18 Hiring and Retention Strategies for Remote Teams

• A Buffer study found that 98% of respondents want to work remotely at least some of the time for the rest of their careers.
• According to Gallup, 54% of U.S. workers would leave their current job for one that allows them to work remotely.

This guide dives into practical tips and tricks to build a kickass remote team that performs like nothing you’ve ever seen before.

Hiring for the Remote World

• Make remote work a choice: Highlight flexibility and work-life balance in your job descriptions. Show remote workers they can crush their goals without sacrificing their well-being. Even if that means never going to the office.
• Ditch the paper chase: Use video interviews and online assessments to find the right fit. Who needs mountains of resumes when you can connect with candidates face-to-face (virtually), after they’ve been pre-screened? Save everyone time!

Building a Remote Team Culture

• Fight the isolation blues: Host virtual team-building activities to build bonds and keep your crew feeling connected. Think online game nights, virtual coffee breaks, or even remote escape rooms!
• Open communication is key: Encourage transparency and regular communication. Slack, video calls, and online forums are your friends, but be careful not to encourage channel overload. Be selective when implementing your hiring and retention strategies.

Onboarding and Training for Remote Success

• Don't throw new hires into the virtual deep end: Give them a smooth start with virtual onboarding sessions that cover tools, documented policies, and everything they need to rock their remote role.
• Keep learning alive: Offer ongoing training and development opportunities to help your team stay sharp and motivated. Remote work is all about growth, not stagnation – and it’s a skill that is practiced.

Tech Tools for a Productive Remote Team

• Project management platforms are your best friends: Use tools like Asana, ClickUp or Trello to keep everyone on track and projects moving smoothly.
• Video conferencing is your face-to-face fix: Don't let distance dim your connections. Use video calls to maintain a sense of closeness and collaboration.

Compensation and Benefits

• Pay competitively: Offer pay and perks that reflect the value of remote work. Happy employees are productive employees and when pay is equal, people notice.
• Sweeten the deal with remote-friendly perks: Think home office stipends, flexible hours, or even unlimited PTO. These perks can make your company a remote work magnet.

Prioritizing Employee Well-being

• Burnout is a real threat in remote work: Encourage regular breaks and respect off-hours. Help your team maintain a healthy work-life balance.
• Mental health matters: Offer support for mental health and stress management. Remote work can be isolating, so make sure your team knows they're not alone. Focus on the pillars of self-care.

Keeping Your Team Engaged and Motivated

• Regular check-ins are crucial: Don't let your team members feel like ghosts in the machine. Have regular one-on-ones and provide feedback to keep them engaged and motivated.
• Celebrate wins, big and small: Recognize and reward achievements to boost morale. A virtual pat on the back can go a long way to validate someone’s contribution.

Growing Your Remote All-Stars

• Show them the path to career advancement: Give your team clear paths for growth within the company. Remote work shouldn't mean dead-end jobs.
• Cross-training and skill development are key: Encourage learning new skills and cross-training to make your team even more valuable.

Performance Reviews and Feedback

• Use performance reviews to set goals and track progress: Don't let communication gaps hinder performance. Regular reviews and open dialogue help everyone stay on track.

Staying Ahead of the Curve

• The remote work world is constantly evolving: Keep yourself updated on the latest trends and technologies. Be adaptable and open to changing your strategies as needed.

Building a Powerhouse Remote Team

By focusing on a supportive culture, leveraging technology, and prioritizing employee well-being, you can build a remote team that performs.

In the world of remote work, it's not just about hiring the best people. It's about keeping them happy and engaged so that they stay, grow and innovate for you.

These hiring and retention strategies boost team productivity and happiness, making your company an ideal place for skilled remote workers.