The Team Leader's Guide to Making Sure Everyone Works Well Together

The challenges of managing distributed teams are real, but so are the benefits. When done right, managing distributed teams can lead to better collaboration, higher productivity, and improved work-life balance for team members. 

However, there are a few challenges team leaders often experience when managing distributed teams, including inevitable team friction and personality differences, issues with effective collaboration, and goal completion. With the right tools and strategies in place, you can break down the barriers preventing your team from reaching its goals. So, if you’re a manager of distributed teams, read on to learn more about the challenges and benefits of managing distributed teams today.

The Rise of Distributed Teams

As of January 2023, 50% of workers say they were working primarily onsite, while 28% were primarily remote, according to LinkedIn’s latest Workforce Confidence Index, which surveyed 5,860 U.S. professionals from January 14 through January 27. And 18% of workers say they’re working a hybrid schedule, which has steadily trended upward since 2021 – especially as more and more companies realize the benefits of having a distributed workforce.

• To save money on office space
• To attract and retain top talent
• To increase employee productivity
• To improve work-life balance
• To be more environmentally sustainable

There are also a number of challenges associated with managing a distributed team. Some of the most common center around:

• Cultural and personality differences
• Communication and collaboration
• Lack of connection
• Trust and accountability
• Inclusion, belonging, and equity

However, the benefits of having a distributed team often outweigh the challenges. Companies that are successful in managing a distributed team can reap a number of rewards, including:

• Increased productivity
• Reduced costs
• Improved inclusion & employee satisfaction
• Increased innovation
• A more globalized workforce

If you’re considering or currently managing a distributed team, it’s important to explore the pros and cons. With careful planning and execution, a distributed team can be a powerful tool for driving business success.