the direction your business is taking.
Enable Communication Amongst The Team And With Management
Collaboration tools can increase cooperation and enhance communication, whether your team is fully remote or a hybrid mix of remote and office-bound workers. Team members will be able to communicate with each other directly, or have group discussions.
It is often difficult for employees on a large staff to see the entire picture with each focused on their tasks. Misunderstandings can easily occur without clear communication, which makes this the most important factor in remote collaboration. But collaboration tools can make it easier for everyone to see what they are working towards. It will enable them to align their unique skills and make everything come together perfectly.
Communication is especially important for remote teams. It helps to form strong relationships and makes each remote worker feel that they are a vital part of the team.
Work As A Team Irrespective Of Each Worker’s Location
One of the major advantages cited by proponents of remote work is the ability to work from home, or anywhere else. Virtual or remote collaboration allows a team of people to work from anywhere towards a common goal.
With the right video conferencing tools, borders are no hindrance to collaboration. Weekly check-ins with your remote team are highly recommended to keep them engaged and motivated. This will help to avoid remote worker burnout, which can occur when remote workers feel unable to meet the demands of work while isolated.
This geographic freedom not only benefits the members of your remote staff but all departments, as well as clients, too. Meetings with department heads, management, and clients are still possible, whether one-on-one or at a conference.
Best Of Both Worlds
With the move to the digital world from the analog one, many advantages become apparent. Collaboration tools allow the best of both worlds, accommodating various forms of cooperation and communication.
Asynchronous communication between remote employees in different locations and time zones continues through the transmission of data.
But sometimes more direct communication is necessary. This is made possible through video conferencing, where all relevant parties can liaise in real-time, when necessary.
Facilitate Contributions To Projects
Contribute to projects anywhere, anytime, with task tracking and management tools. Everyone will know what is expected of them and can submit their work when ready. And when and where necessary, other team members can be called upon to assist with projects.
And with the right tools, you need not worry about what happens in the event of a system crash. Thanks to the use of cloud-based software, your remote team members can synchronize their mobile devices, tablets, and computers. This makes it easy to deliver all their work on time, every time, and save this to the Cloud.
Data saved to the Cloud can be accessed via the Internet or built-in synchronization tools. And it can be accessed from any location by your authorized users.
This combo of data security and accessibility makes Cloud storage essential for any business, especially the remotely operated workplace. More and more businesses are relying on cloud-based software to monitor and maintain their data storage.
Encourage Creativity
With collaboration tools in place, collective brainstorming was never so easy. In a traditional office environment, less assertive team members may not contribute as much as they would like. This could mean that highly creative and innovative ideas never come to light.
But in the virtual office, you may find that this falls away thanks to the less intimidating nature of remote collaboration. Collaboration tools are the perfect platform for creativity, and for reaching out to other team members for feedback on ideas.
Your team members all have unique problem-solving skills that can benefit your organization. This is, after all, part of why each one was hired. With everyone able to contribute their talents and add their insights simultaneously, innovative ideas are always within reach.
Access And Share Data Quickly And Easily
Collaboration software allows team members to work across departments in several companies (in a multi-national enterprise) just as easily as within one company. With a built-in file sharing system, your team will be able to access and share data with a few clicks.
With less time wasted on admin tasks, productivity and efficiency will soar. This is not only good for the company but also for the confidence of your team. Higher productivity levels and pride in a job well done go hand-in-hand with job satisfaction.
And with work getting done much faster, it allows for a more satisfying work-life balance for your remote employees. This is just as important for remote workers as it is for traditional office staff. A survey report conducted by Owl Labs indicated that remote work increases job satisfaction and, therefore, job retention.
