Connecting Teams: Using Tech to Unite Distributed Workers

Collaborate & motivate

Business used to be done by the people in the room, but now those people are located all over the world. Teams are distributed far and wide as businesses take advantage of advanced communications technology to add the most talented people to their teams, regardless of where they live. Whether it’s a quick one-on-one chat with a colleague on the other side of the building or an all-hands meeting with a team on the other side of the world, the right tools make working together seamless. 

Project management

Managing large projects with multiple moving parts can be a chore. Project management apps help corral these unwieldy tasks and allow for remote collaboration, keeping everyone on-task even if they’re not in the same office space.

With features like dedicated project pages, time tracking and task lists, a project management app makes it easy to account for all of the details that go into a large project. You can assign tasks to individuals on your team and they will be notified via email or message app as their parts of the project are assigned or completed.

One of the best parts of using a project management app is being able to see all of the pieces making up a project at a glance using different views, whether on a list, board or calendar. You can then see the status of tasks and check them off as they are completed (which can be extremely satisfying).

For more software tips, read Small Business Software: Consider These 11 Tips.

IT management

Just because your team isn’t with you in your office, that doesn’t mean you can’t help them with their IT issues. Remote desktop applications allow your IT team to keep up with the needs of managing computers they can’t interact with in person. 

Remote desktop applications allow your IT professionals to install updates, monitor usage and help team members with common issues. They work by granting the remote user (your IT team) complete access to the target computer’s data and desktop. The IT rep can simply log in and use the machine as if they were standing in front of it. If you’ve ever tried to walk someone through a computer troubleshooting issue over the phone, this is significantly easier.

To learn more about small business technology, read Office Electronics 101: 4 Helpful Tools for Every Business.

Communication, communication, communication

One of the most important aspects of managing a distributed workforce is maintaining clear, consistent communication. Since they are incapable of observing many of the non-verbal cues in-office workers take for granted, remote workers can feel left out of important conversations. And because they can’t be present for impromptu hallway or lunch meetings, it’s easy for workers in other office to feel left behind.

Communications technologies can help ensure that your entire workforce feels connected and engaged with the in-house team. 

Team communications

Communication apps make it possible for everyone to stay in touch digitally through group channels and direct messages. More than just a chat program, these kinds of apps make it possible for teams to leverage asynchronous communication. No matter what time zone you’re in, you get your messages and stay connected to your team. Communications apps can also integrate with many calendar, workflow and meeting apps, making them a central hub for all things communication-related for your business. You can upload files, receive meeting notifications and create automations to ensure the flow of information stays consistent and that nobody misses important details. 

Meeting apps

Investing in a business account with a video conferencing app can help keep your entire workforce connected. Whether logging in for a working session or a quick chat, these apps make it seem like the person on the other side of the screen is working alongside you, even when they’re hundreds of miles away. 

Keep your office well-stocked with Walmart Business

You’ve got plenty on your plate to keep your team connected. Let Walmart Business help you keep the shelves stocked. With an ever-expanding assortment of must-have items at low prices, you can keep your boardroom and your breakroom stocked, set up automatic deliveries and focus on running your business. 

Already have an account? Take advantage of free shipping, no order minimum,¹ free delivery from store with a $35 minimum,² and earn 2% in Walmart Business Rewards on orders $250 or more³ with Walmart Business+. You can save over $500/year⁴ and enjoy exclusive rewards for your organization. Plus, if you sign up for Walmart Business+ now, you can get 40% off Zoom Pro Annual to receive unlimited meetings (up to 30 hours per meeting), cloud recording storage, Team Chat and more. Find out more here.

¹ Excludes most Marketplace items, freight and certain location surcharges.

² Restrictions apply. 

³ Rewards can only be used toward future purchases on Walmart Business. Additional terms apply. 

⁴ Savings based on 1 free $35+ delivery order vs. $9.95 fee and 1 free shipping order under $35 vs. $6.99 fee biweekly, plus 2% Walmart Business Rewards on monthly order >$250 (average value of $400).