Workers today want flexibility when it comes to where they work—which could give some startups an upper hand in attracting top-quality talent.
During the pandemic, working from home became the norm. But more companies have been calling employees back to the office. In a 2023 survey of 1,000 company decision makers, just 2 percent of respondents said their company never plans to require employees to work in-person. 51 percent currently required some or all employees to work in-person, and 39 percent planned to by the end of 2024.
Among employees, however, flexible work arrangements are still a top priority—even if they come at the cost of lower pay.
While established companies are more likely to have existing office space for employees to utilize, new and emerging organizations may not. 35 percent of businesses that launched in 2023 opted for a fully remote model—up from 22 percent in 2022 and 16 percent in 2021.
While remote work can be a great talent acquisition and employee retention tool, startup leaders may have concerns about how to keep their team members engaged when they’re working from different locations.
Here are some tips on how your startup can foster a productive, collaborative work environment among your remote employees.
Related: Is your startup positioned to win top talent in 2024?
Establish Clear Expectations: Establishing clear expectations around roles, responsibilities, deliverables, and deadlines is critical to any productive work environment—whether remote, hybrid, or in-person. Setting expectations begins during the hiring process, with crafting the right job description, and continues by working with employees to set short- and long-term goals and providing consistent feedback.
Use Collaborative Tools: There are more tools than ever to help remote teams seamlessly collaborate and communicate. Leverage project management software (Asana, Trello), communication platforms (Microsoft Teams, Slack), and document sharing tools (Microsoft 365, Google Docs) to keep tabs on tasks and keep projects moving as efficiently as possible.
Regular Check-Ins: Schedule regular team check-ins, one-on-one meetings, and department meetings to provide updates, address concerns, and foster a sense of connection. Video meetings can help employees feel more connected and ensure things aren’t getting lost in email communications.
Transparent Communication: Foster an environment of open and transparent communication where team members feel comfortable sharing ideas, asking questions, and raising concerns. Even when managing remote employees, leaders can maintain a remote “open-door” policy and ensure they’re responsive and engaged when communicating with staff.
Related: 5 Ways to Improve Team Communication at Your Startup
Encourage Continuous Learning: Promote a culture of continuous learning and skill development by providing access to relevant online courses and webinars. If there are in-person opportunities for learning and development, encourage employees to take advantage of them.
Lead by Example: Leaders set the tone for any organization—new or established, large or small. Set an example by communicating transparently, being accessible to your team, and actively participating in collaborative activities.
Remote work doesn’t have to come at the expense of productivity, collaboration, and communication. In fact, allowing your team to work remotely can significantly expand your talent pool, allowing your up-and-coming business to access even more competitive, qualified candidates.
Thinking about growing your startup team? Get in touch with Viaduct today.
This blog was authored by Viaduct’s Tom Hausler.
