Being able to connect with remote workers is an essential part of creating a strong company culture. Given that geographical locations can make face-to-face connecting difficult, companies need to get creative to make those connections, build camaraderie, and gain loyalty.
Thankfully, technology has evolved significantly to make it possible to connect as people, even when we don’t meet in person. If you are looking to build a strong company culture where your remote workers feel connected with their peers and the company, consider the following creative methods.
Here are six ways that companies can connect with remote workers and flexible staffers:
1. Use social media.
While we wouldn’t support spending your entire day on Twitter—unless you’re the company social guru—you should engage and connect with remote workers on some form of social platform.
At FlexJobs, we use Yammer, which is our company Facebook. Here remote workers can connect with each other while also learning about company happenings. It’s ideal for sharing both personal and professional information.
2. Get chatting.
Many remote workers can feel like they are working on an island alone, so keeping everyone engaged and connected is important. A simple way to accomplish connection is through chat, and I’m not talking work questions.
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Hop on IM or Slack or whatever platform your company uses, and check in with people. Ask about their families, favorite hobbies, or weekend plans. And don’t think you have to keep these private. Use the messaging platform to get the entire team or company chatting together.
3. Turn on that video.
Working in your sweats without a care in the world is amazing, and face it, most remote workers prefer the comfy attire. That doesn’t mean you have to avoid video. Schedule video chats—yes, schedule, so others can decide how they want to dress or appear—and then meet up. You can talk on video about work activities or personal things.
Here at FlexJobs, we hold regular coffee breaks, which are video chats that DO NOT include work talk. We get to see our coworkers and chat about life while getting to know one another.
4. Get real.
Body language and the closeness that comes with working in an office together can be lost in a remote environment. However, if you want to connect with your remote staffers, you have to be real in all of your communications. Let go of the stuffy personality and talk to the person…like a person.
As groups, spend time virtually volunteering during the holidays, throw virtual baby showers, hold remote book clubs. Truly, the sky is the limit when it comes to getting people to connect and be themselves in a virtual environment.
5. Hold retreats.
Although we fully support remote and flexible work, there is value in meeting face-to-face. For companies to connect with their remote workers, try holding company retreats.
Getting people together face-to-face once a year is an excellent way to foster connections. You’d be surprised at how much putting a real face with a voice and name can change perceptions and attitudes while also improving teamwork.
6. Work together.
When you have a large-ish company, it can be difficult to get people connected and interacting. Use projects and company-wide initiatives to get people working together.
The more people work with each other towards a common company goal, the more they will feel invested in each other and overall operations. It’s a win-win.
Even when geographical limitations come into play through remote work, it only takes a bit of creative thinking to connect with remote workers. Utilize the many technological resources available and watch your culture flourish.
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Readers, how do you connect with remote workers? What are your favorite tools or resources? Share with us below!
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