Managing Remote Construction Teams

Here are remote team management tips for your construction projects.

Currently, there is an extensive amount of remote employees in the workforce. With modern technology, the number of remote companies is increasing in all industries, especially construction. Traditional operations include the project managers traveling from job site to job site, checking project progress, and employee productivity. For decades this was the only way to manage projects. However, it is costly, time-consuming, and highly inefficient. 

Although some project managers and workers find remote construction management technology burdensome and overwhelming during adoption, it provides convenience and ease for processes. 

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6 Remote Team Management Tips

1. Use project management software

In a single project, there are multiple stakeholders and job roles. It is often difficult for everyone to be on the same page if you don’t use a suitable project management application. Especially when there are multiple time zones, it is hard to determine which work is completed and what needs to be finished. 

eSUB is a mobile application and cloud-based project management solution that provides commercial subcontractors across various trades by providing tools that connect field workers and office managers. It also manages day-to-day operations, organizes project documentations, and automates labor tracking and communication. Project management software eliminates manual processes, which ultimately increases efficiency for remote teamwork.

2. Create a communication method

Communication itself is one of the biggest issues in team management between the project manager and employees. In the initiating stages, project managers need to outline the best communication tools to use as a team. Also, PMs need to form schedules and protocols for teams to follow. 

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Having a plan for synchronous or asynchronous messaging can determine if your team communicates efficiently. Synchronous messaging refers to phone or face-to-face video calls/conferences for team meetings. Asynchronous includes but is not limited to email, Slack, SMS, or other messenger apps. You will waste a tremendous amount of time by not using a standard communication method. 

3. Communicate daily with your team

Outlining which method of communication is important, but daily communication between team members in remote work is essential. Daily conversations and check-ins between teams are more helpful in more ways than you may think. By implementing regular check-ins to your operations, every team member knows what task each member is working on and how far along in the project they are. Communicating daily is one of the most important remote team management tips because it’s critical in completing projects on time. 

4. Don’t forget to listen

In remote environments, a successful project manager listens to team members. Sometimes, remote workers are not as willing to open up about work problems. As a PM, it is your job to create a comfortable work environment where your team members can talk to you. Talk less, ask them questions, so they do the talking. 

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Once in a while, it is important to check-in and discuss non-work related topics too. Create a communication channel for non-work or random topics. Most importantly, remote work environments seem as though it is less personal; it’s crucial to make a genuine effort to get to know each team member. 

5. Meet your team face-to-face

When teams work from home, it is often difficult to find the right times to meet team members. When it comes to remote teams, socialization is important to build understanding and boost morale. 

Performance reviews and feedback is crucial for managing remote teams. Without direct reports, company culture diminishes unless you provide regular feedback opportunities and course correction. Meeting your team face-to-face helps you learn about the strengths and weaknesses of your employees. 

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6. Manage Expectations

When you are managing remote employees, you also have to manage expectations. Expectations should be outlined, and your team should be knowledgeable on vendor capabilities, turnaround times, communication protocols, or any other changes related to scope. If expectations are not clearly laid out, operations will not run smoothly.  

Final Thoughts

Collaborating in a remote work environment takes commitment from each individual team member. They must learn and adapt to work remotely, although at first, it is different and uncomfortable. Here at eSUB, Project management software can also help keep projects organized and streamline the construction process, helping eliminate inefficiencies in remote circumstances.