There has been a shift in the work environments over the years, with remote working taking the forefront in contemporary employment. What started as a little change owing to technological innovations in communication became the norm in the world due to the pandemic. Currently, 25% of employees claim that they work from home fully or subsist partially, and there is no indication that this will come to an end, as the hybrid systems are on the rise. However, with this change, there is a challenge that needs to be addressed. How can a company keep its employees engaged when there is a geographical split? Closing this gap requires thought, creativity, and a dedication towards inclusion. Below are five creative ways to integrate remote workers with the rest of the teams so that everyone is a part of a single unit:
Busting Barriers Through the Use of Technology
The backbone of every successful hybrid team is built on collaboration. Now, the power of technology allows people from different regions to communicate, update, and work on tasks simultaneously. For example, a designer working from a rural home office can collaborate with a marketer in a busy downtown headquarters. Aided by document editing and messaging, both of them can work together in real-time. These sorts of systems make distance irrelevant. They are more than just basic systems; they create an almost office-like sense of immediacy. Through the use of effective Controlio remote employee monitoring software, managers can track productivity patterns without interrupting workflows. This helps them build trust and accountability with the entire team.
Finding Joy During Remote Activities
In this case and at work, there are tasks that must be completed, but relationships also matter. As teams spread out, there are fewer chances to interact informally, which can lead to feelings of loneliness. Activities such as these help alleviate monotony. Picture a virtual group taking part in an escape room, doing everything possible to finish all the puzzles in record time, or engaging in a battle of wits with a pop culture trivia competition. Wherever you go, you can remember these lighthearted events, and cherish the friendships built during them. Unlike the standard office happy hour, everyone is welcome to participate, putting everyone on an equal footing. The answer is variety. With rotating themes and formats, even the busiest remote worker is guaranteed to look forward to taking part and is kept non-stop excited.
Amplifying Everyone’s Voice
Working as a team means never leaving anyone behind, something that remote workers must be actively invited to integrate so that they do not feel ‘forgotten’. Out of sight workers often feel out of mind, and if their contributions—through surveys, casual conversations, or forums—are not actively asked for, it can quickly lead to feelings of isolation. Even better, acting on the feedback provided goes a long way in showing that action does indeed speak louder than words. For instance, when a remote employee suggests a streamlined meeting schedule and it is implemented, the entire group benefits and feels part of the decision-making process. Not only does this foster optimism, but it also gives direction to a multitude of ideas that can aid in improving decision-making processes. Simply put, it reminds people within the organization that they play a fundamental role in achieving the mission.
Commemorating Achievements Together
Recognition is a strong motivational tool, but for remote workers, losing out on praise during casual office talks is pretty easy. Deliberate celebrations, on the other hand, aid in closing this gap. A shout-out in a team meeting, a company email documenting achievements, or even a virtual “hall of fame” ensures that every success is noted. Just imagine a sales rep working out of their home office and closing a large deal while being applauded in a video montage. This ensures that everyone feels appreciated, as there is no effort that goes unnoticed. By creatively tracking and sharing these milestones with tools like Controlio software, leaders are able to make all employees feel valued regardless of their workspace.
Fostering Personal Relationships
In a conventional workplace, interpersonal connections tend to flourish naturally, for example by the coffee machine chat or a short conversation during breaks. Unlike traditional offices, remote work does not offer these touchpoints and requires more effort to connect with coworkers. All levels of the organization, from managers to employees, are given a lifeline with one-on-one interactions. Such interactions are not bound by formal structures. For instance, a quick check-in about one’s interests or weekend plans is sure to create an impact. ‘Virtual coffee breaks’ for remote employees are also very effective in enhancing interpersonal connection. However, these breaks need to be paired with an office worker to maximize their effectiveness. These personal touches help remote employees feel connected and united with their coworkers, reducing the chances of feelings of isolation.
Surmounting the Hybrid Challenge
While a hybrid structure affords some freedom, it also has pitfalls, like the risk of creating a hierarchical workforce where the staff working in the office feels more privileged than the employees who are working remotely. Leaders need to combine the best of each approach and work proactively to resolve this challenge by organizing hybrid events in which people who work remotely can join training sessions, meetings, or brainstorm sessions, where office participants join via video. Likewise, training programs need to be offered in different formats to serve different needs. Organizations can harness engagement strategies for remote teams from specialists like Gartner, which allows the organization to reinvent itself in response to change, and keep balance.
Looking Ahead
Bringing together a global workforce is not a once-off solution, but rather something that requires commitment. The world provides the framework with technology, but it is people upon whom everything hinges. Whether it is fun-based engagements, fair appreciation of performance, or simply reaching out to individuals, the aim remains the same in that it seeks to build an identity for the team where geography serves as a detail rather than a separator. Companies that have mastered this will not only be able to retain talent, but will also foster a culture of resilience and collaboration. As the working environment continues to change, the inclusivity-first leaders will remain on top as they show that distance does not equate to disconnect.
