Remote Work & Employee Engagement
It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought remote work to the forefront of executives’ minds everywhere. However, we’re continuing to see the headlines emphasizing it is throwing a wrench in the gears of many businesses.
Business leaders are navigating the unique challenges to Employee Engagement that come with a remote-work and are seeking creative solutions to boost morale and retention rates.
When employees have a strong, healthy relationship with their employers, the entire company benefits, but for many organizations, the rise in remote work impedes the ability to connect. Some are even going so far as to say they need to bring back employees for their culture.
However, we don’t believe culture exclusively comes down to being in an office.
The success of a team relies on the thoughtfulness and consistency with which we invest in one another, especially how a business demonstrates an interest in the well-being and connections of its team members.
Now more than ever, employers need to be proactive in connecting and engaging employees.
Tips for improving remote employee engagement
Scheduled 1:1 Meetings
The phrase out of sight out of mind does not apply to your team. Do not underestimate the power of office small talk, which provides valuable insight into the people you work with.
Set time aside to check in with your employees to see how they are doing professionally and personally to better support them.
For tips/questions for great 1:1s, check out our guide that has everything you need to know.
Communicate
Info that was originally shared over office water cooler conversations does not need to fall through the cracks.
Make sure you are maintaining open lines of communication. Otherwise, you run the risk of committing employees to worse outcomes.
A recent McKinsey & Co. survey found that 47% of respondents experience increased feelings of anxiety, due to lack of communication, resulting in ~3x burnout.
To keep your employees engaged and empowered, keep them informed.
Leverage technology
Use technology to your advantage in order to stay connected as a team.
Encourage your teams to use the right mix of video conferencing or audio only.
Find ways to set aside a few minutes before or after meetings to engage with one another on a more personal level.
Through small actions, you can promote Employee Engagement and remind each other of the people behind the screens.
Health & wellness
Prioritize the health of your team.
This means not only checking in with them but ensuring they have the resources they need available to them. Some members of our team have recently discovered the restorative power of yoga, and we are encouraging them to protect that time the same way they would a meeting.
Employees need to feel their health is a priority, so let it be known.
Organizations that continue to place Employee Experience and well-being at the forefront of business will have a competitive advantage beyond the pandemic.
Click here to learn how ConnectUs facilitates a work environment that is both people-focused and result-driven.