Building your own home or second property can be a thrilling and rewarding experience. It allows you to bring your dream house to life, tailored to your preferences and lifestyle. However, the journey can be complex and challenging for new self-builders. To help you embark on this adventure confidently, Dale Joinery, a timber window and door specialist, has compiled a list of the top ten mistakes you can easily avoid with your next build. Inadequate Planning and Budgeting. Failing to plan is planning to fail. Before breaking ground: Here are a few other main things to be mindful of. Water & Electricity Services: It’s important to determine the availability and cost of connecting essential services like water, electricity, broadband and sewage. If the plot of land you want to purchase doesn’t connect these services, you must acquire connection quotes. Planning Permission: Only purchase a plot of land with planning permission in place. We recommend contacting the local planning department to determine if the plot you’re seeking to purchase already has planning permission. Technical Surveys: Technical surveys, such as soil surveys, are paramount before building your property. You need to know the quality and type of ground you’re dealing with to determine the foundations you need for the property. Different types of foundations vary in cost, so we recommend getting a good picture early in the planning stages. Ignoring Local Building Regulations. Each region has its own set of building regulations, permits, and zoning restrictions. Neglecting to comply with these can lead to expensive fines, delays, or even demolition of your project. Engage with local authorities to understand and adhere to your construction’s specific rules. Skimping on Professional Services. While cutting costs by handling everything yourself may be tempting, relying on experts is crucial for a successful build. Engaging qualified professionals such as architects, engineers, and contractors ensures the project is carried out safely, efficiently, and up to code. In the planning stage, changing a drawing is far less costly than changing something that is already built! Overlooking Energy Efficiency. In today’s eco-conscious world, overlooking energy-efficient practices is not just a missed opportunity but could see you fail to reach your targeted SAP calculations for building control alongside the future gains to be had with the cost of running your future home. Invest in energy-efficient insulation, windows, lighting, and appliances to reduce long-term operational costs and leave a smaller environmental footprint. Poor Site Selection. The location of your build significantly impacts your lifestyle and property value. Consider factors like proximity to amenities, accessibility, sunlight exposure, and drainage when choosing your building site. Rushing the Design Phase. The design phase is where you shape the entire project. Avoid rushing it. Review your ideas, consult experts, and ensure the design meets your needs and preferences. Modifications become increasingly expensive once construction starts, so get it right beforehand. Not Future-Proofing Your Home. Think beyond your current needs and plan for the future. Your family may grow, and your lifestyle needs might change over time. Incorporate flexibility into the design to accommodate potential modifications or expansions down the line. Things like locations of light switches, door swings, furniture and frequently used areas need to be considered. Ignoring Quality of Materials Using low-quality materials to save costs may lead to costly repairs and maintenance in the future. Invest in durable, long-lasting materials, and strike a balance between quality and affordability. If you buy cheap, you buy it twice. Underestimating Construction Time Construction delays are common, and underestimating the time required can lead to disappointment and additional expenses. Be realistic with your timeline and set aside a buffer for unforeseen events. Refurbishments will always take far longer than originally anticipated due to unforeseen issues that wouldn’t have been possible to consider at the design phase. An experienced team of professionals will be crucial in overcoming site issues and moving the project forwards. Neglecting Proper Communication Open and clear communication is vital throughout the build. Maintain regular contact with all involved parties, including contractors, suppliers, and professionals, to stay updated on progress and address any concerns promptly. Key Takeaways In conclusion, building your own home or second property can be a transformative experience if approached with foresight and care. Avoiding these common mistakes will not only save you time and money but also ensure a smoother and more enjoyable journey toward your dream home. We can’t emphasise enough that once a plan has been made and finalised, it’s important to stick to it. Delays and overspends are usually a result of changes to the design or material schedule once the build has commenced. Take your time when it comes to planning and making decisions. By planning meticulously, seeking expert advice, and committing to quality, you can make your self-building project a resounding success. Furthermore, if you look to sell your new build home in the future, be sure to follow this guide on getting the best value for your home. Happy building!

