Remote work has moved beyond being a trend or a perk to become a standard part of business operations. Recent Robert Half research shows that 48% of job seekers prefer a hybrid workplace arrangement, while an additional 26% seek fully remote positions. And an earlier survey found that 46% of organizations use remote work options as a key employee retention strategy.
This shift requires leaders to develop new skills and approaches to team management. Today, successfully managing a remote team isn't about monitoring time spent online or requiring constant check-ins—it's about understanding how to support, motivate and connect with team members across different locations and even time zones. The following tips will help you build and maintain high-performing remote and hybrid teams.
1. Build trust through clear expectations
Managing a dispersed team often triggers an instinct to keep close tabs on everything. But watching over shoulders virtually can do more harm than good. When managers micromanage, trust erodes, employees lose confidence and productivity suffers.
The key is striking the right balance. Set clear, measurable goals that connect to business objectives, then step back and let your team figure out how to achieve them. Use regular check-ins to remove roadblocks and offer support, not to scrutinize every task. This approach sends a powerful message: You trust your people to deliver results their way. When employees know they have both independence and support, they're more likely to stay motivated and produce their best work.
2. Plan communication strategically
Remote teams need thoughtful communication planning—not just more messages, but better ones.
Choose your communication methods thoughtfully—the medium itself sends a message. Video calls signal, "This needs real-time discussion and human connection." Chat messages say, "This is quick and informal." Project management updates tell people, "This is for tracking and coordination." The goal? Keep everyone in the loop without drowning them in updates.
3. Create consistent operating rhythms
One of the best practices for managing a remote team is establishing a predictable rhythm that supports—not restricts—independence. When you set clear patterns for how and when your team connects, people can manage their work more confidently between touchpoints.
Make every meeting count by keeping it focused and purposeful. Weekly team meetings keep everyone aligned on progress. One-on-ones focus on career growth. Quarterly sessions tackle big-picture strategy. While project management tools help track progress transparently, resist using them to monitor daily activities. This balanced approach lets your team work in ways that suit them best while staying connected to shared goals and deadlines.
4. Prioritize authentic connection
Managing a remote team means keeping people connected without it feeling forced or awkward—while some team members might love recreational teambuilding activities like online trivia, others might dread them.
Instead, focus on genuine connection in your day-to-day work. Start meetings with a quick personal check-in. Send messages of appreciation when someone does great work. Remember birthdays and work anniversaries. Set clear expectations about work hours and response times to help people protect their personal time. When staff feel valued as individuals, not just employees, they're more likely to stay engaged and committed to their team's success.
5. Don’t allow tech tools to fail
Think of technology as the foundation of your virtual workplace—it needs to be solid, simple and secure. Start with a central digital hub where everyone can easily find what they need, from project deadlines to vacation policies. But resist the temptation to adopt every shiny new tool. Having too many platforms creates digital clutter that frustrates rather than helps.
Tips for managing a remote team often focus on culture and communication, but the nuts and bolts matter just as much. Make sure everyone has reliable equipment and a strong internet connection. Create a clear playbook for tech troubles—who to contact and what to do if systems go down. Take security seriously by setting clear rules for data protection and system access. Check in regularly about how your digital tools are working (or not). The goal is to spot and fix problems before they slow your team down.
6. Give extra attention to new remote workers
Veteran telecommuters may not need as much support as those new to it. People may feel particularly disjointed or uneasy when they start to work remotely if they haven’t done so before—and those experienced with it might be able to help. After all, the value of collaboration and teamwork in the workplace still applies to remote employees.
Success in managing a remote team comes down to finding the right balance—between structure and flexibility, oversight and independence, and professional focus and personal connection. Get this balance right, and you'll build more than just a productive unit: You'll create an engaged group of people who genuinely want to succeed together.
