Having a remote workforce can be challenging, especially if you are trying to build a positive, collaborative work environment. So, how do you create a sense of comradery when you have staff in remote locations? These tips can help:
- Design your culture to support remote workers. When you commit to having remote staff, you need to also commit to designing a culture that supports their success. Design employee experiences with remote workers as a priority, not as an afterthought.
- Include remote workers in company-wide events. If you have award presentations, quarterly all-staff meetings or issue weekly updates, for example, make sure you stream events so remote employees can watch or view on demand. If you host onsite employee events, such as a Friday Happy Hour or Bring Your Pet to Work Day, be sure to post photos on social media or within your internal staff communication solution.
- Communicate important information in writing. It is easy to take for granted all of the communication that takes place verbally within a centralized office. Be cognizant of this and make sure that key information is shared with off-site team members.
- Talk face-to-face whenever possible. Face-to-face time is critical for building teams. Use one of the many video chat technologies to meet face-to-face with everyone on your staff. In addition, make a point of seeing people in person when you can by scheduling regular visits and company gatherings.
- Mentor and coach remote employees with intention. Consider assigning your leaders to mentor specific remote employees, empowering them to discuss their career path and how it relates to overall company goals.
- Reiterate your shared vision and goals often. Communicating a shared vision to all staff is key when you are all working in different locations. Your progress should be tracked and discussed at all-employee meetings and in written company updates.
These are just a few ideas to help you keep your remote employees in the loop and feeling like they are part of your team. Fostering a strong, positive culture is key in any business, so make sure your remote workforce is part of that equation.