Virtual teams are more the norm than ever before. A virtual team refers to a group of employees who work together from different locations and may not be in the same physical space. With advances in technology, more and more businesses are opting to have their employees work remotely.

Like many business owners, you have probably been thinking about expanding your team by adding a virtual one. This is a great decision that can help your business grow. Apart from reducing your costs, hiring remote workers can also help you tap into a larger talent pool.

As the manager or leader of a virtual team, there are some things you need to keep in mind to ensure your team runs smoothly.

Establish Clear Communication Channels

Communication can make or break a virtual team. Since your team members are not in the same physical space, it is important to establish clear communication channels from the start. This way, everyone knows how and when to communicate with each other.

There are many ways to do this, but one of the most effective methods is to use a project management tool like Slack or Asana. These tools allow team members to communicate in real-time and track tasks and progress.

Set Expectations

Since your team is not in the same physical space, it is important to set expectations early on. This means establishing rules for communication, deadlines, and work hours.

For instance, you may want to require all team members to check in with each other at the start of each workday or have a specific time where everyone is available for online meetings.

This is also the time to talk about targets and decide whether everyone will be working towards the same goal or not. By setting expectations early on, you can avoid misunderstandings and frustration down the line.

Encourage Teamwork and Collaboration

Just because your team is remote doesn't mean they can't build camaraderie. One of the highlights of having a virtual team is that team members can get to know each other better.

There are many ways to encourage teamwork and collaboration among your team members. You can do this by holding regular video or conference calls, setting up a team chat room, or sharing articles and other information that promotes team-building.

Another way to promote collaboration is to allow your team members to work on projects together. This will help them learn more about each other's strengths and weaknesses, as well as build trust.

Foster a Positive Culture

A positive work culture is essential for any team, but it is especially important for virtual teams. This is because team members are not in the same physical space and may not have the opportunity to interact with each other daily.

There are many ways to foster a positive culture on your virtual team. One way is to connect with your virtual team on a personal level. You can also encourage team members to share their successes and accomplishments with the rest of the team.

Another way to promote a positive culture is by rewarding team members for a job well done. This could be in the form of bonuses, gift cards, or even just a simple thank-you note.

Encourage Autonomy

Unlike in a traditional office setting, team members in a virtual setting cannot always rely on their managers or leaders for guidance. This is why it is important to encourage autonomy among your team members.

One way to do this is to give them the freedom to work on projects they are passionate about. You can also allow them to set their deadlines and work hours.

By giving your team members the freedom to be creative and autonomous, you will help them feel more in control of their work and, ultimately, more productive. On the contrary, breathing over their shoulder will only lead to resentment and decreased productivity.

Be Flexible

The best managers are flexible. They know that things don't always go according to plan, and they are willing to make necessary changes. This is especially important for virtual teams whose members are not in the same physical space.

For instance, if something comes up and one of your team members can't make a meeting, be willing to reschedule. When they need to take a break due to an illness or emergency, be flexible and allow them to do so.

The bottom line is that you should always try to accommodate your team members' needs as much as possible. This will show them that you are supportive and understanding, which is essential for any team.

Look for Feedback

No matter how large or small your team is, it's important to get feedback from them regularly. This will help you gauge how well they are working together and identify any problems that may arise.

It's also important to ask for feedback from your team members on their work performance. This will help you identify any areas where they may need improvement and allow them to provide input on their work.

Finally, don't forget to ask for feedback from your team on you as their leader. It can help you know what you need to change and make sure that you meet their needs.

Leverage Quality Teleconferencing Technology

Remote team collaboration is only possible if you have the right tools in place. That's why it's important to invest in quality teleconferencing technology.

There are many different teleconferencing platforms out there, so it's important to do your research and find one that meets your needs. Some things you may want to consider include:

· The number of participants the platform can accommodate

· The quality of the audio and video

· The ability to share files and documents

· The ability to record meetings

· The cost

Once you've found a platform that meets your needs, be sure to test it out before bringing your team on board. This will ensure that everyone has a positive experience and that the technology works correctly.

If you're looking for free, quality teleconferencing software, ConferenceTown.com is a great option. Our platform has everything you need to succeed in your remote team collaboration, from free call recording to HD audio. Don't hesitate to give us a call to learn more.