How do you create a strong virtual company culture? It may be tough to carry on with office traditions or engage your employees on the same level prior to Covid-19. For some, during these unprecedented times, the only connection they have with their colleagues is through a computer screen.
We know working conditions probably won’t be the same for a very long time. In fact, over 75% of workers believe that hybrid/flexible work will be standard practice within their organisation in the foreseeable future. Fortunately, it can still be possible to uphold a healthy company culture. As you and your employees adapt to the new age of work, read on to discover how to keep your culture alive!
This is an uneasy time for everyone, many workers are still uncertain as to what the future entails for working conditions. You must continue to be patient with your employees, adapt your virtual work model to suit their requirements. As we move forward into the new normal, life may never be the same, so try to be open-minded and listen to your employees. Remember to schedule regular one-on-one meetings with your colleagues, ask about their needs and what they miss most about the office. Try to fill these voids to the best of your abilities.
Whether you are adapting to a hybrid work model or a completely virtual work model, maintaining a company culture is vital. This will keep your employees connected to the real world and help them adjust to the new norm. Whether it be regular Monday morning coffee catchups, Friday lunches, or bringing your dog to work day, working from home does not mean you have to throw away your company traditions!
Use your communication platforms and schedule meetings that only entail casual and fun conversations, no work talk! Set up a meeting where everyone eats their lunch or drinks their morning coffee, and just have a chat, maybe plan some activities, give people the opportunity to show off their pets or favourite plants! Even give people initiatives to participate (if you have the resources to do so), provide your employees with coffee or Uber Eats vouchers so they feel appreciated.
Here are some ideas for virtual activities:
There is no better time to use casual communication channels. Telephone calls, emails, and video calls can sometimes be draining for people. Pairing a casual communication channel with remote work will generate stronger employee bonds and socialisation. As a result, It can help create a safe space for your team, where they are comfortable sharing non-work related content. Shifting to remote work can help boost the informality of working conditions, so pairing this with casual communication channels can help enable a smoother transition into the new age of work!
Some great casual communication channels to maintain a virtual company culture:
Nobody likes to be watched over 24/7, particularly when it is work they are capable of doing without the presence of a manage. Putting trust into your employees is essential for creating a healthy virtual workspace. Reassuring your employees that you have trust in them can help lead to higher levels of motivation and employee satisfaction, assisting with reducing employee turnover.
This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t check in with your virtual employees from time to time:
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