Telecommuting has come about because of huge improvements in technology that allow remote collaboration and communication, and due to the fact that there are huge benefits from working outside the office. These include a better work/ life balance for employees, lower costs for employers, environmental benefits, and a wider talent pool of employees to hire from.
A virtual team is a group of people who work together on a collective goal, completing individual work, but are not physically together. Instead, they work all over the world and communicate using technology.
Despite the rise of such teams in the workplace, there are quite a lot of virtual teams challenges that must be faced, to be able to communicate effectively and normally. These issues can include but are not limited to: communication difficulties, cultural differences, motivation issues, less office culture and less trust for employees.
Possibly the most important thing to consider when managing a virtual team is communication. It’s true that communicating with someone in the office – in person – is always going to be much more effective than speaking online, but thanks to modern technology, virtual conversations and video collaboration have become a lot easier.
A successful virtual team is glued together by communication, collaboration and acceptance that this is a different way of working – but one that does have many advantages. The most crucial thing to consider when troubleshooting a virtual team is any communication issues, whether they be physical (the issue of not being able to talk to people as well online as in person) or psychological (not knowing if someone is battling with loneliness, cultural difficulties or lack of motivation). With the importance of good communication being laid out from the start, a virtual team will become much more successful and effective.
Virtual teams may present complications and challenges, but at the same time, they open the door to many new possibilities. Contact Spectrolite today and ask how we can guide your organisation to successful virtual teams.
