How to Create An Effective Remote Work Policy for International Teams
Guest Post by Alex Mikaelian
Over the past few years, businesses have transitioned from an office-based culture to one that is more flexible or even completely remote.
This development has led to a significant rise in geographically dispersed teams and international recruitment.
Despite these new hiring trends, some companies still struggle to develop effective remote work policies for their international teams. However, many others have managed to design new policies that are more appropriate for global team operations.
The following are some ways that companies can effectively modify or structure their work policies for international remote workers.
Promote Flexibility
Being flexible is possibly one of the most important aspects of an effective remote work policy for a dispersed team.
This is because international teams may work across different time zones, which makes it difficult to maintain a traditional 9-to-5 schedule.
Therefore, ensure that your company’s work policy includes flexible work hours.
This flexibility is no longer a mind-blowing concept; instead of requiring your team members to work within a specific timeframe, allow them to have some control over their schedules.
This strategy could entail setting hours when everyone is expected to be available while working from home, wherever that may be, while also allowing employees to work during the hours that are most convenient for them.
In addition, when team members work across different time zones, it’s important to set clear expectations for individual response times.
Allowing for longer response times or delays when workers are outside of their normal working hours should be a standard practice.
You can choose to set up an on-call system to handle urgent requests as needed.
Invest in Digital Tools
It goes without saying, but being able to procure and use the appropriate tools and technology for remote work is critical when managing remote teams, particularly those that are based in multiple different locations.
International remote workers face additional challenges due to language barriers, time zone differences, and, often, cultural differences.
Effective communication is essential for successful collaboration, and online tools are critical to bridge these gaps.
Without the use of appropriate digital tools, remote teams become disjointed and unproductive.
When working with international team members, online tools such as video conferencing platforms, instant messaging apps, well-designed CRM for the sales team, and project management software can help to foster collaboration and increase productivity.
Real-time messaging tools enable team members to communicate quickly and efficiently, while video conferencing tools allow for face-to-face meetings without the need for physical travel.
Project management software can help remote teams stay on task and on schedule.
This type of software provides a central hub where team members can work together, track project progress, share files, and assign tasks.
With the right project management tool, line managers can monitor progress, identify potential bottlenecks, and quickly make adjustments as they need.
For dispersed remote teams, online tools can also bridge language barriers by providing real-time translation services.
Online translation tools enable team members to communicate effectively with colleagues who speak different languages, breaking down communication barriers that would otherwise impede collaboration.
Provide Training and Support
Providing impactful remote training for international teams is crucial to ensure they can perform their jobs effectively and remain engaged with the company no matter where they are based.
Thankfully, digital learning solutions have made it easier to manage and participate in mandatory corporate training, which can be outlined through company policies.
Remote training should not solely rely on the use of digital tools, however, as collaborative learning is also crucial for the successful development of international teams.
Collaborative learning involves teamwork and interaction, and can be achieved through joint case studies, peer editing, group projects, and information sharing.
Onboarding is a particularly important process for remote workers going through digital recruitment, as they may not have the opportunity to meet their colleagues and managers face-to-face.
Providing a comprehensive onboarding process that includes training on internal tools and procedures can help new employees feel more comfortable and confident in their roles.
Additionally, when working with international teams, cross-cultural awareness training can be helpful to create a more inclusive and respectful work environment.
This type of training can help team members better understand each other’s backgrounds, communication styles, and work preferences, which can help prevent unnecessary misunderstandings and conflicts.
Therefore, it is important for companies to put policies in place that use appropriate technologies to prioritize collaborative, engaging, and culturally aware corporate training.
Promote Work-Life Balance
One of the biggest challenges that remote workers face is the ability to set clear boundaries between their personal and professional lives.
As a result, employees can easily fall into the trap of overworking themselves, which can negatively impact their mental health and overall wellbeing.
To tackle this issue, companies need to prioritize promoting work-life balance as part of their remote work policy.
It is necessary to provide employees with resources and tools to manage their mental health and wellbeing, offering flexible schedules that allow for a better work-life balance, and encouraging employees to take breaks and step away from work when they need to.
In order for this policy to actually have any impact, managers need to lead by example and set the tone for the company culture.
They need to continuously encourage employees to prioritize their wellbeing, frequently check in with their team members to assess whether their work is taking a toll on their health, and create a supportive environment that allows employees to speak up about their concerns.
Another important aspect of promoting mental health and work-life balance is to ensure that employees have access to the right support and resources.
This approach can include offering mental health benefits and access to counseling services, as well as resources for stress management and burnout prevention.
Final Thoughts
By implementing a comprehensive remote work policy that addresses these key areas, companies can successfully manage and support their international teams, regardless of where they are based in the world.
With the right approach, remote work can be a positive and effective way to operate, while simultaneously benefiting both employees and businesses alike.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Alex is a content and copywriter with a focus on digital marketing and the freelance lifestyle. With the rising popularity of freelancing, he enjoys sharing useful tips and healthy habits for remote workers.