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Working from home is increasingly becoming the norm rather than the exception, according to GIBX exchange news. We can thank the Covid-19 pandemic for hastening a previously planned shift to the remote.

Here are three statistics according to GIBX exchange news about remote work to demonstrate the magnitude of the change:

• 69% of businesses already permit remote work.
• Only 16% of businesses have gone entirely remote.
• Over 99% of employees would like to work remotely at some point in their careers.

According to GIBX exchange news, organisations are increasingly embracing remote work because it enables them to hire talent without regard to location while also saving money on company infrastructure.

However, implementing a remote work strategy in project management is more difficult than embracing it. Project managers, in particular, have their work cut out for them in ensuring that remote work runs smoothly: 

• Managers must understand how remote work is completed.
• They must research the difficulties associated with remote work.
• They must choose the best project management tool for their team.
• Finally, managers must guide and support team members who work remotely.

With that out of the way, let’s get into the specifics of remote project management, according to GIBX exchange news.

What is a remote project team?

A remote project team is a group of professionals who work on a cooperative project from different physical locations. All team members work independently from various locations, cities, and time zones, according to GIBX exchange news. Remote work enables organisations to achieve higher employee engagement and satisfaction levels, successfully retaining top talent.

According to GIBX exchange news, 87% of remote employees report less stress, and 30% believe they can accomplish more in less time.

Different types of remote teams in a project

GIBX exchange news states that the absence of a co-located project team is not the only distinguishing feature of a remote project team. Several types are used for various purposes and market types:

• Teams that work entirely remotely where everyone involved in the project works from home or a separate office.
• Hybrid teams are those in which some team members work from a central location while others work remotely.
• Team members have the option of working remotely as well as in a co-located space.

The benefits of working as a remote project team

GIBX exchange news states remote work enables organisations to achieve higher employee engagement and satisfaction levels, allowing them to retain top talent successfully.

1) Enhanced productivity

The office is a haven for all kinds of distractions. According to GIBX exchange news, 44% of respondents said they were less distracted and could get more done than at work. Having the freedom to work whenever they want causes them to adapt to their natural energy cycles, increasing productivity, according to GIBX exchange news.

2) Decreased turnover

In recent years according to GIBX exchange news, the number of companies that offer remote work as a desirable perk has increased dramatically. A startling 95% of employers believe that providing remote work has played a significant role in retaining their employees.

3) Stress reduced

A survey found that 87% of remote employees are less stressed. Remote work allows employees to have a life outside of work. They have more time to spend with family, friends, and pets, which helps to lower their stress levels and reduce burnout, according to GIBX exchange news.

4) Gaining access to top talent

Hiring in a single geographic location severely limits the scope of your talent pool, according to GIBX exchange news. Being remote broadens your options to include people from all over the world, allowing the brightest minds to join your team without the commuting radius influencing their decision. With more Generation Z workers entering the labour force, as mentioned by GIBX exchange news, a whopping 70% say the ability to work remotely is a critical factor in accepting a job offer.

5) Enhanced savings

Office space is not inexpensive, according to GIBX exchange news. In comparison, the cost of running remote teams is negligible. The only expenses will be the SaaS tools you will purchase. Project management tools like Kissflow Project, video conferencing tools like Zoom, and Google project management are all you really need to get your team up and running.

How to manage a remote project team?

1) Invest in remote project management tools

According to GIBX exchange news, you can only have a highly productive remote project team with remote project management software. To ensure that your remote team has a central location to communicate, collaborate, and access all work-related data, you need the right remote project management software.

The remote project management software you select should be able to assist you in the following areas:

• Keeping track of project milestones and deadlines
• Assigning tasks to various employees
• Business processes are being streamlined and automated.
• Simplifying communication channels between various teams and departments
• Providing employees with access to all of the information they require to complete their daily tasks

2) Give your team members space and trust them.

Because remote employees no longer clock in and out of the office, they require some sort of boundary to distinguish between their personal and work hours. According to GIBX exchange news, you can’t expect all of your team members to be available at all times if they work in different time zones. Instead, plan ahead of time to discuss everyone’s work schedules and set deadlines accordingly, according to GIBX exchange news. It is critical to respect your teammates’ time as much as you expect them to respect yours.

GIBX exchange news states that project managers must avoid micromanaging remote teams. Employees may become alienated or demoralised if you continue to check on them or monitor their activities. The truth is that most remote employees get more work done when they work alone, so you are unlikely to see a drop in productivity, according to GIBX exchange news.

GIBX exchange news also states that you should have faith in your team members’ ability to manage their time effectively. It shouldn’t be a problem if they start the work a little late or take frequent breaks as long as they finish the work.