In a world marked by the relentless march of technology, even the most cherished traditions are not immune to the winds of change. Bingo, a beloved pastime that has brought generations together, is no exception. As the digital age sweeps through every facet of our lives, the venerable bingo hall finds itself at a crossroads, faced with the challenge of embracing innovation while preserving the essence of community and excitement. In this exploration, we uncover the art of modernising bingo halls in a digital world, a delicate dance between tradition and transformation. Redefining the Bingo Experience The heart of bingo lies in the thrill of anticipation, the camaraderie of shared excitement, and the satisfaction of marking off those numbers. Modernising the bingo hall involves enhancing these core elements, not replacing them. Enter digital devices and applications tailored for bingo enthusiasts. By integrating touchscreen tablets or smartphones, players can effortlessly track their numbers and engage in interactive games. This marriage of tradition and technology ensures that the gameplay remains familiar while infusing it with a touch of modern convenience. Online Connectivity and Virtual Halls The internet has opened new avenues for social interaction and entertainment, and bingo is no exception. The concept of virtual bingo halls has gained momentum, offering players the chance to partake in games from the comfort of their homes. This shift expands the player base beyond geographical boundaries, allowing friends and families scattered across the globe to gather online and share a game. All leading online bingo platforms integrate chat features, bringing the social aspect of the game to life in a digital environment. Revamped Rewards and Gamification In the digital world, gamification reigns supreme. Modern bingo halls are leveraging this trend by introducing innovative reward systems and gamified elements. Loyalty programs, interactive leaderboards, and virtual collectables are just a few examples of how bingo is adapting to the preferences of a digitally native audience. These elements not only heighten engagement but also infuse an element of competitiveness, driving players to return for the thrill of victory. Streaming and Live Experiences Streaming technology has revolutionised how we consume content, and bingo halls are embracing this trend to provide live experiences. Imagine tuning in to watch a live bingo session, with charismatic hosts calling out numbers, interacting with viewers, and even hosting mini-games between rounds. Streaming platforms not only amplify the entertainment value but also bridge the gap between physical and digital bingo halls, creating a unique fusion of the two. Data-Driven Personalisation Personalisation is the hallmark of the digital age, and bingo halls are leveraging data to tailor experiences. By analysing player preferences and behaviour, modern halls can curate game schedules, themes, and promotions that resonate with their audience. This level of customisation not only enhances player satisfaction but also establishes a deeper connection between players and the venue. Embracing Change, Preserving Tradition Modernising bingo halls in a digital world is a careful balance between honouring tradition and embracing change. As bingo aficionados seek convenience, connection, and novel experiences, bingo halls that successfully navigate this transformation are poised to thrive. By intertwining the time-honoured excitement of the game with the allure of technology, these modernised halls ensure that bingo remains a vibrant, relevant, and cherished part of our cultural fabric.

