Working remotely has become a viable career option in recent years. In fact, it’s estimated that over 50% of the U.S. workforce will be fully remote by 2021. However, forming and managing a successful remote team is no easy feat. It takes careful planning, communication, and management. Here are seven tips for building a successful fully remote team.

1. Establish Clear Expectations and Structure

It’s essential to establish clear expectations and structure when building a successful remote team. This includes setting roles and responsibilities, outlining deadlines, and defining communication protocols. It’s also important to understand the technology your team will use to communicate, collaborate, and stay on track with projects. Technology such as Slack, Zoom, and Google Hangouts can help make remote teams more efficient and productive.

2. Promote Open Communication

When building a successful remote team, communication is key. It’s important to create an open and transparent environment where team members feel comfortable expressing their ideas and concerns. Encourage everyone to participate in discussions and ask questions. Establish daily check-ins and encourage team members to stay in touch through messaging services.

3. Foster Collaboration

Collaboration is an important part of any team, and it’s even more crucial when working remotely. To foster collaboration, set up online collaboration tools that enable team members to work together in real time. This could include shared documents, project management tools, or video conferencing. It’s also important to schedule regular team meetings to ensure everyone is on the same page.

4. Encourage Personal Development

When working remotely, it can be easy to feel isolated and disconnected. To combat this, it’s important to provide opportunities for team members to develop their skills and grow professionally. This could include offering online classes, webinars, and other resources to help team members stay sharp and reach their goals.

5. Prioritize Work-Life Balance

One of the advantages of working remotely is the flexibility it offers. However, it’s important to remember that balance is key. Make sure to set clear boundaries between work and life and provide team members with the necessary tools to help them stay on track with their work without compromising their wellbeing.

6. Monitor Progress

It’s important to stay on top of progress when working with a remote team. Establish tracking systems to monitor progress and provide feedback. This could include project management tools, performance metrics, and regular check-ins. This will help ensure that everyone is on the same page and that projects are completed on time.

7. Address Legal Considerations

When building a successful remote team, it’s important to consider legal considerations such as taxes, insurance, and contracts. Make sure to seek legal advice to ensure the team is compliant with applicable laws and regulations. This will help ensure the team is protected and that everyone is on the same page when it comes to legal matters.

Building a successful fully remote team takes careful planning and management. By following these tips, you can ensure that your team is productive, engaged, and successful.