The future of work is hybrid. A staggering 89% of Singaporean workers express a strong preference for continuing in a hybrid or remote work model. While this flexibility offers numerous benefits, it also presents significant challenges for organisations, particularly SMEs.

A recent ADP survey highlighted a concerning trend: employees working remotely or hybrid are significantly more likely to report poor relationships with their managers compared to on-site staff. In Singapore, this figure is even more alarming, with one in four employees experiencing this disconnect. This is a 6% increase compared to 2022.

These statistics underscore the urgent need for effective strategies in managing remote teams and cultivating a thriving work culture, especially since 29% of Singapore workers believe it will be standard practice to work remotely from anywhere in the world within four years. To harness the full potential of remote teams, SMEs must adapt and adopt best practices that foster trust, communication, and productivity. This guide will explore essential strategies to navigate the complexities of managing remote teams for SMEs and create a workplace culture that drives success in a hybrid world. 

What are the best practices? 

Redesign process and infrastructure

For SMEs in Singapore, redesigning processes and infrastructure to support remote work can be highly impactful. Implementing cloud-based systems enables access to essential tools and data from anywhere, facilitating seamless remote work. The Singapore Government’s SMEs Go Digital programme has supported over 14,700 SMEs in adopting digital solutions, including cloud-based systems. Likewise, investing in robust cybersecurity is crucial. Implementing firewalls, endpoint protection, and employee cybersecurity training can mitigate risks.

Effective communication strategies

Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful team, especially remote ones. Open and honest dialogue is vital. SMEs can foster this by conducting regular feedback sessions and encouraging employees to share their ideas. Active listening is equally important. Training employees in active listening techniques can enhance understanding and collaboration.

To address the challenge of remote team building, SMEs can organise virtual team-building activities. Platforms like Zoom offer interactive features that can foster camaraderie. Additionally, cross-cultural communication training can be beneficial in a diverse workforce.

Collaboration is key

For SMEs, collaboration is essential for remote teams to achieve shared goals. Utilising collaboration tools facilitates efficient teamwork and project management. In fact, around 30,000 SMEs adopted digital solutions, including online collaboration tools, as part of the SMEs Go Digital Programme. Fostering a culture of knowledge sharing promotes learning and growth, which is crucial as 83% of SMEs in Singapore had digital transformation strategies in place by 2021. 

On the other hand, building virtual communities creates a sense of belonging and camaraderie, helping remote teams stay connected. Defining clear roles and responsibilities ensures everyone understands their contribution to the team’s success, enhancing overall productivity and job satisfaction. By focusing on these strategies, SMEs in Singapore can effectively support remote collaboration and drive business success.

Setting clear goals

Setting clear goals is crucial for providing direction and focus for remote teams. By defining objectives, everyone can align with the team’s mission. Using SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals helps create clear targets. Regularly reviewing these goals allows for adjustments based on changing circumstances. Aligning individual and team goals ensures that everyone’s efforts contribute to overall success. Additionally, ruthless prioritisation helps teams focus on essential tasks and avoid distractions. This cohesive approach ensures that remote teams stay on track and work efficiently towards their shared goals.

Problem-solving and response

In a remote work setting, effective problem-solving requires setting up alert mechanisms to identify and address issues promptly. Managers need to constantly scan for vulnerabilities and obstacles. One innovative approach by a manager named David, a participant in the HBR study done on effective strategies used by remote managers,  involved empowering his team to call for meetings whenever they sensed a problem. He likened it to “ringing the village bell when danger is near.”

David categorised meetings into three types: “mosquito” for minor but annoying issues, “quicksand” for situations needing immediate assistance, and “dragon” for serious problems requiring escalation. Team members were responsible for calling these meetings and ensuring relevant participants attended. The manager’s role was to provide support and help resolve the issue, while the employee took ownership of the problem. This is an example of an effective approach that could be used by team leaders and managers managing remote teams for SMEs. 

Best platforms to use for remote work success 

Project management	ClickUp: ClickUp is a comprehensive project management tool with features for task management, goal setting, and customization, suitable for teams of all sizes.Trello: Trello offers a visual Kanban board interface for easy project organisation and tracking, making it simple to manage tasks with drag-and-drop functionality.
Communication and collaboration	Microsoft Teams: Integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft Office applications for efficient communication and collaboration.Notion: Serves as a versatile workspace for note-taking, project management, and knowledge sharing.Slack: Facilitates real-time communication, file sharing, and team collaboration.
CRM	Zoho CRM: Offers a user-friendly platform for managing customer interactions and sales pipelines.HubSpot CRM: Provides a comprehensive CRM solution with marketing and sales automation features.
Document storage and collaboration	Google Workspace: Enables seamless document creation, editing, and sharing within teams.Dropbox: Offers secure cloud storage and file-sharing capabilities.
Design and creativity	Canva: Simplifies graphic design and content creation with a user-friendly interface.Figma: Facilitates collaborative design and prototyping for various digital projects.

The future of work: Hybrid, remote or in-person? 

There’s no doubt that Singapore is renowned for its economic dynamism and adaptability, but the country is redefining its work culture.  While the city-state has traditionally championed a robust work ethic and office-centric culture, the pandemic has accelerated the adoption of remote work. A hybrid work model is emerging as the preferred choice for many Singaporean businesses and employees. In the future, SMES must embrace hybrid and remote work to stay competitive and foster a productive, engaged workforce.