Virtual Teams: Pros and Cons of Virtual Teams

Virtual teams are remote workers that rely on technology like videoconferencing, instant messaging, and conference calls to facilitate team communication. With effective virtual team management, team members working from different time zones can collaborate just as effectively as teams in the same office space.

Here’s a look at different virtual team structures:

• Networked teams: These short-term, geographically dispersed teams usually include people from outside organizations who bring their varied expertise to collaborate on a project. Networked teams dissolve when the project is complete.
• Service teams: IT departments, customer service departments, and other types of service teams will stagger team members’ schedules so someone can always remain available to assist clients or other members of the organization. Typically, members of service teams live in different time zones to accommodate service at all hours of the day.
• Parallel teams: Similar to a committee, parallel teams consist of organization members that convene to solve a problem separate from their regular responsibilities. For example, marketing or development specialists from a global company may collaborate to adapt a product for a new market. As part of their role, parallel teams usually generate recommendations for another department that does the decision-making.
• Product development teams: Companies with a specific product in mind will assemble experts from different countries to form product development teams; together, they bring products to life.

From eliminating commuting to working with people across the globe, there are benefits to working on a virtual team.

• Work-life balance: Remote workers enjoy more free time because they do not have to commute to an office space. Plus, working in a virtual environment increases employee well-being because of constant access to home comforts and the flexibility to take breaks during the workday to walk the dog, attend an appointment, or make a quick meal.
• Team diversity: The virtual work environment removes barriers such as physical location, making it easier for people worldwide to collaborate. With a wide variety of perspectives available, virtual teams have a high potential for innovation and knowledge sharing.
• Increased productivity: Remote teams may feel less burned out, which makes them more engaged, focused, and productive.

Working remotely also poses a few challenges, such as issues with:

• Management: Without a physical presence in an office space, a manager might struggle to oversee the day-to-day work of remote employees. If a virtual team manager fails to maintain constant virtual communication, the team may feel unsupported, resulting in low morale and low productivity. Hands-on management techniques like one-on-one check-ins, team meetings, and daily contact through digital platforms can help a virtual work environment thrive.
  
• Technology: Remote work requires computers, a strong internet connection, and reliable software. If any technology glitches, it can disrupt the workday.
• Trust: Virtual team members may find it difficult to bond without face-to-face interaction. Remote workers cannot run into each other around the water cooler, so management should create time for virtual connection over video and messaging platforms. The better team members know each other, the more effective virtual collaboration and communication will be.

By being proactive and regularly checking in with team members, you can build a strong environment for virtual teams.

• Create a positive onboarding experience. Getting off on the right foot with new team members is an important step on any team, but especially in a virtual environment. A new employee may feel lost when joining a remote team if they do not have a clear idea of the company culture, values, and expectations. If possible, conduct onboarding with multiple new team members at once to help build relationships from the start.
• Hold regular check-ins. Effective virtual team management requires constant communication. Every week, hold virtual team meetings to set goals, discuss ways to improve, and ensure the well-being of the team. Ensure everyone is on the same page, so you can reduce frustration, miscommunication, and distraction among team members. Taking all these steps will help foster a positive virtual work environment with a shared sense of purpose.
• Take advantage of virtual communication technology. Consider your team’s needs and find user-friendly and reliable technology. If the virtual team constantly has to address technical issues, momentum wanes and focus for day-to-day work suffers. Also, consider using technology that creates casual channels of communication among team members.

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