Because now businesses have more competition than ever before, they need to be careful and seek new ways to make their processes more profitable. And because of this aspect, supply chain management has become vital for companies, as this helps the general public access all kinds of goods, from clothes to material construction or food. The complexity in supply chain networks has led to the need of creating new solutions to handle the demands, and this is why supply chain control towers have appeared. A control tower is vital for a business, as it represents a centralized platform that offers end-to-end visibility of the supply chain so that companies can make the right decisions and correct any mistake that can be present. The best advantage control towers have brought is that they transform all company processes into streamlined and efficient operations.  Here is everything you need to know about supply chain control towers and their importance to businesses.  What is a supply chain control tower?  A supply chain control tower is a central hub that gathers all the available data about a company from everywhere, be it from suppliers, partners or customers. This means businesses will have a single platform to see all the activities from the supply chain area, which is greatly beneficial, as in this way, they will not miss information or changes that can appear. A control tower logistics will also allow companies to stay connected with the partners within the supply chain and have the smoothest services. As it centralizes data from several sources and systems, control towers enable real-time tracking and give important insights to increase supply chain performance. They usually incorporate advanced technologies, like machine learning, artificial technologies and predictive analytics, to optimize operations. With the help of this innovative solution, companies have better visibility in managing their logistics, can respond faster to the changes that can appear or have better communication and coordination between the departments of a business.  Why do businesses need a supply chain control tower?  From the first time they appeared, control towers represented a game-changer for all businesses. And the greatest benefit this brought is that it improved a company’s operational efficiency. With the data collected, businesses are able to identify the inefficiencies they have in their processes and make more informed decisions. Also, control towers help organizations minimize their costs by reducing wastage and optimizing inventory. This will only bring benefits because it leads to higher profits and improved cash flow management. Also, with it, departments can communicate better, be a team with a common purpose, and ensure that everyone works together to accomplish the goals of a business. Not to mention that this technology gives better internal and external transparency so that customers, employees or suppliers will all be up to date with the action and operations of a company. This will only bring advantages because if customers see how a business operates, they will be more tempted to try products and services.  Although control towers are beneficial in all logistics, there are also some areas where they are indispensable. For example, they are very needed in chemicals transport, as this field is a complex area responsible for adopting special requirements and conditions so that a company can transport some chemicals, and in which drivers also need special certifications.  What are the implementations of the supply chain control tower?  There are many implementations that a supply chain control tower (SCCT) brings, but the most important of them are represented by: Implementing the supply chain control tower needs careful planning, opting for the right technologies, data integration, training and continuous improvement to increase all the operations.  Final words The integration of the supply chain control towers has really revolutionized the way in which a company makes its operations. These systems have brought plenty of advantages to the supply chain, as with their help, companies are more informed and can make better decisions. If businesses embrace these technologies, they will create a competitive benefit over the competition, which is vital in an ever-changing marketplace. With the help of SCCT,  businesses can achieve their goals with better accuracy and at a greater speed, which is essential for a company to thrive. 

In today’s digital age, social media platforms have become an essential part of every industry’s marketing playbook – and the construction sector is no exception. However, your social media approach determines whether or not you stand out in this cluttered marketplace.  Whether you’re a seasoned business owner or diving into the realm of construction startups, stay tuned as we journey through practical steps to ramp up your social media strategy and transform your online presence into a beacon for potential clients. Identify Your Target Audience The initial and paramount step in crafting a social media strategy for your construction company is defining your target audience.  Start by identifying who you want to reach, whether it is residential homeowners, commercial business owners, or perhaps real estate developers. Also, identify platforms they frequent and know the language that resonates with them. Understanding their preferences, online habits, pain points, and needs can significantly guide your content creation process.  Polish Your Social Media Profiles Once you’ve established your target audience, it’s time to work on your social media profiles.  Your profiles serve as the first point of contact for potential clients navigating from your social media posts to your business page. It’s essential that they find a good representation of the services you offer.  Firstly, ensure uniformity in branding across all platforms, with similar logos, color schemes, and taglines. Include contact information and website links in the bio section. Next, leverage the ‘about’ sections effectively to articulate what sets your company apart from others in a brief yet engaging way. That way, you will create a professional image and construct trust with potential clientele.  