Managing Remote Staff from ATLAS Certified Payroll

Remoter workers (full-time) make up about 14% of the US workforce.  That’s lower than in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic made remote work necessary for many.  But even though fewer people work remotely now, remote job opportunities are still growing (McDermott, 2025).  Because of this, it’s important for managers and company leaders (even those who work in an office) to know how to lead remote workers well.  Technology like Microsoft Teams helps teams stay connected, but it’s the human side of leadership that truly boosts engagement and productivity.

Patricia Backer, Compensation Manager at ATLAS Certified Payroll, Inc., leads both remote and in-office staff.  She has learned and used great strategies to make her remote team feel supported, valued, and connected.  Here are her top five tips for leading remote workers:

Patricia Backer’s Best Practices for Leading Remote Staff

Regular Check-ins

Scheduling one-on-one meetings as well as full team meetings can help your remote team feel supported.  These meetings give them a chance to ask complex questions, share ideas, and celebrate wins.  Video calls can also help build trust and show that their work (though done from afar) is appreciated.

Encourage Open Communication

Patricia uses an “open door” policy for both office and remote teammates.  Her team knows she’s always available through text, email, or video call.  When employees feel comfortable reaching out, they often work with a greater purpose and deeper connection toward team collaboration.  If you’re a manager, it’s important to respond quickly so your team knows you are there for them.

Respect Home Life

Remote work can make it hard to separate work and personal time.  Leaders who keep professional communication within business hours help remote workers unplug and recharge after work and during breaks.  Patricia shares, “When employees feel understood, they work harder – even during life’s hiccups – because they don’t want to let down a leader who doesn’t let them down.”

Celebrate the Small Things

Patricia believes “it’s the little things that matter most.”  She comments on her team’s LinkedIn profiles for birthdays and “work birthdays” (instead of calling them work anniversaries, because her team feels like family).  When her in-office team has a lunch meeting, she also sends lunch to her remote staff.  She even mails them holiday gifts!  These thoughtful actions help remote staff feel just as important as those in the office.

Practice Empathy

Work is about structure and productivity, but employees are not machines.  By leading with empathy, Patricia creates a work culture that benefits everyone on the team.

Overall…

There’s no one-size-fits-all way to lead a team.  Every group is different.  But one thing is always true: good communication and care help teams work better together.  Remote work isn’t going away anytime soon, so learning how to lead with heart is more important than ever.

This article includes research from Amply, linked here.  Special ‘thanks’ to Patricia Backer, Compensation Manager at ATLAS Certified Payroll Inc., for providing her best practices above.