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Working from home is becoming more common these days thanks to its convenience, and its popularity due to the new normal resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. If you’re concerned about your own remote team’s communication and productivity, this article will provide ways to help your homeworking team stay connected.
Businesses are introducing new tools for virtual meetings and scheduling additional virtual check-ins with managers to maintain their productivity levels and help them feel less disconnected. Most, if not all, managers prioritize keeping the business running smoothly. Unfortunately, like any system remote work also has its downsides; it may result in remote employees feeling isolated, which could result in decreased productivity. The good news is that it is simple for remote workers to interact with colleagues regularly as long as you plan the right strategies and methods. Here are some tips to help achieve that:
1. Use Video Calls During Meetings
First and foremost, implement an internal communications plans to ensure everyone in your team is engaged, one method is video conferencing. Technology has made video conferencing possible, and remote workers should frequently take advantage of this technology to build a healthy and productive work culture. Video calls allow remote members to cultivate effective relationships through face-to-face contact. There are many free tools available for this purpose, such as Zoom and Skype.
2. Host Casual Hangouts
In addition to using video conferencing platforms, other tools work well for instant messages and emails. A video conference call or voice call can help promote collaboration among the whole team, especially when all the members are up and about. Also, consider using tools such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Hangouts, or Trello.
You should consider planning virtual meet-ups that are separate from work. The workplace is filled with things to discuss, but conversations shouldn’t feel tense and uncomfortable every time. Employees ought to attend work outings or casual video conferences to stay engaged and enthusiastic about being part of the team. A great way to increase engagement and the feeling of togetherness is to offer virtual event gifts for the team members who attend. They are a great way to inject some fun into the meet-ups.
3. Strengthen Professional Relationships
Your employees should be appreciated, no matter where they are. Because you’re not with your employees every day to say thank you, you should find small ways to treat or compliment them for their success and hard work. Send a virtual gift card to someone on their birthday. Do you know someone who went the extra mile on an assignment? Call them out in a team call, so they know you appreciate their efforts. Find simple ways to demonstrate your concern for your workers.
Allow your subordinates to feel that they can always approach you for any concerns and questions. There are many miscommunications between remote workers, and the last thing you want is your team to fall apart and the relationship to grow tense. Listen to your employees when they confide in you and let them know that you always have time for a one-on-one meeting.
4. Still Hold Physical Meetings
No matter how difficult the conditions, it is still vital for companies to gather all remote workers together when possible. With the right support, everyone can attend one venue at least a couple of times per year to spend some quality time with each other. The employees will feel increasingly connected if they engage in personal communication, which can be done through regular meet-ups.
5. Choose The Best Communication Tools
Remote work presents communication barriers that can often be overcome by tools. Technology simplifies communication and team collaboration so that geographically dispersed teams can just as easily interact and work efficiently as those who share the same working environment. In addition to using technology, research and apply any other tips to enhance business communication.
The most important thing is that your employees have as much access as possible to the latest company information, and you need to provide sufficient information and resources they need to stay engaged. Ensure your communication tool has suitable functions and features that will benefit everyone. You can also use time tracking tools such as WebWork Time Tracker to keep your team connected and monitor your employees’ activity. It will help to improve your team’s productivity as well.
6. Promote Health And Wellness
Ultimately, if your staff gets sick, they won’t accomplish your goals and the entire team will suffer. You might encourage healthy habits in remote workers by providing the team with an incentive to exercise, cook decent meals, or take a walk outside. The team can even undergo a wellness program, as there are many exciting ways to do this. In addition to supporting your workers’ health, this will help bring them closer to each other and prove that the company prioritizes their health most of all.
Conclusion
Feeling isolated can negatively affect the work of a remote team member. Remote workers need to be given the attention they need to have for the long term if companies want remote working to be a booming business trend. By following some of the tips outlined above, companies can strengthen working relationships with their remote workforce and maximize the advantages of remote work.
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