Craft Engaging Content and Employ Linkage Content is the cornerstone of your social media strategy. In order to make a memorable impact, it’s crucial to create and consistently share comprehensive, appealing posts that spark user interest.  Utilize a mix of text-based posts, captivating images of your projects, insightful articles about construction, and behind-the-scenes footage from job sites. You may also use online tools to generate AI GIFs instantly, which you can share alongside your posts.  Furthermore, don’t hesitate to link back to other relevant content you have online. For instance, suppose there’s a blog article on your website about home renovation tips. You could present snippets from this article on social media and then include a link leading viewers back to the full-length blog post on your site for more information.  This method not only aids in driving traffic to other online resources but also helps position you as an authoritative industry figure while cultivating deeper client engagement.  Leverage Construction Hashtags and Keywords Incorporating hashtags and keywords specific to your industry is another key tactic for broadening your social media reach. Construction-related hashtags can be particularly effective on platforms like Instagram and X, formerly Twitter. They can help increase the likelihood of your posts being discovered by individuals who are interested in or searching for construction content. Similar to hashtags, construction-focused keywords should be included within your content wherever possible. Use terms that reflect the kind of services you provide or the type of projects you undertake. This practice helps to improve search engine visibility, allowing clients who are actively seeking out specific types of construction work online to easily find and connect with your business. This, in turn, attracts new followers who have a keen interest in what you offer.  Run Promotions for Followers Discounted services, referral bonuses, or gifting branded merchandise are perfect examples of promotions you can offer to stimulate engagement and grow your followers. You could also hold contests where the winning prize could be a free consultation or discount on a future project. This strategy not only rewards loyal customers but further encourages them to share their positive experiences with your company. This word-of-mouth marketing most often leads to an increase in visibility and potential new clients.  It’s vital, though, to ensure that these promotions align with your business model, are feasible within your current budget, and are appealing enough to your target audience.  Implement Targeted Advertising Campaigns While organic reach is essential, targeted advertising campaigns on social media platforms can significantly elevate your online presence.  Such campaigns allow you to reach a broader audience or hone in on specific groups based on demographics, interests, or browsing behavior. This means your ads are more likely to appear before individuals who are most likely to be interested in your services. Platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn offer sophisticated targeting options that enable you to create ads specifically tailored for certain segments of your audience. Additionally, the data collected from these campaigns can provide critical insights to further refine future marketing efforts. The goal is to ensure you create striking and informative ad content that clearly nails down what sets you apart as a construction company. Foster Engagement With Your Audience Social media is not just about broadcasting; it’s about conversing.  So, strive to respond promptly to comments, questions, or any direct messages on your posts, as it gives an impression of attentiveness and can help build trust with potential clients. Additionally, consider asking for followers’ opinions on aspects related to your industry or reactively commenting on posts relevant to you.  Regular engagement such as this portrays a more personal side of your company and may result in higher follower loyalty. It can also provide valuable feedback and insight into your target audience’s behaviors, preferences, and needs, allowing you to refine your approach accordingly.  Measure Success through Analytics It’s essential to gauge the effectiveness of your social media efforts.  The good news is that most social media platforms provide insightful data about reach, engagement rates, follower demographics, and more. You can also invest in other tools to help you study other metrics, such as likes, shares, comments, and re-posts, as they offer direct feedback on how engaging your posts are. Track website traffic driven from social links, too; this can indicate whether followers are taking that next step toward becoming customers.  Using this data, you can understand

Customer satisfaction in the construction industry has reached an all-time high in recent years of 82% compared to the previous 77%. But defining customer service in construction isn’t as straightforward as you would believe and ensuring high service, with quality materials, can be more complicated than in other industries. Essentially, you still need to deliver on the promise you made when quoting for the contract, ensuring each aspect of your work and how you and/or your team and subcontractors provide the service. By definition, customer service within construction is;  “the Project Owner’s perception of the degree to which the Project requirements have been fulfilled”. So where do you go from here, and how should you improve your customer service for all round satisfaction throughout any project? Customer Centric While the phrase “the customer is always right” is outdated and often false on many levels, that doesn’t mean you should take charge and walk over any suggestions the customer might have for the work they require. While they may not know a lot about the industry or how to bring things to life, they will still have ideas and suggestions, and instead of ignoring them and brushing them off, listen to what they have to say and what it is they want then talk them through their options