The past few years have brought a shift in workplace culture and the “office” as we once knew it.
Pre-COVID, executives were increasingly focused on workplace culture. The premise was simple: Happy workers contribute to better customer experiences and happy customers reward brands with loyalty. Companies with clearly defined cultures were also attracting and retaining top talent. It all added up to employers doing their best to create engaging work environments.
Post-pandemic, employers are having to take a hard look at traditional office hours, and a steady shift towards remote and hybrid work. Workers have grown accustomed to the freedom afforded by flexible schedules, and they no longer want to be told when, where or how to work. In this new paradigm, executives concerned only about productivity and efficiency risk alienating their best and brightest.
The challenge to leaders, then, is to create cohesion in an age of decentralization. Here are some tips for keeping it all together.
Rather than obsessing over timesheets and productivity, leaders should communicate desired results. Set clear goals, and then let people manage their schedules accordingly. Make sure everyone understands expectations around availability and response times.
Bring groups together through virtual activities and experiences. Countless online businesses now offer everything from cooking classes and wine tastings to comedy shows. The best ones encourage real-time participation and interaction.
Let employees co-create their team building and social activities. Managers can set some parameters, but allowing input helps ensure people will look forward to participating.
Make someone’s workday with a box of snacks, gift cards and a personal note to let them know they’re appreciated.
A few minutes of informal conversation at the start of a video conference can help people feel heard and connected. Create a space where people can be authentic, and encourage participants to share what’s happening in their lives.
To stay in the loop and aligned around the company’s vision, employees need access to information. Short videos are effective tools for communicating with on-site or remote teams. Remind people why they’re important to the organization’s success.
Now more than ever, employers need to build up their online resources for onboarding, training, education and career advancement.
Despite reports of increased productivity and job satisfaction among remote workers, telecommuting isn’t for everyone. Managers should schedule one-on-one meetings to gauge team members’ well-being and put them in touch with the right resources when needed.
In the world of off-site work, it’s easy for little things to go unnoticed. Managers can show appreciation with a simple “thank you” in an upcoming meeting.
Today’s workers want to be a part of something, not someplace. Cultures aren’t bound by walls and windows. Instead, brands are built on experiences — and those happen everywhere. Provide a sense of community, and watch how far they’ll go to deliver amazing results.