HOW TO INCREASE MORALE AND COLLABORATION VIRTUALLY
Now more than ever it seems we are craving communication and connection. Go figure, once the government tells us we have to stay home and isolate ourselves from public interactions we want nothing more than to engage with others and get out of our homes.
There is a difference between social distancing and social isolation
Despite the potential decrease in collaboration due to the current circumstances, we must make an effort to continue to build a culture that creates emotional connections with your employees and continues teamwork and collaboration.
I have created an acronym to help you and your team members be better at working from H.O.M.E. See what I did there?
Have a Routine
Before quarantine life, you likely had a routine. Morning workout, breakfast, shower, commute to the office, etc. Just because you are working from home doesn’t mean you should sacrifice your routine. Get dressed and ready as if you were going to the office. It allows your mind to prepare itself for the workday, even if your morning commute is just down the hall and to the left.
Overcommunicate the “Obvious”
Sidebar conversations in the kitchen or at the water cooler are no longer the norm, so it is important to overcommunicate what some may consider to be the “obvious”. Conversations that used to happen in passing from meeting to meeting are no longer available. There are different communication methods that we should lean on in this abnormal time, such as: text messages, phone calls, emails, and chat windows. Don’t underestimate the power of picking up the phone and calling a colleague!
*Related – How To Build Stronger Relationships With Your Employees Virtually
Make Sure to Take Breaks
Allow time throughout the day that is dedicated to rejuvenating the mind. Taking breaks replenishes your mental resources and helps you become more creative and productive. Take 10 minutes to step outside and walk around the block to get fresh air!
Engage with your Team
The DiJulius Group has implemented “Coffee Zooms” to encourage engagement between our team members. Coffee Zooms are scheduled for 15 minutes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It is an opportunity for us to update each other on what we are working on, what we need help with and the current state of client feedback. I must admit, the first Coffee Zoom lasted longer than 15 minutes because we had to get comfortable with our new environments and what it should look and feel like. It was great getting to see everyone’s faces and feel like a team again!