for this, how it would work if it’s possible and what this would look like completed, if you have better alternative suggestions you can give them these on top of their wishes so they have all the information to hand to make the right decision. If they can visualise it, they can understand it better and know the implications in the future. Use Quality Materials It goes without saying that cutting corners on materials can lead to a poorer finish, lower satisfaction rates and a higher risk of failure, problems or issues down the line. And while margins are undoubtedly tight in the industry, taking chances with untested or unknown parts or those not finished to the highest spec can be a bad decision all around. Choose HVOF for metal fixtures and fittings for a longer lifespan, higher quality and improved performance for your parts; avoid substandard products or untested parts that can cause problems down the line. You can still remain competitive without cutting corners on material costs. Don’t Over Promise It can be tempting to beat your competitors to the post and win the job, but failing to deliver on your promises, missing deadlines, subpar quality finishes and using untrained workers can be detrimental to the completed work and your reputation. Be realistic about what you can offer and why, and give yourself a reasonable timeframe – “in time, not on time” Your experience should be able to determine this for you and be honest at every step of the process. While you may not have the most exciting offer, a realistic one with a job completed well and on time is preferable for every customer. Be Upfront One of the main complaints in the construction industry is that someone goes back on their word or that communication is poor. If there will be issues, complications or extensions to work, be honest and tell the customer. If it will take weeks because you are extremely busy and not the one week you quoted, tell them not to flake out or rush the work to get it done on time and below standards. Suppose there are issues with the works, delays on parts or supplies, or you need to adjust the quote, tell them right away instead of hiding it or leaving it as a nasty surprise in the final invoice. Be Professional While the customer is rarely right, never mind always right, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still be professional and offer them exceptional service. These days people are quick to complain about anything and everything, while compliments aren’t as forthcoming. Be professional and courteous at all times, talk to the customer, make them feel included and answer any questions or concerns with honesty and sincerity. While you might not be a miracle worker, by being honest and open with them and offering a polite and efficient service, they will be more at ease with you and be less likely to find fault if they feel heard and understood throughout the process. Customer service is not as straightforward in construction as it is in other industries, but that doesn’t mean it’s less important, far from it; it just means that you need to know how you can make the best impression the first time and through the job to help customers feel confident they have picked the right person for the job.

Original sash windows are a classic feature in many older homes.  However, with age often comes the need for sash window repairs. When sash windows start sticking, slipping, letting in drafts, or showing other signs of wear, you have a decision to make – DIY sash window repairs or call in a sash window repair professional? This article examines the pros and cons of DIY versus professional sash window repair options. Sash windows repairs can encompass many issues from stuck panes to broken pulley systems. Evaluating whether to tackle sash window repairs yourself or hire a specialist requires weighing factors like your skill level, the specifics of the repair needed, and cost comparisons. With some original window repairs being simple and others quite intricate, making an informed decision upfront is key. What can be be tackled by DIYers and what should be left for professional sash window specialists Here is a table comparing sash window repairs that can typically be tackled by DIYers vs. those best left to professionals: DIY-Friendly Sash Window Repairs Professional sash window repair service Lubricating stuck panes Replacing broken sash cords Adjusting jammed sash locks Repairing counterbalance weights Replacing damaged glazing putty Reglazing single-glazed sashes with double glazing Weatherstripping drafts Draught-proofing or secondary glazing installation Reglazing cracked glass Levelling and plumbing window frame Fixing stuck sash lifts Sash replacement or removal Cleaning debris in tracks Replacing window sills Tightening loose hardware Extensive rot repair The DIY Approach Taking a DIY approach to sash window repairs can save money and allow you to work on your own schedule. Many issues like stuck windows, broken cords, and loose panes can be addressed with some basic tools and a YouTube tutorial. Pros of DIY Sash Window Repairs: Cons of DIY Sash Window Repairs: While simple repairs like lubricating stuck windows or replacing broken cords may be good DIY projects, anything more complex may require professional expertise. Calling in the Pros Hiring experienced, skilled craftsmen has some distinct advantages over DIY when it comes to period property windows restoration. You can be confident that the work will be done properly and safely. Pros of Professional Sash Window Repairs Cons of Professional Sash Window Repairs Reputable sash window specialists should provide free consultations and quotes, so you know what to expect cost-wise. This option is best for intricate repairs like sash replacement or weight and pulley system issues. Key Considerations When weighing DIY against hiring a professional, keep the following in mind: Making thoughtful repairs can restore the function and improve the energy efficiency of beautiful sash windows for years to come. Evaluate your specific situation to choose the best option, either DIY or professional. With proper care, your windows can once again be a welcoming feature of your home.

