Flexible working is constantly evolving and more and more companies are adopting a remote working policy. Remote work has many benefits, including increased productivity, work-life balance and cost savings. However, remote employees can often feel disconnected, isolated and disengaged from the company culture. It is the HR managers and the wider leadership team’s responsibility to ensure that remote employees feel connected to the company culture. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with four actionable tips that you can implement today to help your remote employees feel connected.
- Foster open communication:
Communication is the cornerstone of any successful team, and it’s especially essential when it comes to remote employees. Regular check-ins and one-on-one meetings can help remote employees feel valued and supported. Encourage managers to schedule regular meetings with remote employees, and make sure that remote workers have access to the right communication tools. Slack, Teams and Zoom are great tools for real-time collaboration and communication.
- Encourage social interactions:
Remote employees often feel excluded from social interactions. Encourage managers to create virtual social events that include remote employees. You can organise virtual coffee breaks, team lunches or other social events. These events are an excellent opportunity for remote employees to build relationships and connect with other team members.
- Develop an onboarding programme:
Remote onboarding presents a unique challenge, and it’s critical to ensure that remote employees feel confident and supported from day one. Develop an onboarding programme that includes clear expectations, objectives and company values. Provide the right training, tools and resources that remote employees need to perform their jobs in an efficient and effective manner.
- Recognise and reward remote employees:
Remote employees often work in isolation and can feel unappreciated. Make sure that remote employees know that their contributions are valued and recognised. Offer feedback and praise for a job well done. You can organise virtual award ceremonies or recognition programmes that include remote employees. Acknowledge and celebrate your remote employees’ successes and achievements, and make them feel a part of your team.
Remote work is here to stay, and it’s essential to ensure that remote employees feel connected to the company culture. As a HR manager, focus on open communication, social interactions, effective onboarding programmes and recognition for remote workers. By implementing these tips, you will help your remote employees feel valued, supported and engaged. Remember, a connected team is a productive and motivated team, regardless of where they are located.
Get in touch with INTOO today to see how we can support you with our tailored solutions that hone in on your unique business needs and challenges.