Advances in technology are making working outside the office a more feasible option for staff and employers and many companies are using this to their advantage.
Recruitment firm Robert Half conducted a survey that showed almost two thirds of New Zealanders working in the finance and accounting sector regularly connect to their workplace remotely or to work-related tasks after hours and while on holiday.
With cloud computing, smartphones and the likes, Robert Half general manager Megan Alexander said leading remote teams was a commercial reality for many managers in an environment where everybody needs to do more, with less time.
"Still, many find it challenging to effectively lead a geographically dispersed team of employees. Even with the latest communication tools, remote working arrangements come with their own challenges and provide limited opportunity for the everyday interaction that helps supervisors keep employees motivated and engaged."
Without that daily, face-to-face interaction, Alexander said managers found it harder to gauge the level of structure needed by individuals and they ran the risk of micromanaging or leaving a staff member without the support they need.
But she said some businesses were embracing remote staffing because of the flexibility it offered staff to achieve a better work/life balance and to attract top talent. Technological advances were also making it easier for remote professionals to work as a team.
To help build positive relationships within this environment, Alexander recommends clear identification of individuals' roles in the bigger picture.
"The better remote workers understand project goals and how their contributions meet company objectives, the easier it is for them to contribute at a higher level. Work with remote staff to establish timelines for achieving objectives and ensure they have the resources they need for success."
Regular and open communication is also important in keeping tasks and workloads under control and keeping remote staff involved.
"Book in regular face-to-face meetings to discuss strategies and progress. Meetings in between these visits can be conducted via phone if geographic constraints make it difficult to get together often."
Making remote employment work
Technology can be a valuable tool in keeping remote staff connected, informed and included.
Video and web conferencing can allow more "face time" and help create a more human experience.
Online collaborative work tools allow remote employees to contribute to projects and stay apprised of changes.
Internal use of social media can also help far-flung teams build camaraderie to boost morale.
Off-site personnel should never feel left out - ensure they have the same or similar opportunities as their on-site counterparts and are included in important meetings via conference calls or online media.