Redefining Connection and Cultivating a Strong Culture in a Virtual World
At this point, it feels redundant to mention how much the pandemic has changed society. From little things like QR codes making a resurgence and replacing restaurant menus to substantial shifts like how we approach the very concept of disease, the world has changed for good since 2020. One of the most impactful changes impacting organizational culture is the move to remote work.
In many ways, remote work has leveled the playing field. Introverts generally love working virtually, and extroverts tend to hate it. I see this often with different types of clients I work with. Introverts enjoy their solitude and ability to focus, while extroverts crave in-person connection. Hybrid or virtual work levels the playing people and allows everyone to have their needs met by providing the opportunity for both to occur.
The pandemic has changed the way we connect in the workplace. It has changed how we foster workplace culture. It has changed the very fabric of work-life balance. Team members responsible for team building and connectivity need to redefine how we look at culture and connectivity now that so much of our world has become virtual.
Intentionality is Key
I hate to break it to you – but you can’t do this on autopilot. Intentionality when avoiding bad company culture is incredibly important. Gone are the days when you can cobble together a happy hour or game night a few minutes before a teambuilding meeting that has been on the books for months. A hastily assembled coffee date program isn’t going to cut it anymore. With the remote or hybrid world, there needs to be far more nuance.
Are you thinking through the why of your meetings? What is the reason behind this specific activity that you have planned? What is the drive behind your company programs? If you can’t answer these questions, think about your awareness – take a step back, and reconsider how you are approaching this problem.
Not All Coworkers Connect in the Same Way
Just like we all have different learning and communication styles, we all have different connectivity styles. Some may thrive in an open, organic, unstructured environment like a casual check-in, but get nothing out of team-building exercises. Conversely, some people work best in a structured environment and feel most connected in activities like brainstorming sessions or game nights that have a defined schedule. Blending different types of interactions and providing multiple ways for people to connect is important, as it allows people to do so in a way that suits them - building trust and psychological safety.
Don’t Waste In-Person Opportunities
While virtual connections are great, the significance of in-person interactions remains undeniable. Too often, we see virtual organizations having a rare in-person meeting with remote employees and squandering this valuable time. Even when meeting face-to-face, connection doesn’t happen automatically.
There’s nothing like the informal moments you have to connect when you’re all together in-person. Even if it’s only once per year, find opportunities to truly connect between your team members. You learn so much about the people your working with in the intangible in-between moments - think about the conversations you have over a quick working dinner, inbetween talks at a conference, or even on your way to your car after the work day is over.
Use Your Creativity
You may have to get creative when thinking about culture. It's easy to say “think outside the box,” but the truth of the matter is that creating a thriving virtual culture does require some lateral thinking. Consider what makes your organization unique and play into those strengths so that they translate into a virtual environment.
Zoom is dominating online meetings right now – but don’t let the tools that you are familiar with using be the only tools you go to. There are a host of other tools out there that can be great for different meetings, events, and activities. Be creative in how you are meeting and try something new – it might just work.
Embrace Flexibility and Adaptability
The home and workspace are now closer than ever. There are numerous benefits to both employers and employees, but you have to remember that the work-life divide is still important, even when the lines start to blur.
Giving employees the authority to set boundaries, encouraging regular breaks, and providing support for personal well-being demonstrate a genuine commitment to their overall happiness and make for a positive work environment. Flexibility and adaptability are some of the biggest strengths you have as a remote organization – so play into them and make sure your employees know that they are empowered to utilize these key remote work benefits.
We Have Changed for Good
I’m consistently impressed with the amazing work that companies do to make their workplaces friendly to those who are remote. The virtual work environment that many of us find ourselves in can be challenging to navigate. But it’s not just a challenge – it’s an opportunity. Remote work can open up new avenues of connectivity and workplace culture.
Be intentional with how you approach culture. Don’t be afraid to get creative. And most importantly, think about the inherent strengths of remote work – flexibility and adaptability. By embracing the positives of a virtual workplace, you are sure to build a stronger workplace culture and a happier organization.
Meridith Marshall is the CEO and Founder of Uncharted Way and has seen firsthand how people and organizations can navigate the most difficult of circumstances with clarity and openness to improve employee experience and culture in their workplace. She is an industry-recognized expert in using a data-driven approach, and is an Interaction Associates trained facilitator and certified Co-Active coach.