The rise of remote work has created a challenge for sales managers: integrate remote workers into existing in-office teams. 

Although remote work offers access to a flexible talent pool, managing hybrid teams can be difficult due to communication, goal setting, and resource allocation challenges.

This guide outlines practical ways to overcome the challenges of integrate remote sales teams with your current sales teams.

By implementing strategic initiatives and following best practices in change management and leadership, you can ensure your sales team is well-equipped to succeed in their revenue operations.

Benefits of To Integrate Remote Sales Teams into Existing Sales Teams

The data indicates that productivity, employee satisfaction, and revenue can be improved by implementing hybrid teams comprising remote and in-office sellers.

Key advantages include: 

According to a study from Global Workplace Analytics, companies that have successfully adopted work-from-home models and flexible workspaces experienced a 30% increase in productivity on average and up to 50% decrease in attrition.

However, the challenge lies in helping remote employees feel connected, aligned, and empowered compared to their in-office counterparts. 

Nonetheless, it is essential to recognize that combining the benefits of remote and in-office work can result in significant advantages for organizations.

Overcoming Management Hurdles with Remote Sales Teams

Managing an integrated remote and on-site sales team presents new challenges around communication, performance tracking, and resource access, while optimizing talent acquisition and engagement.

Communication Breakdowns

• Challenge: Lack of in-person interactions can limit relationship building and information sharing.

• Solution: Host daily remote check-ins. Enable team chat apps like Slack. Set weekly video conferences to discuss obstacles.

Performance Tracking

• Challenge: No ability to directly monitor remote productivity day-to-day.

• Solution: Establish clear KPIs. Track daily and weekly performance metrics tailored to each sales role. Conduct screen shares if concerns arise.

Leaders should document clear expectations and measure progress against outcomes, not just tasks.

Resource Access

• Challenge: Remote staff can feel disconnected from systems, tools and training opportunities. Networking also suffers.

• Solution: Launch recorded trainings, brand guides and more. Automate onboarding through pre-recorded videos and portals.

4 Keys to Successfully Integrate Remote Workers in Sales Teams

1. Manage change transparently

Major organizational change can be destabilizing if not handled openly and positively. 

Employees need to understand why shifts towards remote work benefit them and the company’s mission.

Leaders should:

• Clarify how strategy ties to remote talent models.
• Highlight growth opportunities for both office and remote staff.
• Train managers on supporting hybrid team dynamics.

2. Foster inclusive culture

Distributed team members should be compensated equitably, have access to open culture, and equal opportunities for career growth.

Best practices include:

• Location-blind performance evaluation and rewards.
• Virtual social events bringing all team members together.
• Mentorship initiatives connecting remote and in-office staff.

3. Keep your sales team connected

Encourage remote and office-based employees to interact socially, both formally and informally. This will foster a sense of community, humanize remote hires, and integrate them into the team.

Tactics include:

• Regular video conferences for whole team collaboration.
• Designating online channels for social conversations.
• Small talk time before meetings.

4. Drive clear leadership messaging

Uncertainty is the enemy of integration. Ensure leaders directly and frequently communicate strategy, priorities, and company news to the entire distributed team through:

• Recorded video messages from executives.
• Documents outlining objectives, responsibilities and expectations.
• Regular all-hands video conferences.

Equipping Sales Managers to Lead Hybrid Sales Teams

A successful remote/in-office integration depends on the execution of sales managers, while the strategy comes from the top. 

Here are some ways to enable hybrid team success:

1. Change Management

• Embrace flexible work structures yourself first.
• Gather input from both teams to identify friction points.
• Advocate for the needs of remote members to executive leaders.

2. Inclusion and Belonging

• Facilitate both work and social interactions amongst the hybrid team.
• Implement location-blind performance evaluation and rewards.
• Sponsor mentorship programs that pair remote and in-office sellers.

3. Capability Building

• Sponsor specialized training that meets the location-agnostic needs of the team.
• Close skills gaps that limit individual contributor growth.
• Automate consistent performance feedback.

4. Goal Setting and Tracking

• Set consistent KPIs tied to individuals and teams.
• Increase visibility into goal progress through accurate data reports.
• Continuously realign on updated objectives.

CloudTask: Your Source for Remote Sales Workers

Finding specialized revenue-focused sales representatives and operations professionals from different parts of the world can be a challenging and time-consuming task. 

It involves navigating through various job sites, understanding different regulations, dealing with language barriers, and identifying the right talent.

The CloudTask platform simplifies this process by expertly qualifying global remote workers optimized for your revenue roles. 

Our sales talent platform offers the following benefits:

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to maximize your revenue growth potential. 

Leverage CloudTask today to activate your remote RevOps workforce of tomorrow.

Conclusion

Sales leaders need to let go of outdated attitudes that oppose remote/hybrid work arrangements. 

The data indicates that blending local and distributed team members is not only possible but essential in today’s competitive market, where top talent seeks flexibility. 

However, to integrate remote workers into existing sales units that are based on location-dependent premises can lead to a clash of cultures. 

To prevent failure, sales leaders must fully embrace change by implementing effective communication strategies, encouraging transparent leadership, and prioritizing inclusion. 

This approach will enable managers to form cohesive teams that go beyond traditional boundaries, leading to increased productivity and revenue gains.

Specialized global talent platforms like CloudTask have made it possible for sales organizations to access the best remote sales professionals from around the world. 

The future of sales is all about flexible, personalized, and borderless work arrangements.

Is your team ready to embrace this change?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can I motivate my hybrid sales team?

• Set clear remote-inclusive KPIs, offer location-blind bonuses, facilitate regular digital interactions, and convey remote work as a benefit.
  

What tools work best for hybrid teams?

• Cloud collaboration apps like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom align both remote and in-office staff with shared goals and databases.

How do I source specialized remote sales talent?

• Platforms like CloudTask allow you to easily filter, assess, and integrate remote workers with targeted sales and RevOps experience in your company.

How can I ensure my hybrid team achieves sales targets?

• Set aligned revenue goals across locations. Track daily metrics on individual and team performance versus targets. Maintain open communications on customer insights and best practices between remote and in-office sellers.

What are the main advantages of integrate remote workers into a sales team?

• Key benefits include increased talent access, fresh perspectives to improve global customer relationships, enhanced flexibility to attract top performers, and higher revenue growth through expanded market reach.