Most of us are adjusting to a new normal in our careers, and for many of us, that means working remotely. 

There are new challenges that come from leading a team that is working with members in different places and different environments, but teamwork is still important. 

“The trouble is, collaboration and camaraderie are a lot tougher to create through a screen,” Rashan Dixon says in SmartBrief.  

He recommends methods for leaders to encourage teamwork remotely.  

Create a sense of normalcy 

One way to create a sense of normalcy is to use your  budget differently to support your team. A lot of organizations no longer have a need for a large travel budget, so think about how you can use that money differently. For example, you could offer to upgrade their home offices. 

“Even if your company doesn’t have much to spend, it can still create normalcy through its traditions and processes,” Dixon says. “Why not do a happy hour over Zoom? If you give weekly awards, those can be done via video as well.” 

Centralize your knowledge 

“When everyone is in the same office, it’s easy to pop over a cubicle to ask a question. When you’re working remotely, you need a one-stop shop for company knowledge,” Dixon explains. 

Figure out where that place for company knowledge is for your team. It could be a team-wide chat system, or a central folder for all team norms and processes.  

Establish guidelines for face time 

Figure out the differences between what needs to be an email or chat versus a phone call or meeting. Once you’ve decided on that, think about whether you need to see the other person’s face virtually or just hear their voice on a phone call.  

Video calls are important, Dixon explains, because “nonverbal communication is a crucial part of how we interact.” 

Draw clear boundaries 

“Give workers clarity around what’s OK and what’s not,” Dixon recommends.  

Can a member of your team take a break whenever they need to get some fresh air? Do you need to be able to respond to chat during work hours, or can you block off some time to turn your messaging system off? Questions like this must be answered for your team to truly thrive. 

Create a virtual watercooler 

“Chitchat might seem like a waste of time, but don’t underestimate its role in facilitating teamwork,” Dixon says. “Organizational psychologists attribute the ‘watercooler effect’ to a 10% to 15% bump in productivity.” 

Find a way for your team to connect in a way that works for them. 

Provide plenty of feedback 

Giving your team feedback informally and formally is important, so they know they are on the right track.  

“As a leader, supporting your team should be a top priority,” Dixon says. “Make sure your staff knows their hard work doesn’t go unnoticed.”