Remote and in-office associates can work as one team when communication, access and expectations are explicit. These 20 practices support a blended team spread across locations and time zones.
- Set clear communication channels between remote and in-office workers using email, instant messaging, video conferencing or a combination.
- Write a communication plan that says how often and through which channels remote workers and in-office workers will communicate.
- Set response-time expectations for both remote and in-office workers.
- Use collaboration tools such as Google Docs, Slack, Asana or Trello for shared work.
- Schedule regular check-ins so people can surface concerns and confirm that work remains aligned.
- Use video conferencing for meetings and project updates so remote workers stay connected.
- Create social contact through team-building activities, virtual happy hours or other events.
- Give remote workers the training and support they need to do their jobs.
- Use project management tools to track progress, assign tasks and keep work moving.
- Invite remote workers to the office for periodic meetings that build relationships and collaboration.
- Offer flexible schedules that respect different work styles and needs.
- Give remote workers access to the same software, hardware and support available to in-office workers.
- Explain how remote workers should access resources and request support.
- Offer professional development to remote and in-office workers.
- Celebrate team successes together, regardless of where each person works.
- Assign a point of contact for remote workers with questions or concerns.
- Use time tracking tools so remote workers record time accurately and receive fair pay.
- Give remote workers regular feedback so they can improve and stay connected.
- Encourage open communication between remote and in-office workers to build transparency and trust.
- Review the blended-work strategy and adjust it when the team's needs change.