KEEP YOUR COMPANY CULTURE STRONG WHILE WORKING REMOTE
From investing in the necessary tools to implementing a clear-cut remote work policy, here are the steps that will help your employees succeed—even when they aren’t physically together.
5 Minute Read
by Rebekah Bell
In the evolving work landscape, companies are embracing different approaches when it comes to remote work or returning to office spaces. It will be crucial for companies who choose to adopt the remote or hybrid approach to implement strategies that nurture a friendly and professional work-from-home environment, prioritize company culture, and ensure strong team connections. Here are some team management tips that can help you set your company on a path to success while maintaining high morale, irrespective of whether your employees work at the office or remotely.
1. Create a Clear Remote Work Policy
Position your team for success by ensuring everyone is on the same page regarding expectations and workflow. Let employees know what hours you expect them to be online and available and how often they should update you on their progress. It’s also a good idea to create weekly checklists for different departments so everyone can stay on track.
2. Invest in Necessary Tools
Ensure each employee has the tools they need—whether that’s video conferencing software, a second monitor, or remote server access. If your team will need to access private data, talk with your IT staff about how to set up a VPN. Consider setting up Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Google Hangouts so employees can easily ping each other with quick questions throughout the day instead of sending emails. An online scheduling tool like Monday can be an easy way to monitor and track projects' progress and ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
3. Schedule Regular Check-Ins
Working from home can often feel isolating for employees who are accustomed to being able to pop into a colleague’s office when they have a question or want to brainstorm ideas. Counter that potential isolation and disconnectedness by having a daily team check-in via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or another video platform. By simulating a real team meeting where everyone can see each other and verbally communicate any needs or concerns, you will help your employees feel like a team—even if they can’t be together physically. It’s also a good idea to plan more one-on-one sessions with direct reports than you usually do to connect with them and go over any needs or issues that have arisen during the week. It’s also helpful to conduct regular all-company meetings to encourage a sense of community and camaraderie.
4. Plan Virtual Happy Hours
All work and no play make everything dull—so be sure to plan virtual happy hours, trivia nights, and other group activities to help your team feel connected outside of work hours. By planning activities that individuals can choose to participate in if desired, you can ensure your team will still be able to bond from afar. To further the team spirit, consider sending a branded coffee mug to each employee and coming up with fun contests they can participate in to win prizes.
5. Offer a Stipend for a Home Office
Since many people don’t have a dedicated home office, they may have to get creative by setting up shop at the dining room table or on the couch. To make their day-to-day routine and workflow easier, you might want to consider offering a stipend so employees can invest in home office essentials like a standing desk, a chair, and even just paper goods and office supplies.
Rebekah Bell is a writer who lives in Los Angeles.
