Top 8 Challenges of Managing a Global Remote Workforce

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2 min read

Updated: April 26th, 2023

The traditional workplace is rapidly changing, and global remote teams are becoming a necessary part of the landscape for many businesses.

While this shift brings multiple benefits – such as greater flexibility and access to a larger talent pool – it also presents many challenges that business leaders must be prepared to manage.

From communication barriers to legal compliance, here are the top eight challenges of managing a global remote workforce and how to use a CRM system to help address them:

1. Communication barriers

Geographical distance makes direct communication difficult between team members in different countries or time zones. To overcome this challenge, create effective protocols for cross-border interaction by leveraging your CRM’s integrated messaging capabilities.

Encourage team members to use video conferencing tools to stay connected. Create a central platform to store all necessary documents and information that everyone can access easily.

2. Cultural differences

Working with team members from different cultures requires understanding the nuances in language, customs, and expectations. To bridge these gaps, use your CRM’s data analytics capabilities to understand better customer needs across different regions.

This will help ensure global campaigns are tailored for each market and that teams are provided with the relevant cultural context to deliver successful outcomes.

3. Legal compliance

As businesses expand into new territories, they must be aware of local regulations and industry standards in each country concerning labor laws, employment rights, payroll systems, taxes, etc.

To avoid any compliance issues, the CRM system can be used to automate and streamline this process. Set up templates for job descriptions and contracts compliant with local regulations. Use automated reporting tools to track relevant compliance data across different countries.

4. Collaboration

Working with a remote team can make collaboration more challenging than when everyone is in one office. Leverage your CRM’s task management capabilities to assign and monitor tasks, set deadlines, and promote greater accountability amongst team members.

You can also use the file-sharing feature of the CRM to store notes or drafts that all team members can access at any time.

5. Employee engagement

Employers need to maintain high levels of employee engagement to support a motivated and productive team.

Use your CRM’s customer feedback tools to collect employee data, such as satisfaction surveys or feedback forms, to understand better what makes employees feel valued and engaged. This will help you create targeted initiatives that make remote workers feel connected to the company’s mission and values.

6. Data security

Securing distributed data is a significant challenge when managing remote teams. Utilize your CRM system’s security features, like two-factor authentication and encryption technology, to protect confidential information from potential hackers or malicious attacks.

Also, provide regular training on cyber security best practices for all team members handling sensitive company data.

7. Onboarding new employees

Onboarding new team members can be complicated in different parts of the world. Use your CRM’s automated workflows to create a consistent, streamlined process for new hire onboarding across all locations.

This will help ensure everyone receives the same training and access to critical resources, regardless of location.

8. Performance management

Evaluating performance remotely requires more effort than evaluating employees who come into an office daily. To manage this challenge, harness your CRM system’s data analytics capabilities to track employee performance in real-time.

Regularly review performance data for each employee, and use online tools like video conferencing or virtual meetings to provide guidance and feedback as necessary.

Conclusion

These are just a few ways CRM systems can help manage distributed teams and workforces. As businesses become more globalized and borderless, employers must leverage the right technology to ensure their remote teams are connected and productive. Investing in digital tools like CRMs is essential for creating successful remote work environments.

​With these capabilities, you can boost efficiency, save costs, and drive better outcomes when managing your distributed workforce. By leveraging your CRM system’s power, you can ensure everyone on your team has access to the resources they need for success—no matter where they’re located. ​

Want to learn more about how you can manage a global workforce with a CRM? Book a free demo below now.