Skip to content

Listen to Our Newest Podcast Episodes!

Podcasts

Homebuilders Association VancouverHomebuilders Association Vancouver
Homebuilders Association Vancouver
  • Find a Professional
  • About
    • Who We Are
      • Meet The Team
      • Board of Directors
      • Committees
    • What We Do
      • Charities Supported
      • News
      • Newsletters
      • Code of Ethics
    • Contact
      • General
      • Media
      • Issues
  • Homeowners
    • Podcast: Measure Twice Cut Once
    • Homebuying Master Class
    • High Performance Homes
    • Home Design & Reno Show
    • Home Shows
    • Design Build Blog
      • Kitchen Renovation Vancouver
      • Interior Designer Vancouver
    • Industry Resources
    • Coats for Kids
  • Advocacy
    • Purpose and Structure
    • Reports and Studies
    • BC Energy Step Code
    • Building Standards
    • GR Wins
    • Newsletter
    • COVID-19
      • COVID-19 Resources
      • COVID-19 Policy for Events & Meetings
  • Education
    • eLearn
    • In-Class/Online Courses
    • Builder Licensing
    • Continuing Education
    • Builders’ Blog
    • Integrated Design Process
    • RenoMark
  • Membership
    • Benefits of Joining
    • Find a Career
    • Events
      • Upcoming Events
      • Legends of Housing
      • Buildex
      • HAVAN Awards Finalist Soiree
      • HAVAN Awards Gala
      • Members Expo
      • Fall Classic Golf Tournament
    • Highlights
      • Industry Awards
      • Honorary Members
      • HAVAN Heroes
      • Spotlights
    • Marketing
      • Affinity Program
      • Sponsorships
      • Advertise With Us
    • Photo Gallery
    • FAQ
    • Members Only Page
    • Member Login
  • Awards
 
Login

Join Us

  • Find a Professional
  • About
    • Who We Are
      • Meet The Team
      • Board of Directors
      • Committees
    • What We Do
      • Charities Supported
      • News
      • Newsletters
      • Code of Ethics
    • Contact
      • General
      • Media
      • Issues
  • Homeowners
    • Podcast: Measure Twice Cut Once
    • Homebuying Master Class
    • High Performance Homes
    • Home Design & Reno Show
    • Home Shows
    • Design Build Blog
      • Kitchen Renovation Vancouver
      • Interior Designer Vancouver
    • Industry Resources
    • Coats for Kids
  • Advocacy
    • Purpose and Structure
    • Reports and Studies
    • BC Energy Step Code
    • Building Standards
    • GR Wins
    • Newsletter
    • COVID-19
      • COVID-19 Resources
      • COVID-19 Policy for Events & Meetings
  • Education
    • eLearn
    • In-Class/Online Courses
    • Builder Licensing
    • Continuing Education
    • Builders’ Blog
    • Integrated Design Process
    • RenoMark
  • Membership
    • Benefits of Joining
    • Find a Career
    • Events
      • Upcoming Events
      • Legends of Housing
      • Buildex
      • HAVAN Awards Finalist Soiree
      • HAVAN Awards Gala
      • Members Expo
      • Fall Classic Golf Tournament
    • Highlights
      • Industry Awards
      • Honorary Members
      • HAVAN Heroes
      • Spotlights
    • Marketing
      • Affinity Program
      • Sponsorships
      • Advertise With Us
    • Photo Gallery
    • FAQ
    • Members Only Page
    • Member Login
  • Awards
  • Blog, New homes, Renovating, Renovations / Renovating
  • Covid19 Member Contributions
  • Uncategorized

Beginner’s Guide to Managing a Remote Team

Reposted from: by Katie MacAlister | Mar 26, 2020 | Employer Info, General News, Impact Recruitment Updates, Job Seeker Info

Beginners Guide to Managing a Remote Team Impact Recruitment

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve, and businesses across the country are responding to changing government policies by sending their employees home to work remotely – many for the first time. As a manager, your team is going to be looking to you for leadership, direction and reassurance as the crisis unfolds.

Sorry – does that sound like a lot of pressure? Don’t worry! For everyone out there feeling like they’re being thrown into this situation completely unprepared, we’ve put together some advice for managers who are doing their jobs remotely for the first time.

Stick to the usual routine

Amidst all the disruption, it’s up to you to give your team some sense of normality. This sounds daunting, but it’s actually really simple. As much as possible, try and keep regular meetings, stick to regular working hours and encourage your team to take lunch and coffee breaks at their usual time as well.

Over the next few weeks, your routine will likely change. You may find some recurring meetings are no longer necessary and you’ll discover more effective and efficient ways of scheduling your day and working with your team, but during the initial transition period, try and keep to the status quo if you can. This familiar structure will help your team adjust to the change in routine and allow for an easier transition as they settle into their new set-up.

Establish daily check ins

Now more than ever, your team needs your advice, support and guidance. Chances are, you’ve already been doing regular one-on-ones with your team, which is great, and it’s a good idea to not only keep those meetings, but to increase their length and frequency as well.

Working from home can be a major transition for members of your team and it’s likely some of them will have a tough time adjusting. The best thing you can do as a manager is to check in with them constantly to see how they’re feeling, what they’re working on and if they need help with anything. Don’t wait for them to reach out to you and let you know they’re struggling – ask them directly.

