[rpwilcox]

Author here.

> One tool that the OP doesn't mention, but should be a > staple among companies of all sizes: Google Hangouts. You > can make a permanent hangout

It's interesting to see the potential evolution beyond just text chat for remote teams.

I've never used a permanent video Hangout (although Hangout's new group chat features might work well). I'm excited to try out sqwiggle.com - similar result, but it just takes a still picture of you every few seconds: same effect, less bandwidth/worries about leaking your music to your coworkers 1,000 miles away.

[julianez]

We make sure we set up daily Skype/goog calls with remote employees at the same time every day. For me as a manager of remote the toughest problem is to keep them motivated, not only make sure they are doing stuff. A "normal" motivation lie cycle if you don't apply extra effort is 3 months..

[bcbrown]

That sounds interesting. What have you tried? What has worked? Why do remote workers need more effort to keep motivated?

[area51org]

Hi, Author.

Sqwiggle sounds interesting, particularly for bandwidth-challenged situations.