PeopleEngage and support virtual teamseasy
A new team member joins a fully remote project team. After several weeks they contribute little and report feeling disconnected from the rest of the team. What should the project manager do?
- AWait for the member to settle in on their own schedule.
- BTake deliberate steps to integrate them, such as structured onboarding, introductions to each team member, a buddy or pairing arrangement, and regular check-ins.
- CRequire the member to travel to headquarters to meet the team in person.
- DAssign them only independent work that requires minimal interaction.
Explanation
Correct answer: BRemote teams need intentional practices to create the connection that co-located teams get incidentally.
- A
- Connection rarely forms spontaneously on remote teams; passive waiting prolongs the isolation.
- B
- Correct. Structured onboarding, personal introductions, a buddy arrangement, and regular check-ins deliberately build the relationships remote work does not create by itself.
- C
- Travel may be helpful occasionally but is often impractical and does not address ongoing daily integration.
- D
- Isolating the member further entrenches the problem rather than solving it.