Remote work continues to be on the rise and this has led to changing views on work-life balance. The internet got faster, cloud tools got better, and now people can work efficiently from pretty much anywhere. Companies have started seeing the benefits of remote work — more productivity, a bigger pool of talent, and flexibility for everyone. Now, working remotely isn’t just a cool perk; it’s how many of us get the job done. It has changed the game, making us rethink how we do work in a big way.
However, the rise of remote work brings both opportunities and challenges. As organizations continue to embrace remote workers, prioritizing engagement amongst remote workers is imperative.
The Importance of Remote Worker Engagement:
Picture this: happy, engaged remote workers aren’t just doing the job – they’re excelling at it.
When your team feels they are part of a bigger picture, they’re not just clocking in and out; they’re bringing their best selves to work. Plus, engaged remote workers tend to stick around, bring fresh perspectives, and turn your virtual space into a wonderful place to be.
But how do you keep your remote workers engaged? There are traditional suggestions like establishing clear communication channels, prioritizing public recognition, and organizing professional development opportunities. However, today I’m sharing five non-traditional and easy tips to help keep your team connected, inspired, and productive, regardless of their physical location.
5 Non-Traditional Tips for Engaging Remote Team Members:
Virtual Coffee Chat.
Set aside time for casual chit-chat, just like you’d do by the coffee machine in the office. Share stories, discuss weekend plans, or debate the latest binge-worthy series. It’s a creative way to recreate the camaraderie of a physical workspace.
Home Desk Cribs
Ever wondered how your team members have decked out their home workspaces? Initiate a “Home Desk Cribs” session where everyone gets a chance to showcase their remote work setup. It not only reveals interesting insights into personal styles but also creates a sense of connection through shared spaces.
Meet the Team Showcases
Ask your team to complete a short questionnaire, sharing details about themselves that they feel comfortable sharing with their colleagues. Upon collecting all of the questionnaire answers, post “Meet the Team” segments to your staff to encourage connection amongst team members. Sample questions to consider including in the questionnaire:
- Tell us about your family of origin
- Favorite Childhood memory
- Favorite Childhood Family Tradition
- Favorite Current Family Tradition
- What was your favorite high school extracurricular activity?
- Top 3 Most Often Used Emojis
- Mac or PC?
- Paper or Electronic Calendar?
- What are you doing to try and take care of yourself?
- Tell us one thing you’re looking forward to on your schedule coming up.
Question of the Week
Set aside time each week for team members to answer a “Question of the Week” on your open communication platform (Teams, Slack, et). Questions can be simple or deep (depending on the vibe of your work culture). Questions of the Week slowly foster a sense of connection.
Emoji Check-ins: Express, Emote, Engage
Move beyond the mundane check-in routine with a touch of expression. Encourage team members to use emojis to convey their mood or project vibes. It’s a playful yet effective way to gauge the team’s emotional pulse and promote open communication.
Engaging remote teams requires a strategic blend of professionalism and creativity. By incorporating these unconventional tips, you not only foster collaboration but also create an environment where your remote team thrives.
About the Author
Stephanie Flies is the Founder & Director of City Mom Collective; growing the network after founding its original site, Scottsdale Moms Blog, in 2009. Now living in the greater Minneapolis area, she oversees the company by spearheading growth strategies, sales initiatives and shepherding and encouraging an ever-increasing number of members. She is married to Alan and is mom to three girls, Nora, Elsie & Audrey. She loves throwing a great party, connecting people, and cooking with a glass of red wine in hand.
