Remote Working: How to Connect with Employees, No Matter Where They Are

"Success in a hybrid work environment requires employers to move beyond viewing remote or hybrid environments as a temporary or short-term strategy and to treat it as an opportunity." ~George Penn, VP at Gartner

Embracing the New Normal

March 1, 2020, marked a pivotal moment for me as I presented a keynote program in the Bahamas. A few attendees missed the event due to a virus called Covid. It was much the same on March 3 in St. Petersburg, Florida. By March 15, 2020, the world changed as Ohio's governor issued stay-at-home orders, and businesses had to adapt rapidly. As a professional speaker accustomed to live events, I quickly transitioned to virtual keynotes, training sessions, and avatar presentations. This dramatic shift exemplified how remote working became the norm rather than the exception.

The Rise of Remote and Hybrid Work

During the pandemic, 62% of Americans worked from home, many for the first time. According to Gallup, 59% of remote workers preferred to continue working from home post-pandemic, while 41% wanted to return to the office. The hybrid workplace soon emerged, offering employees the flexibility to work remotely and on-site.

Creating Cohesion in a Hybrid Environment

To thrive in a hybrid environment, leaders must effectively engage on-site and remote employees. Here are key strategies to ensure cohesion:

1. Unified Purpose and Direction: Clearly communicate the company’s mission and goals to all employees.
2. Inclusive Decision-Making: Involve employees in decision-making processes and track productivity to ensure comprehensive feedback.
3. Flexibility: Offer hybrid work models where employees can choose how they work best, improving job satisfaction and productivity.

Benefits of a Hybrid Workplace

1. Flexibility: Employees can choose where they are most productive, feeling trusted and empowered.
2. Financial Savings: Companies save on office space and utilities while boosting productivity.
3. Increased Productivity: Reduced commute times and fewer office distractions enhance focus.
4. Broader Talent Pool: Hiring is no longer limited by geography, allowing access to top talent.
5. Competitive Advantage: Job postings offering flexible work options attract more candidates.

Challenges and Solutions

While hybrid work models offer many benefits, they also present challenges:

1. Decreased Collaboration: Use platforms like Zoom and Teams to maintain impromptu interactions.
2. Client Interactions: Ensure regular virtual meetings to sustain client relationships.
3. Effective Onboarding: Develop robust virtual onboarding processes to integrate new hires.
4. Visibility: Focus on results rather than proximity to ensure all employees are recognized.

Fostering Communication and Connection

Effective communication is vital in hybrid environments. Here are some actionable tips:

• Preferred Communication Methods: Understand and use employees' preferred methods of communication.
• Regular Check-Ins: Conduct pulse surveys every 60 days to gauge employee satisfaction and address issues promptly.
• Video Meetings: Encourage camera use during meetings to build rapport and trust.

Recognizing and Celebrating Achievements

Recognition plays a crucial role in employee satisfaction:

• Public Acknowledgment: Regularly celebrate team members' accomplishments to foster a positive culture.
• Centralized Resources: Maintain a digital hub for all work-related resources and activities to keep everyone informed.

Utilizing Social Media for Engagement

Social media can be a powerful tool for employee engagement:

• Informal Interactions: Host virtual happy hours, games, and contests to build camaraderie.
• Personal Sharing: Encourage employees to share personal updates and stories, fostering a deeper connection.

Feedback and Continuous Improvement

Gathering and acting on feedback is essential:

• Technology Integration: Use digital tools like Slack and GroupMe to streamline feedback processes.
• Anonymous Feedback: Provide channels for anonymous feedback to ensure honest input.

By embracing these strategies, businesses can create a cohesive, productive, and engaged workforce, regardless of physical location.

Get Your Free Copy

For a deeper look at building a thriving remote work culture, download a free PDF copy of my book "Thank You Very Much" by sending me a direct message here on LinkedIn.

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