The Best Way To Support Remote Teams

Remote working isn’t going anywhere. But high-performing, connected, emotionally intelligent teams? They don’t just happen because your team has Slack.

They happen because managers lead with intention.

In our Mental Health Training for Managers, this is one of the biggest challenges that comes up again and again:

"How do I really support my team when I can’t see them?"

Let’s walk through three powerful (and practical) strategies to support your team’s mental health and wellbeing, no matter where they are in the world.

1. Don’t check up—check in

There’s a big difference between asking someone, “What are you working on?” and asking them, “How are you doing?”

One is about output. The other is about them.

When your team is remote, it’s easy to default to task-based check-ins. You ping someone to ask for an update. You drop into a meeting already screen-sharing.

But here’s the truth: If you’re only connecting over work, you’re missing the human part.

Ask questions like:

• “How’s your energy this week?”

• “What’s been challenging lately?”

• “What would help you feel more supported?”

And listen—not just for what they say, but what they don’t.

This isn’t about becoming a therapist. It’s about remembering that employee wellbeing in the workplace doesn’t disappear just because someone’s working from their kitchen table.

Remote teams need leaders who are emotionally available, not just technically accessible.

2. Create moments of genuine connection

In an office, connection happens in the small moments: grabbing coffee, walking to a meeting, sharing a joke across desks.

Remote teams don’t get that. Which means you need to create it on purpose.

This could look like:

• A standing 15-minute check-in every Monday just to chat (no agenda)

• Rotating one-on-ones where people can connect across departments

• Celebrating wins publicly, even small ones

When managers show up consistently in these ways, you build trust. And trust is the foundation of emotional intelligence in leadership.

You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be present.

3. Normalise the conversation about mental health

If the only time you ask someone how they’re really doing is when they’re already in crisis… it’s too late.

Leaders who invest in mental health awareness training for managers understand that psychological safety isn’t built in a single conversation.

It’s built in a culture.

So make it normal. Make it regular. Talk about mental health like you’d talk about a strategy review or a resourcing issue. Make it okay to say:

• “I’m feeling off today”

• “I’m having a tough week”

• “I need some space to regroup”

When you do that, you stop waiting for people to break down before you show up for them.

You show up now.

4. Lead with emotional intelligence, not assumptions

This is the one I’m adding for a reason.

In hybrid and remote environments, miscommunication happens fast. Someone doesn’t respond to a message, and you assume they’re disengaged. A team member turns their camera off, and you worry they’re checked out.

Pause.

Assume nothing.

Instead, get curious. Emotional intelligence in leadership means slowing down the reactive mind and asking:

• “Is there something I’m not seeing?”

• “What else could be true?”

• “What do I need to clarify or ask?”

This is the difference between managing people and leading humans.

The managers who invest in their own self-awareness are the ones who create safe, high-performing teams—whether they're in the office or not.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to overhaul your calendar or become an expert in mental health.

You just need to lead with empathy. Build consistency into your check-ins. Talk about mental health like it matters—because it does. And get comfortable with not having all the answers.

Remote teams don’t need perfect leaders. They need real ones.

If you’re ready to go deeper and equip your leaders with the tools to create a truly supportive culture, our Mental Health Training for Managers is designed for exactly that.

📣 Ready to lead with clarity, confidence, and emotional intelligence?

Book a call to learn more about our training, designed for modern teams who want to thrive, not just survive.