Remote Work: Small Business's Love-Hate Relationship

Do This:

1. DO embrace asynchronous communication: Allow your team to work on their schedules and communicate in a way that works best for them. For example, if someone prefers to work early in the morning, they can email the team and expect a response later in the day.

2. DO create virtual water cooler moments: Foster team spirit by setting up virtual chats, happy hours, or games to connect with your remote team. For example, you can set up a virtual game of Pictionary or play a round of "Two Truths and a Lie."

3. DO have a clear remote work policy: Establish clear guidelines for remote work, including when you expect it, how to communicate with team members, and what tools to use. This will help avoid confusion and keep everyone on the same page.

Don't Do This:

1. DON'T micromanage: Avoid constantly checking in on your remote team. Trust that your employees will complete their work on time and to a high standard. For example, resist the urge to send emails at all hours of the day or constantly ask for updates on projects.

2. DON'T forget to check in on mental health: Remote work can be isolating and affect mental health. Make sure to check in with your team regularly and provide resources for support. For example, you can set up a virtual counseling session or offer mental health resources in your employee handbook.

3. DON'T overlook in-person team building: While remote work can offer flexibility, it's essential also to have in-person team building events. For example, you can organize a team outing to a local park or restaurant to strengthen relationships and foster a sense of camaraderie.