As the world continues to embrace the benefits of digital transformation, many companies are allowing their employees to work remotely as a means of staying competitive. While working remotely can provide numerous benefits, it also poses unique challenges for professionals in various industries. 

As a change and engagement consultant working on complex multinational projects across various time zones, we have mastered strategies and tools necessary to overcome the obstacles that come with working remotely. 

Let me share some tricks of the trade with you…

1. Communication is key to working remotely

Effective communication is always important in any workplace, but it becomes even more critical when working remotely. When building relationships with stakeholders across the globe, it’s essential to establish clear channels of communications and set expectations early on. This may mean scheduling regular video conference calls or setting up shared project management tools to keep everyone on the same page. 

2. Understand cultural differences

When working with stakeholders in different parts of the world, it’s crucial to understand and respect cultural differences. This includes everything from communication styles to business practices. Taking time to learn about your stakeholders’ culture and customs goes a long way in establishing trust and rapport. 

3. Establish trust

Building trust is essential when working remotely, particularly with stakeholders you may never have met in person. To establish trust, it’s important to be open and transparent in your communication, follow through on commitments and be honest about any challenges or issues that arise. When stakeholders feel they can trust you, they’re more likely to collaborate with you towards a common objective. 

4. Build relationships while remote working

Building relationships takes time, and this can be challenging when working remotely. However, it’s essential to invest the effort to get to know your stakeholders and build rapport. This may mean scheduling regular check-ins, setting up virtual coffee breaks, or finding other ways to connect on a personal level. When stakeholders feel like they know and trust you as a person, they’ll be more likely to work with you towards a shared goal. 

Want to build a good relationship with your team? Check out our post about managing teams of remote workers successfully.

5. Embrace technology

Working remotely wouldn’t be possible without technology, so it’s important to embrace the tools and platforms available to you. This includes everything from video conference software to project management tools to instant messaging apps. By leveraging technology effectively, remote teams can stay connected and collaborate seamlessly. Embracing technology can help individuals and organizations stay agile, adapt to new challenges, and maintain a competitive edge in today’s digital landscape.

Despite its challenges, remote working has become an increasingly popular trend in today’s workforce, and for good reason. The flexibility, cost-saving and productivity advantages it offers are difficult to ignore. And, remote work can help organisations attract and retain top talent, expand their reach, scale their operations and promote sustainability.

As technology continues to advance, remote working is likely to become even more prevalent, with new tools and solutions emerging to address the challenges associated with this work model. Ultimately, remote working has the potential to reshape the future of work, providing workers and businesses with new opportunities to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.