A Guide to Building Remote Teams for Canadian Entrepreneurs

The way we work has changed a lot in the past few years. When COVID-19 hit, about 40% of Canadian employees started working from home. By 2023, that number dropped to just over 25%, as more companies pushed for a full return to the office. In fact, 83% of CEOs say they expect everyone back in the office within the next three years.

So, does this mean remote work wasn’t as beneficial as we thought? Not at all. Many businesses have seen incredible benefits from remote teams—lower costs, higher productivity, and happier employees. But that doesn’t mean every company will stick with it.

For Canadian business owners used to traditional setups, remote staffing can feel like a big shift. But when done right, it’s a smart way to scale. And it’s not just about hiring virtual personal assistants in Canada—there’s a whole world of high-impact remote talent out there!

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the benefits of remote teams and how to build one that drives results.

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How to Build a High-Performing Remote Team
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One way to look at building a remote team is creating a system where talent, technology, and culture come together to drive your business success. A high-performing remote team can help your company scale and increase productivity while keeping operational costs in check—an essential advantage for running a lean dropshipping business. But to make it work, you need to do it right.

Here’s how you can build a remote team that delivers real results.
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1. Create a detailed job description

If you want to hire the right person, you need to be clear about what the job is all about. A detailed job description helps both you and the person applying understand what’s expected.

Here are things you should include:

• Job title
• Responsibilities
• Required skills
• Work schedule
• Expectations

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2. Tap A+ talent from the right locations

Where you hire makes a big difference. Some countries have a larger pool of skilled professionals, making it easier to find the right person for the job.

For example, the Philippines is known for having highly skilled workers in roles like customer service, graphic design, IT, and marketing. Many professionals there have strong English skills, excellent work ethics, and experience working with international businesses—all at competitive rates.
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3. Prioritize skills and experience

Saving money is important, but hiring just because someone costs less can lead to problems. A lower rate doesn’t always mean a good deal, especially if the person doesn’t have the skills or experience to do the job well. Instead, focus on finding candidates who bring real value to your team by looking at their:

• Technical abilities and expertise needed for the role
• Hands-on experience
• Strong work ethic
• Cultural fit
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4. Have the right tools

Remote teams rely on technology to work smoothly. Without the right tools, communication can get messy, tasks can be forgotten, and projects can slow down. To keep your team connected and productive, invest in reliable tools that make work easier.
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5. Build a strong remote work culture

A great company culture isn’t just for office workers—it’s just as important for remote teams. When employees feel connected, valued, and supported, they do their best work. Even if your team isn’t in the same location, you can still create a positive and engaging work environment.

Here are a few things you can do:

• Foster trust
• Encourage inclusivity
• Hold regular check-ins 
• Recognize achievements
• Organize virtual team-building activities
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6. Set clear expectations and performance metrics

Remote employees do their best work when they know exactly what’s expected of them. Without clear guidelines, it’s easy for tasks to get off track or for team members to feel unsure about their roles.

By setting clear expectations and tracking performance, you’ll create a structured work environment where remote employees can thrive and contribute effectively to your business.
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7. Implement continuous learning and development

A skilled team is a strong team. Remote employees need opportunities to grow, just like in-office staff. Investing in their learning not only helps them improve but also keeps them motivated and engaged.

Here’s how to support continuous development:

• Provide training programs
• Encourage mentorship
• Host regular knowledge-sharing sessions
• Support career progression
• Offer learning stipends
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8. Foster open communication and feedback

A remote team works best when everyone feels heard and informed. Open communication keeps projects running smoothly, strengthens teamwork, and builds trust. Without it, misunderstandings and confusion can slow things down.

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8 Common Pitfalls in Remote Hiring (And How to Avoid Them)
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Here are eight common remote hiring pitfalls—and how to avoid them.
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1. Hiring without a clear job description

If you’re not specific about the role you’re hiring for, you’ll waste time sorting through unqualified applicants. A vague job post leads to confusion, and not just for candidates but also for your team. 

