Without clear policies and communication, managing a remote team can quickly become frustrating — for both you and your employees. That’s why setting up the right foundation is everything.
Start with a Remote Employee Work Policy
Here’s what it should include:
- Work hours and availability (Do you expect 9–5 or flexible schedules?)
- Communication tools and check-in frequency
- Security and data protection protocols
- Home office expectations (Are webcams required? What about quiet spaces?)
- Performance measurement and productivity benchmarks
A written policy helps avoid misunderstandings and keeps everyone aligned — even when no one’s in the same room.
Communication is Everything
You don’t have the luxury of hallway chats and quick desk check-ins. So your communication needs to be intentional. That means:
- Weekly one-on-ones with each team member
- Clear expectations around response times
- Using tools like Slack, Zoom, or ClickUp to streamline conversations and task management
One client we worked with moved their entire project tracking into ClickUp and immediately saw a drop in missed deadlines and “I didn’t know” moments. It’s amazing what a little structure can do.
Make Time for Connection
When people work remotely, it’s easy to feel isolated. Building team culture requires extra effort — but it’s worth it.
Host virtual coffee breaks, celebrate birthdays on Zoom, or start a “random” Slack channel just for fun. Encourage casual check-ins and make space for non-work chat. When people feel connected, they stay longer and perform better.
Don’t Forget Compliance
Having remote employees doesn’t mean you’re off the hook for labor laws. In fact, things get trickier when you’ve got employees in different states. You’ll need to:
- Register in every state where you have employees
- Follow that state’s wage and hour laws
- Understand what benefits or leave laws apply
If this sounds overwhelming, you’re not alone. Many small business owners partner with HR consultants or use payroll systems with built-in compliance alerts to stay on top of it.
Build Trust, Not Control
The biggest fear many business owners have is, “How do I know they’re really working?”
The truth? If you’ve hired the right people, set expectations clearly, and check in regularly, you don’t need to hover. Focus on output, not activity. Trust your team — and hold them accountable.