Leveraging technology to share and collaborate was key to preserving productivity and culture in accommodating our remote workers. Employees who were on site needed to be able to interact with employees working remotely, and vice versa, not only for productivity and task completion, but also to build relationships and maintain engagement. We actively utilized chat and meeting software such as Zoom and Teams to ensure our remote employees could be part of the onsite meetings, and leveraged both free and proprietary software that allowed for collaboration on documents (an example is Microsoft Forms and Google Docs). A specific example of how we kept our remote workers engaged and included in workplace culture, we set up team meetings and one on one meetings that built specific time in for personal wins and open dialogue about non-work related topics. The company also allowed for various chat groups to be built in Teams or Zoom so employees could share Meme's and GIF's (work appropriate) and have personal chats about their interests just as if they were around the proverbial water cooler. For anyone wanting to preserve remote work options, I recommend utilizing software that allows for personal connection, and also carve out time from calendars with those on site to ensure remote workers are being included and engaged.
An increase in remote workers can lead to more micromanagement, whether intentionally or not. I never wanted to be one of those bosses checking in daily, but it was hard to avoid. I just didn't always know what was going on: a nightmare for any type A personality. The result though, was a smothered team and heavily burdened management. No one was winning. Once I switched to a dedicated Slack channel for each contract and project, things got way better. People are more likely to update their status when they can do so on the computer, and I found I didn't need much when it was solidified and saved: a single line check-in was more than enough. Really, what I needed was that visual reminder that everyone was working on the task at hand. Less phone calls and emails let everyone get back to it. Rob Reeves CEO & President, Redfish Technology https://www.redfishtech.com/fintech-recruiting/
At Startup House, we believe that strong employee relations are the foundation of a successful remote work environment. To accommodate our remote workers, we have implemented a few key tactics. Firstly, we prioritize clear and consistent communication through various channels such as video calls, instant messaging, and project management tools. This ensures that everyone is on the same page and feels connected. Secondly, we encourage regular virtual team-building activities to foster a sense of camaraderie and boost morale. From virtual happy hours to online games, these activities have proven to be effective in building relationships and maintaining a positive work culture. Lastly, we provide our remote employees with the necessary tools and resources to work efficiently from home, including access to reliable internet connections and remote collaboration software. By tailoring our employee relations strategy to accommodate remote workers, we have been able to create a cohesive and productive team, regardless of physical distance.
Our strategy for remote workers involved creating a vibrant, virtual 'town hall'. We encouraged workers to share not just work updates but also personal news or successes. This transparency made everyone feel seen and heard, bridging the physical distance. A critical engagement tool we used was the 'Celebrate-Your-Wins Wednesdays', where staff shared their triumphs of the week, motivating everyone while fostering a sense of unity. These simple interactions ensured that no one felt isolated, reinforcing our belief that we are one team, no matter the location.
Adapting to remote work was a challenge, but we fostered employee relations by implementing virtual coffee breaks. We encouraged open conversations and found that it not only boosted team morale but also improved communication and collaboration. These breaks became a platform for sharing personal experiences, hobbies, and even virtual tours of home offices, creating a sense of togetherness.