With advancements in mobile and cloud technology, more and more businesses are shifting toward virtual offices. But if you have a team of remote workers, how can you be sure they’re working to their fullest potential and producing the quality output needed to make your company a success? Here are 4 helpful tips for keeping your remote employees in the loop and on the ball.

Start with the right workers.

The best way to ensure that everyone on your team is pulling their weight is to carefully select your employees. The key is to assemble a team of quality, trustworthy people who are professional and committed to helping you achieve your goals. This may take a little longer and require a little more attention and legwork on your part, but it will be well worth it in the end.

Use the right tools.

When your team is spread out over many different locations, it’s easy to lose focus. Frequent communication and clear strategies are critical. Make sure you’re using every tool at your disposal, including your virtual phone system, through which you can hold regular group meetings to touch base and collaborate on ideas, and task management software that will keep everyone on track. The technology is out there and it’s improving every day, so use it to your fullest advantage.

Develop and infuse your company culture.

One of the best ways to bring out the very best in remote workers is to draw them in and make them a part of your company culture. Develop your culture – or the heart of what your business is all about – and then communicate that in every way you can to your remote team. Then, include them in some decisions, ask their opinions and make them feel as though they have a real say in how the company is run. 

Don’t forget about time off.

With remote workers, the line between working time and time off is often critically blurred. It may seem perfectly acceptable to have an employee do work while he’s watching TV at night, but you may end up with sloppy work and mistakes. Not to mention a team of people who are burned out. Make taking time off mandatory and not only will your team appreciate it, but they’ll be refreshed and ready to give it their all when it’s time to get back to the grind.