Communicate, communicate, communicate

Everything is changing, and this includes the way you communicate with your team. In the office, there are endless opportunities to connect, collaborate and socialize. Casual discussions happen nearly constantly throughout the day – a comment about that big project as you walk past your colleague’s desk, a chat about that difficult client while you’re waiting for your turn to use the microwave. In a remote work setting, communication has to be much more intentional.

Avoid relying on email, try and encourage your team to utilize video chat platforms like Microsoft Teams, Skype and Zoom whenever possible. So much of human communication is non-verbal, and by connecting ‘face-to-face’ you’ll cut down on miscommunications and be better equipped to gauge your team’s mood and reactions.

Set clear expectations

This is not business as usual, not by a long shot, so you can’t assume your team will simply carry on with their tasks as they’ve always done and continue to produce the same results.

From day one, set very clear expectations with each of your team members. Establish a work plan, and communicate priorities, expectations and desired results. Ensure everyone understands the expectations around availability, accountability and communication. There should be no question about what each individual is expected to contribute to the collective goal of the team and the company.

Get social

The fact of the matter is, working remotely can be pretty darn lonely, and, in the absence of the office water cooler, there isn’t much chance of random social interactions happening between your team members. So, how can you get your team to socialize from afar? It can be as simple as making time for small talk during the first few minutes of the morning meeting. Even in the midst of a pandemic, people still want to chat about what’s going on in their lives – for example, that awesome new show they started on Netflix or how much money they’ve spent on UberEats since being in isolation. Opening the door for these types of light-hearted conversations promotes a sense of normalcy and can reduce feelings of loneliness among your team members.

Demonstrate optimism and confidence

As the crisis continues to unfold, your team is looking to you to alleviate their concerns and provide structure and support. Gulp – talk about pressure. You’re only human, and chances are you’re feeling just as stressed as they are, but if you set an example, we promise, they’ll follow your lead. It’s okay to acknowledge the uncertainty everyone’s feeling right now, in fact, we encourage it. There’s fear in the unknown, so it’s important to be transparent with your team about the changes happening within your organization and be sure to clearly communicate the ‘why’ behind those changes. As a leader, it’s up to you to set the tone: encourage open communication, empower your team and demonstrate optimism and confidence about the future. You got this.

If you’d like to learn more about managing a team remotely, you’re not going to want to miss this webinar on Tuesday, March 31st:

https://havan.ca/event/webinar-navigating-the-human-resources-side-of-business-during-covid-19/

We’re teaming up with HAVAN and Kuhn LLP to provide information about a business’ legal responsibilities to employees as well as strategies to keep employees informed during this time of crisis, and best practices for keeping your team engaged, motivated, and focused on moving forward.

 

Post navigation

PreviousPrevious post:BCCSA: Resources & Frequently Asked Q&A During Covid-19NextNext post:Credit Card Fraud Prevention

Related Posts

ConEcon – Trusted Partners in Real Estate Development
HAVAN Connects
Renewable energy solutions for your home
Vintera Sink
How to Install a BLANCO VINTERA Undermount or Flushmount Kitchen Sink
BLANCO’s VINTERA Collection in Coal Black
Construction Theft
Anti-Theft Work Site Solutions
Our Members Speak
  • HAVAN is my ‘most valued’ association for my business and for me! I meet and learn from amazing people dedicated to the homebuilding industry. It’s an exciting professional atmosphere where we work together on common issues. Read more...

    Lynn Harrison, Harrison Marketing Resources
  • The HAVAN provides strong leadership.  HAVAN leaders are often in the news and you find their consistent presence in the media.  Read more...

    Larry Clay, President
  • “Being able to network with countless professionals throughout the construction industry is invaluable.” Read more...

    Janice Pynn, CEO
  • “The bulk of my business comes from fellow HAVAN members, and every year, my membership pays for itself–usually by February”. Read more...

    Martin Knowles, Owner, photographer
  • It is my pleasure to say our decision to recently join HAVAN has been the best marketing money we have spent in 30 years in business. Read more...

    Brian Jenkins, Owner
Featured Members

Join the Homebuilders Association Vancouver

Become a Member
Consumer Links
  • Find a Builder
  • Find a Renovator
  • Find Products/Services
  • Events
  • About Us
  • Podcast
Member Links
  • Membership
  • Industry Education
  • Events
  • Members Only
  • Member Login
Contact Info

T: 778-565-4288
F: 778-565-4289

#1011 – 7445 132 Street,
Surrey, BC V3W 1J8
Canada

Contact Us

Proudly affiliated with

 

 

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Houzz
  • Flickr
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • Podcast
Social Footer Links

Copyright © 2022 Homebuilders Association Vancouver. All rights reserved.
Serving all 21 municipalities in Metro Vancouver: Vancouver, West Vancouver, Bowen Island, Lions Bay, North Vancouver (city and district), Richmond, Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Anmore, Belcarra, Surrey, Delta, White Rock, Tsawwassen First Nations, Langley (city and township), Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows.

Website by Red Rocket Creative Strategies

Slider images credit: Project Mint Developments, Nick Bray Architecture, TQ Construction, Designs by Katerina & Silvie

We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept All”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent.
Cookie SettingsAccept All
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.

CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Functional

Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.

Performance

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

Analytics

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

Advertisement

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.

Others

Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.

SAVE & ACCEPT