If you’re working with a virtual team, it’s harder for your team to collaborate with each other. It’s frustrating to deal with differences in culture, language, and even the time of day. It’s hard to keep the morale high when some members are signing off just as others are starting their day.
Due to the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, remote work has become more common. This is why your business has to consider how you may improve your operations despite these obstacles. You want to ensure that your diverse workforce across the globe remains productive and efficient.
What makes working in different timezones hard?
Those in management positions are the ones who struggle with online teams the most. If you leave risks unchecked and unresolved, you’re going to disrupt your business operations. Be on the look out for these issues so you know what to address.
Narrow windows of time
One of the most-mentioned obstacles of working in different time zones is arranging meetings. It’s hard to decide who has to adjust their schedule in order to overlap with others. You want the appointed time to work with everyone so as not to affect their productivity.
Inconsistent communication
The time differences means there’s going to be some delay in communication, such as your remote assistant having to wait for input before they may proceed with their own work. There’s also going to be less information going around which may lead to conflicts.
Fewer chances for recognition
As remote assistants operate in various locations, there’s less space to share knowledge and insights about how projects are progressing. There are less opportunities for them to discuss their plans and ideas as well. This leaves them feeling like they aren’t being appreciated or recognised.
Inadequate socialising
Keeping engagement levels up is a struggle when you are working remotely around the world. When you hire Filipino remote workers but are based in the UK, for instance, your employees in the Philippines may feel isolated. They are already being left out of social interactions, like chatting by the water cooler.
What should you do when in different time zones?
In order for your employees to work effectively in a virtual team, you have to work on establishing strong connections among them. Here are some secrets on how you can make your arrangement work regardless if you have remote staff in the Philippines or elsewhere.
1. Set clear timezone restrictions
In the same way that you aren’t available during every hour of every day, don’t expect your workers to be present at every meeting that they’re invited to. See to it that the boundaries of every member are being noted and that there are equal sacrifices in terms of time.
2. Schedule regular huddles
It’s not necessary for these to be done on video or even on call as these may be arranged on chat too. At the very least have your employees check in with you every time they log in for the day. This is just so you’re aware how their work is going and if they’re struggling with anything.
3. Be specific with communications
When you are arranging conversations with the team, you need to explicitly state what time it will happen and through which mode of communication. For instance, you have to say that you are going to have a call on October 10, Monday at 6PM on Australia Standard Time.
4. Try different kinds of shifts
Consider having a conversation with other executives about having split shifts or half-days to cater to team members who are based in other locations. When you hire remote staff, maybe you may have them work the night shift only 3 times a week, for example.
5. Utilise virtual management tools
Many software and equipment were created to make it possible to work outside of the traditional office setup. Find out which of these progress trackers, project management programs, and virtual collaboration tools your team needs to accomplish their tasks.
6. Keep track of the team’s progress
Outside of the regular huddles, you want to collect data on the performance of each of your remote assistants. Note how many things they have done each day and which types of tasks they are faster in. This enables you to determine where their strengths are and where they are best assigned to.
7. Learn to be more patient
There are going to be times when you have to contact your staff about urgent matters, but they’ve already logged off for the day. Don’t be offended if they decide to put their phone on silent mode or snooze all of their notifications. Wait for them to get back to you during their office hours and not yours.
How to hire remote employees
As an additional tip for making varying time zones work for you and your business, it’s a good idea to hire remote staff who have experience in being in a remote team. You’ll have an easier time when you hire virtual staff through remote agency.
We at Remote Workmate are a remote staffing agency that specialises in helping companies to hire remote in the Philippines. Not only do we have an existing talent pool but we also screen for more candidates so you have your choice of virtual professionals.
Get started on hiring the right remote assistants today by clicking this button.
