As of 2020, many companies have transitioned to fully remote or hybrid work patterns – recognizing the endless benefits work life offers far reaching opportunities in the form of balance and flexibility for employees.

As the founder and CEO of a fully remote team at my company, ZenToesI have found that my team has thrived in a scenario that recognizes and allows for individual autonomy and scheduling flexibility throughout the year by prioritizing productivitycommunity and a commitment to company goals.

Managing a completely remote team can be challenging at times. It's important to maintain a sense of the company's culture while also regularly checking in with employees individually. Especially during holiday periods – whether summer, Thanksgiving or winter break – remote management strategies must be adapted to fit the needs of EMPLOYEE and organization to ensure that goals are met and employees can still enjoy the season.

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Below, I've included the top ten tips I've found crucial in managing my fully remote team during the summer and holidays.

1. Prioritize communication – Foster an orderly environment, open communication to ensure that employees understand the importance of clearly requesting time off in advance. Supporting leisure employee satisfaction is essential to helping employees achieve work-life balance. Instill confidence in your team that you will be supportive and receptive to PTO requests, and set a standard amount of notice required to ensure mutual respect.
2. Stay organized – Organization is key to making sure you stay on top of tasks and all team members stay on track to meet individual and team objectives – especially when you work remotely. At ZenToes, we host weekly team meetings via Zoom to keep all departments updated on priorities, progress, milestones and new goals.
3. Use available technology and tools – Technology can be incredibly useful in helping your remote team manage their time, stay organized, coordinate scheduling, and ensure timely completion of tasks. From Slack and Trello to tools like Notion and Calendly, more tools are available today to support remote teams than ever before. Find what works best for your team and make sure everyone feels supported using each platform. We use Asana, Slack, Google Suite and some specific design tools.
4. Allow for scheduling flexibility – We can all understand that sometimes things come up. Set basic work hours for your remote team. When things come up and an employee requires last-minute scheduling flexibility, make sure the rest of your team is aware and covered. During holiday periods at ZenToes, for example the time between Christmas and New Year, we have our office closed with key team members maintaining an 'on call' status – ensuring that no one has to work unless there is an emergency and everyone can enjoy time with family and friends.
5. Focus on results – Results should be the essential measure of your team's work and success. During holiday periods, people may need to account for planning family visits, children's camp schedules, vacations, and more. After all, as long as the work is done and done well, people should be able to get the most out of these holiday periods and precious time with family and friends.
6. Set clear goals – Set clear goals and objectives for your company, teams and individual team members. Understanding and coming together around a desired outcome supports team camaraderie and gives work a clear sense of purpose to help motivate remote workers.
7. Do regular individual and team checks – This may seem obvious, but check with your team. Beyond our weekly team meetings at ZenToes, we also have regular one-on-one check-ins to support employee performance, growth, and happiness.
8. Find face-to-face time – Make time to actually see each other every week – even if it's via Zoom, Google Meet or Teams. As great as remote work can be, it can get lonely at times. Seeing the faces of your team will support overall team building, company culture and bonding.
9. Creation of effective reporting mechanisms – Clearly define how you want your team to report and track progress each week and for each project, so they can come to regular check-ins prepared. The company can ensure progress towards individual and company goals.
10. Empower employee well-being – Ultimately, employee well-being should be a top priority for every business leader and company. Make sure your team knows you really respect and care about them as people, not just at work, but in all aspects of their lives.

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Everyone's remote management style is a bit unique, so of course, pay attention to your needs and the needs of your team members. As long as you're able to foster a supportive telecommuting culture and an organized system for tracking and committing to all company goals, all remote workers can get the most out of the vacation period, personally and professionally.