In today’s global business landscape, remote work has become the norm rather than the exception. Whether you're managing a team spread across time zones, like the bookkeeping company where I work, with bookkeepers based in the Philippines and a management team in North America, or working alongside a distributed workforce at a company like Shopify, creating a strong, cohesive team in a remote environment is both a challenge and a necessity.
At first glance, it might seem impossible to foster a sense of connection, camaraderie, and teamwork when team members rarely, if ever, meet face-to-face. However, building a strong remote team is not only achievable—it's essential for long-term success. Here are some key elements to focus on when cultivating a remote workforce.
1. Clear Communication is the Foundation
One of the most important factors in remote team building is clear and effective communication. Without the luxury of spontaneous in-office interactions, it's crucial to have established communication channels and practices that ensure everyone stays connected and informed.
At the bookkeeping company, where our bookkeepers work across different time zones, we rely on scheduled check-ins, detailed communication guidelines, and dedicated platforms like Slack or Zoom to ensure that nothing falls through the cracks. With Shopify, clear communication was essential to maintain alignment across a massive distributed workforce of thousands of advisors and support staff.
Having clear expectations on how and when to communicate, whether through daily reports, weekly meetings, or project management tools like Asana, is the first step to ensuring everyone is on the same page, no matter where they are.
2. Building Trust and Autonomy
When your team is remote, it’s important to cultivate a culture of trust. Unlike traditional office settings, where managers can observe their team members’ work habits, remote work requires an inherent level of trust in your team to complete their tasks without direct oversight.
For both the bookkeeping company and Shopify, empowering employees by trusting their judgment and giving them autonomy is essential. When remote workers feel trusted, they are more likely to be productive, engaged, and motivated. Offering flexibility in how and when tasks are completed (as long as deadlines are met) helps to build this trust and fosters a culture where employees feel valued.
3. Prioritize Inclusivity and Team-Bonding Activities
In a remote environment, fostering a sense of belonging and inclusivity can feel like an uphill battle, but it’s vital for morale. Scheduling regular virtual team-building activities helps maintain personal connections. These activities could range from virtual coffee breaks and game nights to recognition programs where team members highlight each other’s achievements. These moments help build relationships and create a sense of camaraderie, even when miles apart.
When working at Shopify, we had "water cooler" Slack channels and virtual team events that helped break down barriers and encourage team bonding. Similarly, at the bookkeeping firm, we found that something as simple as celebrating small wins together through a shared online space made a big difference in morale. Encouraging casual conversations between team members also goes a long way in fostering inclusivity and keeping the remote team connected.
4. Use Technology to Your Advantage
With the wide range of tools available today, it’s easier than ever to keep your remote team organized and efficient. Using the right tools can bridge the gap between geographical distances and help build a strong operational framework.
For example, at the bookkeeping company, we use QuickBooks Online (QBO) and other cloud-based tools like A2X for seamless financial tracking and client management, which allows our team to collaborate easily across borders. Shopify, as a tech-driven company, also prioritized the use of cutting-edge platforms to ensure smooth operations and communication between remote teams. Investing in the right technology will allow you to streamline workflows, keep track of tasks, and create a collaborative work environment where everyone has access to the resources they need.
5. Offer Professional Development and Growth Opportunities
Remote workers should feel like they're part of a larger vision and not isolated in their roles. Offering growth opportunities through training, mentorship, and skill development helps keep your remote team engaged and motivated.
At the bookkeeping company, we actively encourage our bookkeepers to grow within their roles, offering training and opportunities to specialize in different areas of financial management. During my time at Shopify, the company was well known for prioritizing the professional development of its staff, whether they worked remotely or in-office, ensuring employees felt supported and valued.
When team members know they have room to grow and that their efforts contribute to the company’s success, it promotes a sense of ownership and loyalty, essential components of a strong team.
6. Define Roles and Set Clear Expectations
Remote teams function best when everyone understands their responsibilities. Defining roles and setting clear, measurable expectations help to avoid confusion and overlap in duties.
At both Shopify and the bookkeeping company, clarity around each team member's role allowed everyone to work independently while still contributing to the team's overall success. Clear expectations reduce the risk of miscommunication and ensure that the team remains productive and aligned with the company's goals.
Conclusion: Remote Work, Real Team Spirit
Building a cohesive, high-functioning remote team is entirely possible with the right strategies in place. It starts with clear communication, builds with trust and autonomy, and is reinforced by inclusivity, proper tools, and growth opportunities. Whether you're running a bookkeeping firm with an international team or working within a large-scale operation like Shopify, focusing on these aspects will help your team feel connected, engaged, and ready to succeed—no matter where they are.
By putting the time and effort into these areas, you’ll foster a strong, unified team that can handle the unique challenges and opportunities that come with working remotely.
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