Remote Collaboration: Best Practices, Challenges, and Tools

Remote collaboration refers to the process by which team members work together effectively across time zones. Through remote collaboration, geographic location is removed as a deterrent to teamwork. Collaboration is one of the most cited challenges of remote work, but it doesn’t have to be. Here are our best practices and tool recommendations.

In 2020 when the COVID pandemic locked down the world, billions of workers were thrown into a completely new way of working: remote collaboration.

Exciting? We think so. But ask anyone who works remotely: it’s not all smooth sailing. Yes, it’s never been easier to find a remote job or attract remote employees, but for many employers and remote workers, this avant-garde way of collaborating and working remotely came with new and daunting challenges. Distributed teams work across time zones and need to take advantage of asynchronous collaboration and remote collaboration tools to maintain productivity, engage current employees, and to attract and onboard new ones.

Despite this, remote workers are valuing the benefits of remote work. Skyrocketing productivity and improved work-life balance have irreversibly changed how we work and how we think about work. Remote workers tend to be more productive, engaged, and happier and employers who hire remote teams can attract the best talent regardless of geography. Here are some numbers: 97.6% of workers would like to work remotely forever after this pandemic is over and 1 in 2 US employees won’t return to jobs that don’t offer remote work. 

Some benefits of remote work include:

1. Improved work life balance

2. Flexibility

3. Global connectivity

4. Cost reduction

Challenges of Remote Collaboration

Remote collaboration is well known for it’s advantages but yes it also has a few challenges. Knowing about these challenges makes it easier for employers and teams to maximize the benefits and work smoothly.

Communication Barriers

Generally, communication can be hard without face-to-face interaction. Messages are be interpreted incorrectly and the team members might miss out on crucial information

Isolation and Loneliness

Due to a lack of interaction with colleagues, team members can feel isolated and lonely as they work solely at their homes.

Technical Glitches and Connectivity Issues

Glitches like slow internet connections, power outtage, or malfunctioning equipment can disrupt workflows and lead to frustration.

Security and Data Protection

Ensuring data security can be a little troublesome with remote teams since the they work from their personal devices and networks. They face a wider attack surface for breaches.

Distractions at Home & Uncomfortable Home Office Setups

Distractions like household chores, family members, or even a comfortable couch can sometimes disrupt productivity.

Best Practices for Effective Remote Collaboration

1. Establish Clear Communication Channels
2. Set Clear Work Goals & Expectations
3. Develop Clear Remote Work Policies
4. Conduct Regular Check-Ins & Meetings
5. Recognize & Celebrate Achievements
6. Encourage Regular Breaks and Work-Life Balance
7. Arrange Team Bonding Activities

Top Collaboration Tools for Remote Teams

Wondering how you can implement all the best practices and the specific tools you rely on? Here are some few:

1. Microsoft Teams

2. Zoom/Goggle meets

3. Google workspace

https://workspace.google.com/