Climate change is driving extreme weather events across the globe. However, Australia faces unique challenges due to its diverse landscapes and the fact that it’s surrounded by several seas and oceans. In 2022, all but one Australian territory was affected by natural disasters. Here, bushfires and heatwaves are annual events, although flooding is also on the rise. Now that extreme heat and flooding events are the rule rather than the exception, more Australians than ever are pushing for improved standards in resilient building design. The Damage That Flooding Causes In southeastern Australia, long-lasting periods of heavy rainfall have been known to cause rivers to burst their banks. In coastal areas, tropical cyclones and high tides can lead to devastating seawater surges. Sadly, flooding planning controls aren’t heavily enforced across Australia. In fact, only 3% of Australian homes are categorised as being in high-risk flood areas. This means that the vast majority of residential properties in the country aren’t subject to building controls. Nonetheless, recent weather events have proven that flooding poses a significant risk to millions of Australian homeowners. Structural damage is the worst-case scenario, but even low levels of floodwater can cause devastating damage to properties. When retrofitting a property with flood-resistant materials isn’t possible, flood response services are the only option for at-risk homeowners. Fortunately, there are specialised companies that offer solutions. In the immediate aftermath of a flood, water extraction is often the first port of call. Even if flood damage looks superficial, it’s important to seek out water damage restoration services as quickly as possible. In severe cases, thermal imaging and structural drying may be required. A flooded property also has implications for human health. Saturated carpets and building materials can quickly lead to mould growth, while overflows from sewage systems can introduce harmful bacteria into your home. How Architecture Can Mitigate Flood Risk Fortunately, there’s plenty that can be done to floodproof properties against rising waters. One of the most effective solutions for reducing risk is to elevate a structure above the flood level. However, this is rarely an option for pre-existing structures. When building in an area that’s at high risk of flooding, material choices need to be carefully considered. At an absolute minimum, flood-resistant materials should be able to withstand immersion for 72 hours. As well as being durable, resilient materials need to be able withstand high levels of humidity. Good examples of flood-resistant materials include glazed brick, concrete and ceramic tile. Even if foundation walls and key structural elements remain intact, the clean-up operation after a flooding event can be time-consuming and expensive. The good news is that there are many ways homeowners can flood-proof their home. Circuity can be protected by installing wall sockets and integrated appliances at a high level. Meanwhile, swapping out porous materials for marine-grade plywood will bolster the flood-resistant properties of your interiors. Even with commitments to net zero policies and a move to a greener economy, there’s no avoiding the fact that climate change is here to stay. Over the last 10 years, Australia has experienced more than 160,000 flooding events. What’s more, the previous decade was the hottest on record. Although global action is required to keep rising temperatures in check, architectural design at least offers some solutions for protecting Australia’s housing stock and infrastructure.

