Publication Series 5: Challenges What if the solution to the growing skills and talent shortage could be found, at least in part, in Finnish and international virtual teams?

This is the fifth part of the publication series.

5. Challenges

Where do these challenges stem from? In expert work and HR management, crucial elements like planning, scheduling, and reporting are often overlooked. In some cases, incorporating LEAN management principles could help tackle these issues. When the necessary resources and structured workflows are missing, employees become frustrated and exhausted.

It's important to recognize that transparent reporting among all team members is not a negative thing. Instead, it helps prevent potential misuse in virtual work environments, supports employees in achieving their goals, and provides an essential leadership tool for managing virtual teams. Reporting should be utilized not only for project-related matters but also for supervisory oversight—to identify and address problems effectively. However, excessive reporting on irrelevant topics can drain time, add unnecessary workload, and cause frustration. The key is to determine what truly matters.

Another major challenge lies in the misconception that digital workers automatically form virtual teams. In reality, many organizations refer to their remote workers as a "team" but lack essential team-building foundations—such as fostering collective intelligence, continuous development, and adapting teamwork to a digital environment that accommodates diverse national backgrounds. As a result, many employees remain isolated remote workers rather than functioning as part of a well-structured virtual team, even though organizational processes might require a team-based framework.

If this topic interests you and you’d like a quick overview, click the link! The recording is only 15 minutes long, though currently available in Finnish only.
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