More and more businesses are embracing remote work as it enables them to hire top talent without location constraints and save money on operational costs. However, implementing a strategy for remote project management isn’t the same as embracing it.

A virtual project manager has their tasks cut out for them. They need to ensure that remote working happens without any hitch for the whole team, but this is going to be a huge challenge. Coordinating workflows is tricky when your teammates are based on the other side of the world.

The good news is that with a system in place, it’s possible to make remote work an effective solution for any team. Whether you’re new as a remote project manager or have dabbled in it before, there are things you may do to make things easier for you and your workers.

What is remote project management anyway?

It involves a virtual project manager making sure projects are proceeding smoothly and get completed in budget and on time, all the while managing a remote team. The objective is the same as traditional project management, which is to deliver the output within the promised timeline.

How is remote project management different?

When you’re already working as a project manager virtually or are considering it, you know that there are several benefits in doing so. Apart from the considerable virtual project manager salary, there’s also:

• Better work-life balance – The 2019 State of Remote Work by Owl Lab reports that remote worker tenure is higher than on-site worker tenure. One of the driving factors behind this is better work-life balance due to greater schedule flexibility and more comfortable working environments.
• Demand for global talent – Many companies are looking to hire a virtual project manager from different places around the world. This means they aren’t restricted to local talent so you have a chance to be chosen. You never know, you might be the best fit for their job opening.
• Increased productivity – According to recent WFH research, nearly 6 out of 10 workers reported being more productive when working from home. Around 40% of workers said they were more productive at home during the pandemic than they were in the office.

What makes remote project management hard?

The benefits of remote work are clear, but being a virtual project manager also has its challenges, such as:

• Lack of communication throughout the project
• Disengagement or feeling like they aren’t part of the group
• Loss of bonding or team-building due to different locations
• Fostering company culture when everyone is remote
• Delays while awaiting instructions from the client
• Inability to set the right project timeline and schedule
• Adding new members to the project too late in the schedule
• Missing accountability amongst the team members
• Access, technology, and security issues
• Inability to respect each other’s time

What makes a remote project team?

What you need is a group of professionals working from different geographic locations on a single project. All of your teammates work separately from different time zones and cities. Remote work helps a virtual project manager and their workers to engage with each other more for smoother collaborations.

What are the different remote teams and roles?

A remote project manager needs the same skills as a traditional one i.e. people management skills and attention to detail. One trait that they must possess is the ability to lead from a distance through technology.

There are three different types of remote teams in project management, namely:

• Fully remote – in this setup, everyone involved in the project is working from home or any other remote location
• Hybrid – some members of the team are working in a centralised location, e.g. co-working space, while others are working remotely
• Flex – team members have the flexibility to work from a co-located space or remotely, depending on their preferences or needs

Your role as a remote project manager in the Philippines is to oversee each of these types of remote teams. You’re responsible for handling cloud-based tools, delegating assignments, and keeping the project within budget. Your job is to ensure everyone pulls their weight and that tasks are finished on time.

How do you succeed as a remote project manager?

Lay the right foundation

Set your project up for success by creating a shared vision. Simple projects are manageable with minimal effort but complex projects involve lots of things. It helps to give everyone a detailed rundown before starting work so that:

• Assumptions are defined
• Communication is enabled with the team and stakeholders
• Scope and budget are documented
• Baselines are scheduled
• Members are on the same page
• Expectations for each person are set from the beginning

Project specifications are easy to build when you use cross-team collaboration tools like Dropbox or Google Sheets. It’s more convenient to modify or add information with cloud-based software too. Just ensure that your project spec includes the four key areas of scope, assignments, timeline, and objectives.

Keep everything on track

When working together in the same office, a project manager may physically check in with members to ask for an update on the project. As a remote project manager, you are unable to do that so you have to rely on other methods of planning and monitoring.

Some teams use Google Docs and other tools to manage their day-to-day activities. You might also want to turn to project planning tools for tracking your tasks and deadlines. They allow you to keep your deliverables, budget, and other information in one place.

Assemble your team

Every person part your team has their strengths and flaws. Focus on the strengths of each member, but strive for balance so all are providing input and contributing towards your goals. Collaboration tools like Zoom are essential for bringing your team together, but make sure you:

• See and hear everyone through a roll call
• Send each participant the agenda before the meeting starts
• Check that the meeting doesn’t disrupt the team schedule
• Record the meeting for everyone to refer to later
• Get all members excited to work on the project

Keep a human connection

Some people are most productive when they are working alone and at home, while others crave regular contact with their colleagues. When working on a project, no member of your team should work alone. Strive to maintain that human connection even if you aren’t meeting them in person.

One thing you might do is require everyone to turn on their cameras during meetings. By being able to see their faces, you will be able to read their body language and facial expressions thereby confirming that they are following along the discussion. Schedule check-ins over video regularly too.

What are other tips for a virtual project manager?

The tips we mentioned above are focused towards your dealings with your team. There are things you may do to boost your own productivity and efficiency.

Establish boundaries for yourself

It’s easy to separate your personal life from work when you’re in an office, but it’s different when you work from home. There’s the temptation to sit on the couch and watch TV all day. On the other end of the spectrum, you might be tempted to keep working because it’s available to you 24/7.

Boundaries are essential to keep you from burning through your budget or allocated hours per task. They don’t have to be overly strict—they need only to work. For example, you might change into comfortable clothes once you’ve logged off work to signal your brain that you’re in relaxing mode.

Go outside every now and then

Even if your friends and peers are only a message away, it’s important to interact with other people too. Try working in a coffee shop or co-working space a few times a month. If the public library in your city allows it, bring your work there too.

It’s not necessary to talk to strangers or make new friends. Being in the presence of other people reminds you that you are part of society and recharge you from the days of isolation. This still applies even if you’re living with your family and other loved ones.

Keep your workspace organised

Many a remote project manager has a specific way they like to arrange their desks to become efficient. Perhaps you need multiple monitors with one mounted to the wall, a few plants around your table, and a lamp with adjustable lighting. Whatever works for you, make it happen.

It might take you a while to get your space right, but remember to treat it as an office. Those string lights might look great on social media but they aren’t conducive towards productivity. Keep your workspace outside your bedroom too.

Make the most of being home

Some remote workers worry about doing anything that might be seen as selfish or rude, like leaving a meeting first or naming themselves in the company email about a successful project. The same happens with regards to the perks of working from home.

It’s okay to take the time to do things that make you happy. Just make sure you aren’t compromising your output or availability at work. So, go play with your children when they get out of class and try those recipes you saw on your feed.

Work as a remote project manager in the Philippines

There are plenty of challenges that come with remote project management but there are ways to ensure your projects are all successful. When done right, managing a remote team increases productivity, lowers costs, and reduces turnover for your employer.

With a better idea on how to become a better project manager, you might be wondering where to find a job in this field. We at Remote Workmate are ready to be of help. We will connect you with a company that is looking to hire a virtual project manager like you.

Being that we are an offshore staffing service provider, our clients from all over the globe. Worry not about the application process as we will assist you every step of the way. We’ll even help you to negotiate your virtual project manager salary when necessary.