Try to utilise tools like microsoft planner, and ask everyone to update it frequently before leaving the office. If they fail to update more then 3 times with you understanding on their characteristics call them to office and cancel their flexible schedule in worst case scenario.

Listen, I've seen this pattern so many times. When our team was building our recommendation engine, we had brilliant minds working in silos until things started breaking. Here's what actually works: First, ditch the status reports and create spaces for real conversation. I started 15-minute daily chats where people share their stuck points, not just progress. Make documentation a habit, not a chore. We turned our Wiki into a searchable knowledge base by rewarding great explanations. And here's the game-changer: visualize the work. Put up a simple board where everyone can see dependencies. When people understand how their work impacts others, communication becomes natural.

To enhance communication within your agile R&D team, implement regular stand-up meetings and sprint reviews to foster transparency and synchronization. Utilize collaboration tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams for quick updates, and project management software such as Jira or Trello to track progress and share documents. Encourage an open culture where team members feel comfortable asking questions and providing feedback. Additionally, consider establishing clear roles and responsibilities to reduce confusion and ensure everyone knows where to focus their efforts.