With the rise of remote work, staying connected with colleagues can be a challenge. It can feel isolating and disconnecting, which can lead to decreased motivation and productivity.
Staying connected while working remotely is essential for maintaining a positive and productive work environment. It helps to build trust and camaraderie among team members, which can improve collaboration and productivity. Connections can help to improve the overall culture of the company and promote a sense of belonging and shared purpose. Team members are also more likely to know what everyone is going through, both in terms of work progress and personal situations. This can help to foster empathy and understanding, which can lead to more effective communication and problem-solving.
Here are some of our tips on how to stay connected while working remotely:
1. Weekly Trivia
Organize a weekly trivia game via video conference. We do our trivia after every team meeting on Monday and Wednesday. This can be a fun way to break up the workweek and encourage team bonding. You can even offer small prizes for the winners.
2. Monthly Lunches
Schedule a virtual or in person lunch with your team once a month. It's fun to get to try new places around the area and also encourages our team to come into the office, if they are able to. Since it's just once a month, it's easy to figure out a day that works for everyone's schedules. Use this time to catch up with each other.
3. Friendly Competitions
During our last end-of-year party, we had a baking contest, which was dominated by a "Team Code" cake. Everyone had such a fun time making and trying all of the goodies. You can organize a company-wide baking competition, even if your company is 100% remote. Have everyone bake a dish and then share pictures of their creations on a company channel. Small things like this can build camaraderie and make lasting memories too.
4. Company Challenges
Code does occasional challenges to boost morale and help with productivity. This doesn't have to necessarily be something to do with work, it could be anything from a step-counting challenge to a creative writing competition. Encourage everyone to participate and offer rewards for the winners.
5. Milestone Updates
Celebrate milestones like work anniversaries, or for us, codeversaries, baby updates, and birthdays. We have had 4 code babies born in the last year and getting those updates can really help us all feel more connected as a team. Every work anniversary and birthday members of our team get a card and a gift. Send something to let your colleagues know that you're thinking of them!
6. Yearly Baseball Games and Golf Tournaments
We love outings here at Code. Getting everyone together at a rockies game and also a golf tournament is so fun and builds those relationships. We make sure everyone can attend, even flying out our members from out of state.
7. Celebrate Success
Make sure to celebrate team and individual successes. Send out a group wide message via email or slack to tell everyone about the teams success. Celebrating success is a great way to boost morale and show appreciation for your colleagues.
Staying connected while working remotely is essential for maintaining a strong and healthy work environment. By organizing weekly trivia, monthly lunches, contests, company challenges, and celebrating successes, you can build trust and friendship, improve the company culture, and know what everyone is going through, both in terms of work progress and personal situations. It requires some extra effort, but in the end, that effort is worth what you get in return.