Keeping Connected in a Remote World

Working from home can be a challenge. Collaboration and teamwork can suffer, resulting in general disengagement, reduced productivity, and an overall decline in motivation. How can you and your managers support employees and ensure expectations continue to be met?

Stay Connected

Communication is critical when teams are remote. It is important to establish policies that set clear expectations for remote workers. Regular check-ins to review priorities and goals for the day can assist employees in understanding what is expected of them and what they need to accomplish. Employees should be encouraged to discuss any obstacles or difficulties they are experiencing. Be available, responsive, and listen. The sooner you identify their worries or challenges, the faster you can assist in resolving them.

Employees deserve to hear from their leaders. Sharing company-wide successes or updates is a crucial part of helping employees feel connected to their organization. If an employee shares an individual success with you, share it with the team too. 

Keep the Team Connected

Employees must remain linked to their colleagues as well as to leadership. Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and other comparable tools enable employees to talk one-on-one, collaborate in groups, and even share screens to examine presentations together. While it is not a replacement for putting your head into someone’s office or cubicle, it is a pleasant alternative.

Team “events” are another opportunity to connect with your remote employees. Virtual happy hours have emerged as a popular way for teams to socialize and catch up on non-work-related activities. 

Need ideas on how to create a virtual engagement process that aligns with your company culture? Set up a Zoom or Microsoft Teams appointment with a consultant today.