The modern workforce is increasingly scattered, thanks to new flexible working patterns in large companies and an increasingly globalised marketplace. Regus research shows that 53% of professionals work from locations other than their company's main office 2.5 days a week or more.

But research from 4th Office shows that business leaders still have reservations about the effectiveness of remote leadership. Challenges included managing information overload (chosen by 36% of business leaders) and getting everyone to use the same systems and practices (24%).

Alongside these practical concerns for keeping people productive, businesses also expressed worries about keeping teams in the loop and included in company culture.

Here are three ways to keep the channels of communication open.

1. Joining up the dots

When you're all in the office together, keeping the team on the same page is straightforward. Team dynamics are often made clear by physical proximity, and frequent meetings ensure that project aims, roles and responsibilities are not confused. But defining your team's purpose and creating a cohesive dynamic when you're working from different locations is more challenging.

For new joiners, a predefined training programme can replace learning by watching over colleagues' shoulders. Video-based courses are a great way of educating employees on their role as they make it easier to convey company culture. Make sure expectations are clear, even on the basics: when they're able to work; when they should be contactable; and how to update the team on illness or holiday.

For pre-established teams, consider drawing up a written roadmap for your project along the SMART framework (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, time-bound). Knowing what is expected from each team member (and when) avoids gaps emerging in the process.

2. Choosing your channel

While email and face-to-face conversations might dominate your in-office communications, remote working opens up the opportunity for new channels. Using the right one for each conversation avoids team members feeling overwhelmed by information.

Platforms like Skype for Business allow ongoing discussions and also non-work-related chat, which foster company culture. Any emotionally-loaded conversations, such as issues with performance, should be handled over the phone. And don't forget face-to-face time – video conferencing with your team allows them to pick up on each other's non-verbal signals and for managers to detect any issues.

Scheduling more frequent one-on-one meetings is a reliable way of supporting your team in their career development. Encourage feedback in both directions and remember that not all employees will adapt naturally to remote working so check in on their experience of it.

3. Crossing barriers

In remote teams, language and time zone barriers can leave an employee feeling left out. Where in the office they have body language to reinforce the messages in speech, second-language speakers may struggle to keep up with phone conversations. Establish guidelines for group meetings – slow, clear speech and no acronyms or jargon. Follow up with written minutes to make sure everyone's on the same page.

Keeping conversations frequent, varied and visual will increase trust, happiness and productivity within your team. But occasionally there will be times when you need to meet in person. For these, use a business lounge or office space that's convenient for both you and your team to keep the experience in line with your flexible set-up.