A 2025 Guide on How to Hire and Manage a Remote Team

Introduction

Although many employers have pushed for on-site work to come back as the norm, the desire and demand for remote work is far from over. According to an Owl Labs study, 16% of companies are fully remote. These companies understand the importance and benefits of a hybrid and fully remote workforce. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 40% of employees in the US with advanced degrees did telework in March 2025, and around 9% of those with high school degrees also did remote work. The difference was mainly due to the nature of the jobs.   

The fact is that the challenge to hire and manage a remote team is still there, and in this blog, we’ll look at how you can go about it successfully.

Why Hiring Remotely is the Future

Contrary to what some believe, if you look at websites such as Crossover and Turing, you’ll see that the flexibility of remote work lets companies acquire the best talent from around the world. Globalization has allowed employers to look beyond locally available candidates to the best of the best people from anywhere in the world. According to LinkedIn's Future of Work Report, 70% of job seekers consider flexible work options a top priority. 

The fact is that remote hiring allows you to widen your reach and, as mentioned before, save money. In a report by Global Workplace Analytics, companies that shift to remote work save up to $11,000 per year per employee. 

However, acquiring remote resources is more than just placing job posts on a site that caters to remote work. It requires strategic planning, the right tools, and a clear understanding of remote hiring best practices. That brings us to how to hire a remote team effectively, next. 

How to Hire a Remote Team Effectively 

Here are the steps to streamline your remote hiring process: 

Define Your Needs Clearly

Before posting your job, identify the specific skills and experiences you need. Consider how the role functions in a remote environment. Think about time zones, language barriers, and the type of projects that require synchronous communication.

Create a Compelling Job Description

Highlight your company's commitment to remote work and detail the expectations. Include phrases like "work from anywhere," "flexible hours," and "remote-first culture" to attract the right candidates. Mention the tools your team uses and the kind of projects they will be working on. 

Use the Right Platforms

Leverage remote-focused job boards like We Work Remotely, Remote.co, and DigitalHire to find global talent. Platforms like LinkedIn Remote Job Finder are also growing in popularity.

Screen for Remote Skills

Look for candidates who are self-motivated, communicate effectively, and have experience working independently. During interviews, ask scenario-based questions that reveal their problem-solving skills and ability to work without supervision.

Leverage Video Interviews

Platforms like DigitalHire offer pre-recorded video interviews, enabling you to evaluate candidates asynchronously without scheduling conflicts. Consider using live coding tests or real-time problem-solving sessions for technical roles. 

Check References and Portfolio

Verify their past remote work experience and ask about their ability to work autonomously. It's also valuable to request samples of their work that were completed remotely. 

Onboard with Structure and Support

Once hired, onboard your remote employees with clear documentation, regular check-ins, and easy access to resources. Platforms like Notion or Confluence can be great for structured onboarding processes.

Having gone over the steps to hire remotely, let’s look at the best way to manage your remote teams.

Managing Your Remote Team Successfully

Hiring the right talent is just the beginning. Effectively managing remote employees ensures your distributed workforce remains productive and engaged. 

Communication is Key

• You can use tools such as Teams, Slack, and others for real-time messaging and for face-to-face meetings. 

• Establish clear communication guidelines, such as response times and communication platforms.

• Schedule regular check-ins to keep everyone aligned. 

Set Clear Expectations

• Define key performance indicators (KPIs) and project milestones.

• Document all processes and workflows to minimize confusion.

• Create detailed project plans with clear deadlines. 

Foster Engagement and Collaboration 

• Encourage team bonding through virtual coffee breaks and team-building activities.

• Use the many tools available for collaborative brainstorming.

• Organize virtual team retreats or online competitions to boost team spirit and foster remote employee engagement. 

Monitor Progress without Micromanaging 

• Trust your team to complete their tasks, but keep an eye on progress with project management tools. 

• Consider using time-tracking software for more accountability if needed.

Having gone over remote work management strategies, let us look at some actual tools you can utilize for effective remote team management.

Tools to Enhance Remote Team Management 

To make remote work seamless, you can leverage the tools below. Please note the list below is by no means exhaustive: 

• Communication: Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom 

• Project Management: Asana, Trello, ClickUp 

• Collaboration: Notion, Miro, Google Workspace 

• Time Tracking: Toggl, Harvest 

• Hiring and Onboarding: DigitalHire, BambooHR 

• Employee Engagement: Donut for Slack, Trivia by Springworks 

Next, let’s wrap this blog up with some final words on the future of remote work.

Conclusion

Successfully hiring and managing a remote team requires the right blend of strategy, tools, and leadership. With clear expectations, effective communication, and proper onboarding, your distributed team can thrive in any environment. As more companies embrace global talent pools, mastering remote team management is not just beneficial—it's essential for staying competitive.

Furthermore, hiring and managing a remote team doesn't have to be complicated. With the right strategy and tools, you can build a high-performing, globally distributed team that thrives in a virtual environment. 

Ready to take your remote hiring to the next level? Sign up for DigitalHire and connect with top-tier talent across the globe. Leverage pre-recorded video interviews, streamlined onboarding, and powerful recruitment tools to make remote hiring easy and effective.