As lawyers continue to drag their feet about returning to work at the office, many legal support staff also want to continue to work remotely. Unless your law office is taking a hard stance about working on the premises, it’s likely you will continue to supervise some of your team from afar.
While managing a remote workforce can present its own set of challenges, it can also be a highly effective way for law offices to expand their reach and attract top talent. So let’s review some tips for effective management of remote law office staff.
- Clearly communicate expectations: One of the key challenges of managing a remote workforce is ensuring that everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goals. It is important to clearly communicate your expectations for your remote staff, including their responsibilities, deadlines, and performance standards. This can be done through regular check-ins, email updates, and video conference meetings.
- Use project management tools: Project management tools can be a valuable asset for keeping track of tasks, deadlines, and progress for remote teams. Platforms like Asana, Trello, and Basecamp allow you to assign tasks, set reminders, and track progress in real-time, making it easier to manage remote staff from a distance.
- Set clear boundaries: When working with remote staff, it can be easy for the lines between work and personal life to blur. It is important to set clear boundaries around work hours and availability to ensure that your remote staff has the time and space they need to recharge and stay productive.
- Foster a sense of community: It can be easy for remote staff to feel isolated and disconnected from the rest of the team, so it is important to foster a sense of community and connection. This can be done through regular video conference meetings, team-building activities, and social events.
- Ensure that your remote staff has the necessary resources: In order to be effective, your remote staff will need access to the same resources and tools as your in-office staff. This can include everything from computer hardware and software, to legal research databases and client management systems. It is important to ensure that your remote staff has access to these resources and is trained on how to use them.
- Provide ongoing support and training: Remote staff may need additional support and training in order to be effective in their roles. This can include training on new technologies or processes, as well as ongoing support and guidance as they navigate their work tasks.
- Stay in touch: Regular communication is key to the success of any remote team. Make sure to stay in touch with your remote staff on a regular basis, through email, phone, or video conference calls. This can help you stay up-to-date on their progress, address any concerns or challenges, and provide support and guidance as needed.
- Foster trust: Trust is an essential component of any successful remote team. It is important to demonstrate trust in your remote staff by giving them the autonomy and independence they need to do their jobs effectively. This can help to build a sense of ownership and commitment to the team’s success.
Overall, managing a remote workforce can be a rewarding and effective way for law offices to expand their reach and tap into a wider pool of talent. By clearly communicating expectations, using project management tools, setting clear boundaries, fostering a sense of community, providing necessary resources, and staying in touch, you can effectively manage your remote staff and ensure their success.
