While workplaces are slowly starting to return to normal after the COVID-19 outbreak last year, working from home is still the norm, and the preference, for many employees. But how do you maintain your company culture and support your employees when you are spread out across different cities and different countries? It can take a bit of getting used to, and it’s not without its challenges, but maintaining a positive workplace culture while working remotely is possible. Here are our top tips:
Use Video to Communicate Wherever Possible
A lot can be lost and/or misinterpreted through written communication. While email and team chat apps are useful tools, video conferencing platforms like Zoom and Google Hangouts are by far the next best thing to face-to-face communication. Each platform has its benefits. This article will help you decide which one is best for you.
Focus on Inclusivity and Building Team Spirit
Even though your employees may be far apart, it is still possible to make sure everyone remains connected. This is especially important for newer members of the team who may not have had the chance to develop working relationships with colleagues yet. Think of creative ways to keep your workers engaged and ideas that promote teamwork and camaraderie. We know of one employer who set a daily challenge each morning and found it a really fun way to get everyone involved in a shared daily task.
Make Yourself Available
Remote workers need to know that management is available for them. Keep the lines of communication open and let your employees know how and when they can reach you. If your availability changes, keep them updated. If possible, set yourself “office hours” when workers know you’ll be able to be reached.
Set Clear Expectations and Remain Flexible
Perhaps more than anything, flexibility is the key to helping your business succeed when your staff work remotely. Some employees may want to work unconventional hours to fit around other commitments – like children – while others might feel obligated to be available 24/7. Whatever the case may be, you need to set clear expectations and trust your employees to handle their workload without constant monitoring. Trust is the only way remote positions can work effectively, and as long as you communicate effectively with your employees, you’ll avoid resentment, frustration and burnout.
Show Your Appreciation
It can be more challenging to recognise employee achievements when they are working from home, so you need to pay special attention to rewarding their success. Show individuals that you value them by replicating office perks. Ideas include snack box deliveries, fitness app subscriptions and regular social events that can be replicated virtually. And don’t forget to recognise birthdays and work anniversaries!
At On Line Recruitment, we are ready to help you find the best workers near and far. Offering permanent and temporary recruitment, labour hire, and more, we are your Australian employment experts. Contact us today for further information or to get the process started!
