Turning Pain Into Value: How Distributed Teams Can Actually Increase Revenue
Source: Pexels
There's no putting the genie back in the bottle. Remote and hybrid workforces are here to stay.
The traditional office structure "is dead," according to Indeed's Nick Bunker, who notes that the increase in remote and hybrid options has given workers more bargaining power in negotiations. Skilled employees are no longer limited by geography, meaning employers must compete for talent.
Competition can mean higher costs, but more and more, we are seeing that distributed teams have the potential to significantly increase revenue and productivity.
Below, we'll dig into the biggest challenges of a distributed or hybrid workforce, overcoming the silo effect that comes with working remotely, and how to embrace asynchronous collaboration to maximize profits.
The Challenges of a Distributed Workforce
Distributed teams come with their own unique challenges. Without the ability to cast an eye over someone's shoulder or easily share a whiteboard, communication can become less efficient and more difficult to manage. It's also harder to build camaraderie when everyone isn't in the same physical space every day.
Generally, the challenges of distributed workforces come in three buckets:
Communication
Some workers had become accustomed to at-the-ready access to co-workers and colleagues, but when teams are distributed, communication must be planned ahead of time.
This requires a shift in mindset from spontaneous conversation to deliberate communication, as well as an understanding of the tools available to remote teams. It can be challenging for teams to transition from chatting over coffee to using online tools for video conferencing, file sharing, and task management.
Collaboration
Because of the lack of physical presence, it can be more difficult for some team members to collaborate on projects and tasks. If one person makes an incorrect assumption about progress or understanding of the project, it can lead to costly mistakes or long delays.
A distributed team must be more deliberate and purposeful in their collaboration, focusing on setting expectations and actively checking in with each other.
Culture
Without the ability to grab lunch together or chat at the water cooler, team members may not feel as connected and engaged in their work. This can lead to decreased morale, lower productivity, and, ultimately, a decrease in revenue.
Inspired employees drive innovation and increased profits, so it's essential to maintain an upbeat work culture, even from a distance. Otherwise, burnout, absenteeism, and attrition will set in, leading to high turnover and lost revenue.
Overcoming Silos
A phenomenon that affects all three — communication, collaboration, and culture — is known as the Silo Effect. This is the tendency for workers to become isolated from one another and their teams.
To overcome this effect, it's important to create an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and respected. Regular check-ins can help team members stay connected with each other while also giving managers insight into how projects are progressing.
Additionally, small gestures like celebrating birthdays or work anniversaries can go a long way in helping distributed teams feel part of something bigger than themselves.
Here are a few tips:
Leverage video conferencing technology to recreate the in-person experience.
Encourage team members to use a variety of channels to communicate (email, chat, phone).
Give everyone an equal amount of airtime during meetings and be cognizant of meeting equity.
Offer regular feedback and recognition for hard work.
Hold virtual happy hours or other social activities.
Even if employees are willing to work alone, try to keep them connected with the team. Research shows that when employees feel their contributions in a team setting are valued, they offer more innovation and creativity.
Embracing Asynchronous Collaboration
For years, businesses have shied away from the concept of asynchronous collaboration, favoring face-to-face meetings or phone calls for most tasks. But with distributed teams, asynchronous collaboration is a must.
Asynchronous collaboration allows team members to work on their schedule and communicate when convenient — not just during regular office hours. This can increase productivity since workers don't have to wait around for an answer or slow down progress while waiting on feedback.
When implementing asynchronous collaboration into your workflow, there are several best practices you should follow:
Here are three key tips for successful asynchronous collaboration:
Establish Clear Roles
Sometimes, distributed and hybrid workforces run into the problem of “too many cooks in the kitchen.” Without clear roles and expectations, teams can become mired in confusion and indecision.
To avoid this, make sure everyone knows their — and everyone else's — role on the team and how it contributes to the overall project or goal. This will help ensure that tasks are completed efficiently with minimal overlap.
During onboarding, a chain of command or organizational chart can help team members understand who they should contact if they have questions.
Track Communication
You don't have to micromanage your team, but you do need to be aware of what's happening. Make sure everyone is using the same communication channels and creating a record of conversations on shared platforms like Slack or Google Drive.
This will help keep communications organized and allow others to see what's been discussed in previous meetings.
Everyone should be hitting certain thresholds of communication. For example, if a team member hasn't responded to an email or Slack message in two days, it may be time to follow up with them.
Regular check-ins and progress updates can also help ensure everyone is on the same page.
Encourage Mentorship
Your more senior team members can help bridge the gap between remote and hybrid workers by providing mentorship and guidance to their less experienced colleagues. This will encourage collaboration, build relationships among the team, and keep everyone on track with the project goals.
If needed, consider having a designated mentor or coach who is available to answer questions or provide feedback in real time when necessary. The value of mentorship — especially for small businesses — has been shown to have a significant effect on growth and survival.
With a team member invested in an individual's development, it is easier for them to buy in on company goals and contribute to the overall success.
Invest in Technology
Finally, it's important to invest in the right technology. Video conferencing software can help bridge the gap between remote team members and make sure everyone is on the same page, while digital workspaces can help keep communication organized.
Solutions like Stormboard, a digital whiteboard, enable distributed teams to easily collaborate on projects and brainstorm ideas. This can be especially helpful when it comes to ideation, as everyone can contribute their thoughts without the need for in-person meetings.
Shifting the Perception of Hybrid Workforces
Without a doubt, distributed and hybrid teams bring a host of challenges. But the biggest challenge is often shifting the perception of these new workforces — from one of pain to value.
At its core, remote and hybrid workforces are about tapping into global talent pools and creating a more productive team. That's why it's important to focus on the potential benefits rather than just the challenges.
With clear expectations, effective communication, and the right technology in place, distributed teams can actually increase revenue while providing employees with more flexibility.
As skilled workers continue to flock to remote and hybrid opportunities, these teams are no longer a trend — they're the future. Companies that embrace this shift will be well-positioned for success in the long run.
At Stormboard, we’re experts at connecting distributed and hybrid teams. Organizations across virtually every industry use Stormboard as a data-first collaboration platform that bridges the gap between timezones, encourages asynchronous collaboration, and helps teams find new efficiencies - like reduced time spent in meetings.
Reach out to one of our experts today to book a no-obligation product tour or personalized demo and let us show you how Stormboard can help your organization build more value with your distributed teams.
About the author:
A programmer by trade, Nick Saraev is a freelance writer and entrepreneur with a penchant for helping people excel in their careers. He's been featured on Popular Mechanics & Apple News, and has founded several successful companies in e-commerce, marketing, and artificial intelligence. When he's not working on his latest project, you can find him hiking or painting.
