How to Build Company Community While Working Remotely

I’ll start off this blog post with how all my emails have been starting recently—”Hope you and yours are healthy and safe during this time!” I hope you, RedMoxy blog reader, are healthy and safe. As we all go through uncertainty and change together, most companies have moved to working remotely. This means that team and office routines are disrupted and new routines are being formed. In previous blog posts I’ve talked about embracing technology right now, as it helps teams communicate and connect. To build on this, today we’ll go into specific things you can do to build company community while working remotely. If your company already has a strong community and culture, these tips will help you maintain that community throughout this remote work season.

How to Build Company Community While Working Remotely

Balance structure and freedom.

Creating a rhythm between independent and collaborative work is key. What this looks like for you company is up to the heads of departments and teams. Some companies are having daily Zoom check-ins every morning before everyone works independently. This could also look like daily or weekly department meetings or emails. Allowing space for freedom and creating personal schedules will help those at home with families, partners, or other commitments be able to work effectively. However, keeping a regular communication with the team will keep the workflow going and the sense of community strong.

Use your resources.

Technology is your new best friend. The list of online communication platforms goes on and on. Some of the most popular are Zoom, Skype, Google Hangouts, Slack, Asana, Office 365, Trello, and Flock. If time allows, create space (such as a Slack channel or a Zoom happy hour/coffee break) for chatting and bonding about these wild times we’re living in right now. Without this, you could end up negatively affecting the working relationships you have with your team. Instead of drifting apart, this can be a time to come together even more than in the office.

Set clear expectations.

With different communication channels and different meetings, communicate clear expectations of what is to be used when and why. This will help prevent miscommunication and mixed messages. As you go along, adjust expectations as needed. If things aren’t working a certain way, be flexible and adjust as needed—but make sure to communicate changes in any expectations or requirements to the whole team. Remember, expectations are only helpful if everyone knows them.

Welcome new employees to the team.

If you’re in a position where you are hiring new employees on to your team, make sure to engage them in your existing company culture. Sending an email or Slack message to the company reminds employees to reach out and welcome the new team member. Online meetings can also help at this step.

Start planning for the future.

While it’s hard to plan ahead right now, planning an event or something special for the future will help coworkers have something to look forward to. While you probably shouldn’t be making restaurant reservations or concrete plans, toss around events that seem special and fun to the team. Creating a plan to look forward to will give your team a shared goal and bright spot in the future. Of course, keep this plan flexible and not dependent on a certain date as we can’t make many definite plans right now.

If you’d like to talk with us about these communication tips, or other communication and marketing topics, reach out to us at [email protected]. Our services include branding, marketing, and website development with an emphasis on industrial sector companies. We’d love to talk with you!