Motivating your remote team

Don't let your remote team drift.

When you focus on understanding what drives your team, setting clear goals, encouraging continuous learning, fostering a positive environment and recognising achievements, you help to keep your remote team motivated and focused on organisational goals.

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Understand what motivates your team

People need a mix of intrinsic and extrinsic motivators to perform at their best.  Intrinsic motivators are internal, and include personal growth, job satisfaction and a sense of achievement. Extrinsic motivators, on the other hand, are external, like salary, bonuses and other tangible rewards.

Remote work delivers autonomy and flexibility which are key intrinsic motivators that can lead to increased job satisfaction and productivity. In fact a survey of more than 1100 Australian workers in 2020-21 found that the average worker, who can carry out their role effectively at home, is willing to give up $3000 to $6000 in annual wages (4 to 8% of their salary). Make the most of the benefits of remote work by giving employees scope to manage their schedules and work environment where feasible.  

Additionally, promoting a healthy work-life balance is essential. When employees feel they can adequately manage their professional and personal lives, their motivation and overall well-being improve.

Set goals and milestones

Utilising the SMART criteria to set clear and attainable goals—specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound—can help in setting effective goals. Regular planning days, check-ins and progress tracking ensure that team members stay on course and feel supported.

Breaking down larger projects into smaller milestones makes them more manageable. It also creates multiple points of achievement along the way, which can be incredibly motivating.

Celebrating small wins is also important. Recognising and rewarding incremental achievements boosts morale and encourages continued effort. This can be done through virtual meetings, team emails, or even a dedicated channel for celebrating successes.

Encourage professional development

Offering online courses and certifications allows team members to enhance their skills and advance their careers. Virtual mentorship programs can also provide valuable guidance and support.

Creating a culture of continuous learning is essential. Encourage employees to pursue new knowledge and share their insights with the team. This not only fosters professional growth but also strengthens team bonds and collaboration.

Build a positive remote team environment

Fostering open communication is key. Encourage team members to share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns freely. Utilise various communication tools to facilitate this, such as video calls, chat platforms, and collaborative software.

Virtual team-building activities can also help strengthen relationships. These activities can range from casual online games to more structured team-building exercises. Promoting inclusivity and diversity within the team further enhances the work environment, making everyone feel valued and respected.

Recognise and reward achievements

Acknowledge achievements during virtual meetings or through team-wide announcements. Offering meaningful rewards, such as gift cards, extra time off, or professional development opportunities, can also be very effective.

Personalised appreciation messages go a long way. Taking the time to write a thoughtful note recognising an employee's hard work can have a significant impact on their motivation and job satisfaction.

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