Hey there, imagine waking up and not worrying about the traffic jams or rushing to catch the subway for the daily commute. You’re just sipping hot tea, cozy in your bed, still attending important meetings and getting things done. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, welcome to the reality of remote working.
The traditional 9 to 5 job has seen a drastic shift. Now, we’re in the era of remote work, embracing the comfort of working from home or anywhere in the world. With ample technological advancements at our fingertips, communication and access to resources are no longer a hurdle for employees.
But, here’s the twist. Despite the evident perks of remote working, many employees feel disconnected from their teams. According to recent research, over 50% of remote workers admitted to feeling a lack of connection with their colleagues. So, how can we address this situation and foster a sense of belonging and motivation among remote employees?
In this blog, we’ve assembled a list of the top 10 strategies that could help you connect with your remote teams, ensuring they feel valued, included, and most importantly, a significant part of your organization.
Make work calls not just about the tasks at hand. Engage in conversations about their lives, hobbies, and skills. This approach ensures that your employees feel like humans, not just task-doing machines.
Ensure that all team members are included in decision-making processes, no matter how minor. This communication strategy helps prevent a build-up of unspoken grievances or misunderstandings within the team.
Provide regular, precise, and honest feedback to your remote employees. It signals that their efforts are recognized and appreciated, which strengthens their sense of connection to the organization.
Carve out time for one-on-one interactions with each team member. This approach can be particularly beneficial for introverted employees who might feel uncomfortable voicing their thoughts in group settings.
Celebrate team or individual achievements, both professional and personal, even when you’re not physically together. It shows your employees that their efforts are valued and appreciated.
Video meetings can help bridge the physical gap that remote work brings. It might not be necessary every day, but incorporating video calls once a week could help strengthen team bonds.
Trust your employees’ instincts and capabilities, giving them autonomy in the creative decision-making process. This empowerment fosters a sense of belonging and loyalty towards the organization.
By setting clear expectations, remote employees can work with a more focused attitude, reducing feelings of disconnection from the team’s daily tasks.
Supporting the career development of remote employees can greatly enhance their engagement and loyalty to the organization.
Remember to consider employees’ time zones and personal schedules when planning meetings. This consideration will demonstrate that you respect their time and personal space.
In conclusion, the upward trend of remote work culture, amplified by the recent pandemic, is something we must adapt to for the long haul. It’s a win-win situation for both employees and organizations
