A Guide for Business Owners Who Want to Create a Remote Team
Remote work has become more common, thanks to advances in technology like internet connectivity and video conferencing tools. According to research published in the International Journal of Information Management, the COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated the move toward remote work, ushering in a “new normal” of telecommuting. This is great news for you as a business owner. You now have access to a globalized team of talent, making it easier to find experts to support your business success.
That said, hiring and managing a remote team poses unique challenges. The New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program, NJMEP, helps small to mid-sized manufacturers overcome hurdles just like this one. Below, we offer insight on how to build and manage a remote team.
Register your business with the state to simplify remote hiring
Before you start building your remote team, make sure you are equipped to hire workers. If you haven’t already done so, consider registering your business as a formal entity like a limited liability company. An LLC offers various advantages, from tax benefits to personal liability protection. State rules regarding LLC formation vary, so check your area’s laws. For example, if you start a business in NJ online, you will have to name a registered agent.
Write clear job postings defining what you’re looking for
Once you have the administrative basics for hiring taken care of, you can start the process of searching for remote workers. First, sit down and make a list of tasks you need help with. This will enable you to figure out what roles you need to hire for, and what credentials, education, and skills your ideal candidates will possess. Then, follow these tips from Remote Bliss on writing a clear job posting, including crafting a well-defined title, defining the qualifications, and highlighting benefits.
Use video calls to get a sense of each candidate’s personality
A resume can only tell you about a person’s credentials. Rely on video calls to get an idea of a candidate’s personality. According to People Dynamics, personality can be a big factor in workplace success. You want people in your team to get along. Never conducted a video interview before? Check out Workable’s guide to video interviews for employers. They offer various tips, such as investing in quality video software and providing a “how-to” guide to video tools for candidates.
Set up easy onboarding processes
Onboarding helps new workers integrate into your team so they can feel at ease with their boss and co-workers. It also gives them the basic information they need to thrive in their new role, such as what communication channels your company relies on and what technological tools they should be using. Holloway provides a guide specifically for onboarding remote workers. For example, you might send new workers company swag as a personalized welcome gift.
Maintain constant communication with your team
Communication can be a constant challenge when you’re coordinating a remote team. Be proactive about staying in touch with workers. Great Place to Work recommends saying “good morning” virtually every workday to maintain consistent contact. You can also boost camaraderie by creating a virtual “water cooler” via an internal messaging platform like Slack. This is a chance for small talk and bonding about topics other than work.
If you’ve never hired or managed a remote team before, the process may be daunting. However, as the above guide makes clear, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow these pointers to successfully establish a remote team that will support your business success.
This is the kind of helpful information you can get from NJMEP. We are an organization that aims to help New Jersey manufacturers improve competitiveness by reducing costs, improving efficiency, and enhancing employee performance. Find out more.