What's It Like to Work Remotely as Part of a Distributed Team?

In a word, awesome.

Personally, I have been working remotely since 2016, and I would never go back to a traditional office setup. For me, remote work is not a choice; it's a lifestyle. Given the global pandemic we are facing with COVID-19, working remotely is no longer an option. Instead, it's a necessity.

Working as part of a distributed team means that work gets done on YOUR terms. You get back the parts of your life you once sacrificed, such as the time-consuming commutes and strict 9-5 boundaries.

Project Management in a Distributed Team

Having a team or a dedicated point-of-contact for projects is critical in any environment, but it's even more imperative when the team is distributed. From tools like Asana or Trello to the team's new CRM, having systems and processes in place makes for smoother and more efficient employee adoption. Tracking progress and following up with team members becomes much more manageable when you have these tools at your disposal.

Effective Team Communication

Managing a remote team isn't easy, and managing a distributed team means you need to over-communicate and utilize all forms of communication. Personally, I love using a cloud phone system to stay connected with my team, no matter where I am. Currently, that means my apartment since we are facing a travel ban in the U.S. due to COVID-19.

Building a Strong Company Culture

The problem with having distributed teams is that you miss out on the meaningful connections that might otherwise be made in person. This is less of an issue for team introverts, but it's still important to maintain and foster deeper connections. One tip to help build culture is to have a weekly video "Happy Hour." This doesn't always have to be about metrics, KPIs, and dashboards. Occasionally, it's fun to get together with your team and just kick it virtually.

Working as part of a distributed team is not that much different from working in-person. You just need to stay organized, connected, and communicate with precision.

My Experience as a Remote Worker at Process Street

The job I currently have is the first major break I was able to snag ever since I made the decision to become an online worker. My current company, and my managers, have opened a big opportunity for learning, leniency, and a whole lot of room for understanding whenever I ran into issues inherent in remote workforces.

As a remote worker myself, here are some of the perks I enjoy and appreciate the most:

Freedom: You can work from the comfort of your home, in your pajamas, and be around your family while earning money. Supportive Management: My team, especially my managers, always take the time to patiently explain things I don't understand and lend a helping hand whenever I am in a bind. Centralized Information: I have access to all the crucial information I need to get my tasks done because of the parameters and processes that are readily available to me. Company Culture: There is a centralized culture and easy camaraderie within the team and different teams that compose the company. Our big boss often posts funny memes and GIFs in our general channel, showing that he is approachable and a part of the team. Comprehensive Onboarding: I went through an immersive employee onboarding that helped me understand my role and responsibilities within the company. Overall Experience: My experience as a remote worker for Process Street is wholesome. For more tips on achieving this kind of environment within your own team, refer to this article here.