Despite hot-desking becoming more common in the hybrid world of work, staff prefer to have their own personal space, according to new data from global workplace creation expert Unispace. The organisation’s ‘Returning for Good’ study – which surveyed 9,500 office workers and 6,650 employers – revealed that the majority (83%) of workers who currently hot-desk would be inclined to be in the office more often if they had an assigned desk. Despite this, 48% of firms across the globe have a hot-desking policy. According to the data, males are particularly driven by the need to have their own space, with 86% of men indicating they’d spend more time in the office – compared to 80% of females – if they had their own assigned desk. Of the age groups, the younger demographic showed a higher-than-average desire for their own space, with 88% of those aged 18-34 stating they would head into the workplace more if they had their own desk. This drops to 84% for those aged 35-44 and 71% for those over 45. Robin Dey, Head of Client Solutions at Unispace, commented. “It would appear that old habits are beginning to return to the office and people are looking to once again have their own personal space at work. However, it does appear that some businesses are overlooking what their people really need and the fact that almost half of firms have a hot-desking set up, despite staff showing a desire for assigned spaces, suggests there is a disconnect between employers and employees. “This preference for designated individual spaces is also likely another reflection of people seeking greater elements of their home office set up in the workplace. For many, working from home means they have a dedicated area to store their work equipment and personalise to suit their needs. “The difference across the age demographics is particularly interesting and further supports the idea that businesses are making assumptions about the desires of their employees. Those who make up the younger segment of the workforce are often considered to be amenable to flexibility at work, yet our study shows they have a greater desire for their own assigned desk. Business leaders need to ensure they’re creating office spaces that people want to use, and to do that, they first need to understand what kind of workplace that really is, without making assumptions.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals 

Remote teams present their own set of challenges when you’re responsible for managing them. Since the pandemic, many more organizations have embraced a remote working or hybrid working environment. While that’s great for providing flexibility and hopefully a better work-life balance for employees, it can be hard for managers who are used to staff being in-house at all times. Adapting your management style is important to ensure you’re successful at managing your team from a remote position, especially when it comes to construction. With that being said, here are six tips to help manage your remote teams effectively this year. If you’re trying to manage remote teams, then you’re going to want a platform whereby you can access your team’s whereabouts at all times. The BuildOps field service management is probably one of the best software options to have because it helps to monitor your staff and their working days. It can check where staff are pulling their weight and where they might not be at times. Of course, there are times when procrastination occurs but when they’re working on company hours, every hour needs to be utilized as effectively as possible. Introducing a piece of software such as this one is a great way to help keep in communication with all staff and for them to be able to access their working calendars, as well as relevant customer data. Overcommunicating is something that you definitely want to do more of where possible. The more you can communicate with your team, the more everyone is switched on to what needs to get done and when. Not communicating with your team will leave them to their own devices for too long. While you want your remote team to be independent when working, you don’t want to leave them in the dark for too long without any direction. As a manager, it’s important that you’re doing everything you can to ensure communications are active at all times. You should though, set some boundaries when it comes to making sure your own work gets done on time. Platforms that allow you to alert staff of when you’re away and when you’re at your desk are useful to implement too. You should be doing everything you can to check in with staff members on a regular basis. Feedback is important and it’s something that you should be able to give and receive. Consider what feedback you’ve given your staff so far as a manager and how you could help encourage the same feedback being given back. It’s important to create a clear and transparent communication channel between yourself and your team.  They should feel confident that they can be honest with your management style and make suggestions for improvement where needed. Checking in with your team members should be something you’re doing at least weekly, if not on a daily basis. Even if it’s for five minutes every day, it can make a world of difference.  Video conferencing is one of the main ways you’re going to be able to communicate effectively with your team and members of the team. It’s become a saviour for many businesses, particularly during the pandemic when traditional businesses that didn’t work remotely, couldn’t communicate in any other way. When managing a remote team, make sure you’re hosting video meetings regularly. This will certainly be helpful to stay connected with your team at all times, rather than having to do a lot of the conversations over email. Email conversations are also likely to be less efficient when it comes to getting a response quickly. What does your day look like currently? It’s a cluttered and unorganized mess? If that’s the reality of your management structure currently, then it definitely needs to change quickly. Having a clear structure to your day is going to allow you to tick off all the necessary tasks that need completing, while still being able to be present to your team. Finally, as a manager, your role doesn’t mean you should be doing everything and anything at all times. A team collaboration approach is always the best way to ensure the whole team is happy. They all support one another and help one another when the time is right.  As a manager, it’s important that you’re doing everything you can to encourage this, not only for their benefit but for yours too. Hopefully, these tips will help you manage your remote teams effectively this year.