Make sure your job descriptions clearly outline responsibilities, required skills, and expectations. This way, you attract the right talent and set them up for success from the start.
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2. Prioritizing cost over quality

Yes, hiring remote talent can save you money, but that shouldn’t be your only focus! Choosing the cheapest candidate may result in poor work quality and higher turnover. Instead, balance cost-effectiveness with expertise, experience, and long-term value.
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3. Neglecting cultural and communication fit

Skills matter, but so does how well a new hire fits with your company culture. If they struggle with communication or don’t align with your team’s values, collaboration can become difficult. Choose candidates who can work within your time zones, adapt to your workflows, and communicate effectively in writing and speech.
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4. Not verifying credentials and work experience

A resume may look impressive, but it doesn’t always tell the full story. Without proper screening, you risk hiring someone who isn’t as qualified as they claim. Always verify work experience, check references, and use skill-based assessments to confirm a candidate’s abilities before making an offer.
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5. Weak onboarding and training process 

Bringing in top talent is just the beginning. If you don’t give new hires the right tools and guidance, they won’t be able to perform at their best. A solid onboarding process that introduces them to your company’s expectations, methods, and culture helps them settle in quickly and contribute effectively.
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6. Micromanaging your team

Remote work thrives on trust. Constantly checking in on employees and requiring unnecessary approvals can slow productivity and frustrate your team. Instead, set clear goals, provide autonomy, and focus on results rather than monitoring every step.
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7. Overlooking legal and compliance requirements

Hiring remotely comes with legal responsibilities. Every country has different labor laws, tax policies, and contract requirements. Ignoring them can lead to fines and legal trouble. To stay compliant, work with a remote staffing agency or an Employer of Record (EOR) that handles these details for you.
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8. Expecting remote work to function like a traditional office 

Remote teams don’t operate like in-office teams, and trying to replicate the same structure can cause unnecessary friction. Strict schedules and immediate responses aren’t always practical in a remote setup. Instead, embrace flexibility, focus on results, and use asynchronous communication to keep work flowing smoothly.

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Signs It’s Time to Partner with a Remote Staffing Provider
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If you’re struggling to find the right people, spending too much time on hiring, or facing difficulties navigating remote hiring, it might be time to bring in a remote staffing expert.

Here are some signs that partnering with a remote staffing provider is the best next step for your business.
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You’re struggling to find skilled remote talent

There are millions of skilled workers around the world, but that doesn’t mean they’re easy to find. If your job ads aren’t bringing in the right people or you’re getting too many applications from unqualified candidates, an expert can help sort that out. 

A remote staffing company already knows where to find great workers and can match you with the right ones.
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Your hiring process is taking too long

Good workers don’t wait forever. If it takes weeks or even months to fill a position, you could lose top talent to other companies. 

If your hiring process is dragging on for weeks (or even months) more than the average, it’s a good sign to team up with a remote staffing solution provider. They can streamline everything from sourcing and vetting to onboarding, so you get the right talent faster. 
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You need to scale—fast!

When your business is growing, you need extra hands ASAP. But hiring in-house takes time and resources you may not have. A remote staffing provider has a pool of ready-to-go candidates, making it easier to scale your team without delays.
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You don’t have the time to manage recruitment and HR

If hiring, onboarding, and handling HR tasks are taking too much of your time, outsourcing to a staffing provider can lighten the load. They’ll take care of the details so you can focus on growing your business.
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You need experts in compliance in other countries

Every country has different labor laws, tax rules, and employment regulations. A remote staffing provider ensures you stay compliant and avoid costly mistakes, so you can hire globally with peace of mind.
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Propel Your Business with a High-Performing Remote Team

Looking to grow your business without the stress of hiring? MultiplyMii is here to help!

With over a decade of experience in remote staffing, we’ve helped more than 250 businesses build their dream teams with top Filipino talent. And you could be next! 

Partner with us, and we’ll connect you with skilled professionals who fit your needs, from virtual personal assistants and other in-demand roles in Canada.

Let’s make it happen! Schedule a FREE consultation with our team today!

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