Tips to stay connected with co-workers while working from home.

While working from home can save up on travel time & you can achieve a lot more round the clock, there's still a lot of work to do when it comes to staying connected with your workmates. Take a look at some these pointers that will help build connections & ease the entire work from home process.

Go beyond the Video - Conferencing Software

?Ever since the lockdown, we have conveniently transited into new & improved modes of working.?Video conferencing software like Zoom , Go To Meeting, Skype, Google-Meet have top listed the choice for literally anyone, be it corporates, schools, colleges, doctor consultation & so on. But what also comes tagging along with such a software, is the long hours of screen time & the requirement to constantly be in front of the camera.

?At WhizzHR, we look forward to advancing technologically into the digital space. However, we also weigh a lot of emphasis on personalisation using traditional means of phone calls. We’d like it, if the camera’s are on, but we are equally considerate if the cameras are off when not required.

?Ice Breaker Session

?It’s simply a get to know each other exercise, both for the corporates & the new joinees. It serves as an effective team engagement activity for essentially all the employees. Just like we engaged with you through our previous introductory blog article.

?(check the link : https://www.dhirubhai.net/posts/whizz-hr_lets-break-the-ice-activity-6896758110925455360-K9ZH )

?Look out for creative & fun ways of engaging employees in conversations. Moreover with the virtual space, it is a great opportunity for the existing employees to connect with the new ones. You could probably engage them in a game that will prompt the participants to open doors of communication, quite informally.

?Re-align work-home life

?Whether you like it or not, there are moments when your work life takes a sneak- peak into your home life. You might feel a little awkward about it, but that’s not in your control right! Probably, your cat might decide to hop in front of the camera or just lie on the keyboard….cats can be funny all the time. Or maybe the frequent door bells & your child’s unusually loud cries. When this happens, you are stressed & worked up. Moreover, in the back of your head you are still anticipating another such moment of embarrassment. Uh! Let’s just face it! It’s pretty normal for that to happen & we must accept it as a part of our lives, now as the new normal.

?So how do we normalize these work – home moments? The idea is to get rid of the anticipating stress & re-align work- home moments.?Think of getting your child along on a Saturday. As a corporate you could organize a party where employees could get their furry friends along. Here’s a chance to build that personal connection & at the same time take the awkwardness away. It’s a great way to connect with your workmates, especially at this time when are all transcending towards virtual workspaces.

?Take time to celebrate the achievements

?When you physically meet your workmates, it’s easier to take time & celebrate the achievements. Canteen parties, Cake cutting or even praises during breaks creates a sense of belonging & connection with the company. There is a certain lack of appreciation when it comes to working remotely from home.

?It is important to focus more on appreciating the employee performances publicly to create a sense of accomplishment & satisfaction. The message needs to be spread out loud publicly! This could be done by sending team emails of appreciation or sending broadcast flyers of employee achievement across through concerned verticals of business hierarchy.

??Plan for Social Events

?Oh yes! Catching up with workmates other than work, over a cup of coffee or dinner, can simply work wonders for your social ties. Remember, these are the same people you spend most of your work hours. It’s a great way of sharing mutual care & value for each other. When you are working physically around each other, you always encounter easy moments shared at the canteen or during breaks.

?If you plan to organize a virtual social event, try & make it as close to a real physical event. Let there be moments of free & informal easy going conversations. At Whizz HR, we engage in team gathering by exploring new & innovative places to hang out. You name it & we are ready to be there, be it coffee shops, pizza cafés or even happy hours at an outlet.

?Plan an physical outing

?It is important to go out to places, not confined within the boundaries of virtual existence. At Whizz HR, we believe you need more of physical outings or a mini vacation, than you would need when working from office. It’s a great way of connecting with co-workers & taking inspiration from them. It’s only when you get out of your personal space, you explore avenues that are untouched. Socializing with your workmates is a great way of channelizing your potential & improving your work performance.

?Coincidently, we are just back from a day long weekend trip to Lonavala. Our team at Whizz HR had a whizzing time engaging in?fun team bonding activities. If you ask us, we’d highly recommend such trips.

?Have you planned one yet? We’d like to hear from you. Leave your thoughts in the comment section below.

?Cheers!