As many businesses continue to embrace remote work, managers around the world have had to adapt to new ways of leading their teams. 

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Remote work can come with its own unique set of challenges, but with the right strategies and tools in place, managers can successfully lead their teams from a distance. 

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In this blog post, we'll explore best practices for remote management and how computer tracking software for business like Insightful can help managers track progress and manage their teams more effectively.

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1. Communicate frequently and effectively

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When working remotely, communication is key. Managers should encourage regular check-ins through video conferencing, chat applications, and email. 

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Video conferencing tools like Zoom, Google Meet, Skype, or Microsoft Teams can help facilitate face-to-face communication and build rapport. Chat applications like Slack or Microsoft Teams allow for quick and informal communication, while email is still an essential tool for formal communication. It's important to choose the right communication channels that suit the needs of the team and the task at hand.

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However, communication can be challenging to track when working remotely. This is software like Insightful can be incredibly useful. Insightful solves the problem of how to monitor work from home employees and can help managers track communication and collaboration among team members, identify which communication channels are most effective, and provide insights into how team members are interacting with one another.

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2. Set clear expectations

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Clear expectations can help remote workers stay on track and focus on their tasks. Managers should define goals and expectations for each project and make sure everyone understands their role and responsibilities. This includes establishing clear project timelines, setting specific and measurable goals, and outlining the scope of work.

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Project management tools like Trello, Asana, or Monday.com can help managers track progress and ensure that projects stay on track. These tools allow managers to manage tasks and workflows, assign responsibilities, and set deadlines. By using these tools, managers can monitor progress, identify potential bottlenecks, and ensure that projects are completed on time and to a high standard.

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Company computer monitoring software Insightful can also be used to track progress and identify potential issues before they become major problems. By monitoring employee activity and identifying when employees may be falling behind or need additional support, managers can take proactive steps to ensure that projects stay on track.

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3. Trust your team

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Trust is essential when managing remote workers. Remote work requires a level of independence and self-motivation from employees, and managers should show that they trust their team members by delegating tasks and allowing them to make decisions. 

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Use tools like Insightful to track progress and monitor productivity, so you can focus on outcomes rather than micromanaging.Insightful can help managers track employee activity and identify any potential issues, such as excessive time spent on non-work related websites or low productivity. By using this information, managers can identify potential issues and provide employees with the resources and support they need to succeed.

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4. Provide feedback and recognition

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Regular feedback and recognition can help keep remote employees engaged and motivated. Use tools like 15Five or Lattice to provide regular feedback and track progress, and recognize good work with public praise or rewards through platforms like Bonusly or Blueboard. 

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Feedback should be constructive, specific, and actionable, and should focus on the employee's strengths and areas for improvement. Recognition can be a powerful motivator, and managers should make an effort to acknowledge and celebrate their team's successes.

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Insightful can also be used to identify areas where employees may need additional support or training. By identifying areas for improvement and providing employees with the resources they need to succeed, managers can help their teams achieve their goals more effectively.

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5. Foster a positive work culture

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Creating a positive work culture is important, even when working remotely. Encourage team building activities and social events, such as virtual happy hours or games. 

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Platforms like Donut or Team Building can help facilitate these activities, and icebreaker questions or team-building games can be found on websites like Icebreaker.video. 

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Insightful can provide valuable insights into team dynamics and help managers identify areas for improvement. By fostering a positive work culture, managers can build a sense of community and collaboration among team members, which can help boost morale and productivity.

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6. Prioritize work-life balance

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Working remotely can lead to burnout if employees are not careful about setting boundaries. Encourage employees to take breaks, set boundaries, and maintain a healthy work-life balance. 

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Tools like Insightful or RescueTime can help employees track how they spend their time, and Time Out or Stretchly can remind employees to take breaks throughout the day. Insightful can also provide insights into employee work habits and help managers identify when employees may be at risk of burnout. It's important to promote a culture of self-care and encourage employees to prioritize their mental health and wellbeing.

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7. Be flexible

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Finally, be flexible and adaptable when managing remote teams. Recognize that everyone's situation is different, and be open to finding creative solutions that work for everyone. 

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Platforms like Calendly or Doodle can help schedule meetings across different time zones, and Google Drive or Dropbox can help facilitate collaborative work on documents or files. Insightful can be used to identify potential bottlenecks or areas where additional support may be needed to keep projects on track. By being flexible, managers can help their remote teams overcome obstacles and achieve their goals more effectively.

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Embrace the Future of Work

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Remote work has become a necessity for many businesses, and managers must adapt to this new way of working. Effective communication, clear expectations, trust, project management tools, feedback and recognition, a positive work culture, prioritizing work-life balance, and flexibility are all crucial strategies for managing remote teams. 

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By leveraging these strategies, along with supporting tools like Insightful, managers can build strong and productive remote teams that are capable of achieving their goals and driving business success. 

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With the right approach, remote work can be just as effective as in-person work, and can offer employees greater flexibility and work-life balance.

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