Some people think that virtual communication, collaboration, or “water cooler banter” can’t exist as much virtually. But, it can…it just requires more effort, more proactiveness, and creativity. Whether it be work related or not, making the effort to chat with your colleagues will build connections. Feeling highly connected to coworkers is one large component of feeling fulfilled at work. Encouraging people to discuss non-work related items reminds them that they don’t have to “turn off” their life when they are working; this reminds everyone that it’s safe to be our whole selves at work.
Reminder: you don’t have to be in an official leadership role to initiate these communication ideas. They’re encouraged across all levels.
Because employees will often focus on the work that needs to be done, and because they're physically distant from their co-workers, it's easy for them to feel isolated and emotionally distant from their workmates. That's why remote work communications need to be more proactive and vibrant in nature.
1) Set-up Virtual Office Hours
Use a calendar service (Calendly, Acuity) to open up virtual office hours to your team, your peers, or everyone. Share the calendar link and encourage colleagues to book time with you. Get creative with it – make it work related, non-work related, or a mix of both.
2) Proactive Check-ins
Proactively control the frequency of conversations by “checking in” with people instead of putting the onus on others to get in touch when needed. This allows you to keep your finger on the pulse of the team. Ask questions like: “Checking in to see if you need anything from me.” “What questions do you have for me today?” “Looking at this picture on my desk reminded me of our summer team outing and those awesome s’mores you made.” This can be done across all levels. Doesn’t have to be only top-down.
Check out this comprehensive list of questions.
3) Communicate recognition / appreciation regularly
Make time each day to express recognition and appreciation to your employees, your colleagues, your peers, or your superiors. A Gallup survey shows that 65% of employees haven’t received any form of recognition in the last year. Remote employees, being physically distanced, are more likely to feel isolated. Therefore, recognition in a virtual environment is crucial.
Remember the following 3 key aspects for impactful appreciation and recognition:
4) Read up on remote team building ideas
Buy this book for 75+ remote team building ideas. Go one step further and build out a calendar to implement the ideas. Creating something for employees to look forward to helps drive engagement.
5) Understand the distinction between intentional, unplanned, work-related, and non-work related communication (and the importance of each)
Check out Michael Ly’s article for communicating effectively in each of these distinctions.
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