Remote work can be isolating, leading to loneliness. In fact, loneliness and isolation have had such a widespread impact on society over the last five years that public health officials have declared the situation an epidemic.
In a recent interview Former U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy warned about the adverse effects of chronic loneliness, which could lead to a shorter lifespan. Murthy, said that struggling with loneliness and isolation increases the risks of depression, anxiety and suicide, along with the risk of heart disease, stroke and dementia in older adults.
Central to this crisis is a lack of community. With many employees working in remote locations, it’s essential for organizations to find ways to maintain a sense of connection among their teleworking employees.
A collaborative and productive workplace thrives on communication, teamwork, and camaraderie, even when teams are scattered across different locations.
Here are a few practical strategies to help foster these connections:
Emphasizing the Use of Cameras
Virtual meetings have become a cornerstone of remote work, yet many employees still opt to keep their cameras off. Encouraging camera use during these meetings can significantly enhance the feeling of connection and presence among team members.
When colleagues can see each other’s facial expressions and body language, it leads to more engaging and interactive conversations.
To promote this practice, organizations should establish clear expectations around camera use. Leaders can set the tone by always having their cameras on.
Additionally, fostering a culture of openness and vulnerability helps employees feel more comfortable turning their cameras on. Organizing regular team-building activities can also ease any hesitance employees might have about showing their faces on screen.
Implementing Regular Employee Check-ins
Regular check-ins play a crucial role in maintaining employee morale and ensuring that team members feel supported. These meetings don’t have to be lengthy, as often brief sessions can effectively focus on work updates and personal well-being.
During these one-on-one meetings, managers can ask open-ended questions about employees’ experiences, challenges, and successes. This approach makes employees feel valued and helps managers identify and address any issues.
Additionally, team meetings can be equally beneficial. These informal sessions allow team members to share what they’ve been working on, discuss obstacles, and celebrate personal highlights. These gatherings foster a sense of community and enable employees to support one another in their professional journeys.
Virtual Hang Outs or Lunch and Learns
Lunch and Learns offer a fantastic opportunity to blend professional development with social interaction.
By organizing regular sessions where employees can learn about new topics, skills, or tools, organizations can create valuable opportunities for growth while encouraging connection. To make these sessions more enticing, companies might consider offering reimbursement for lunch costs, allowing employees to enjoy a meal while they learn.
These Lunch and Learns can cover a variety of subjects, including industry trends, health and wellness, personal development skills and can feature guest speakers. The sessions can also give people the opportunity to hear what else is going on in their company outside of their department.
The informal atmosphere encourages open discussion and networking, helping to strengthen relationships among employees. Additionally, providing reimbursement not only boosts participation but also signals the organization’s commitment to investing in its employees’ well-being and development.
Finding Volunteer Opportunities Nationwide
One way companies can bring a sense of community and belonging is with impact programs and volunteerism – statistics show that 86% of employees say it’s important to work for a company whose values align with their own. And 81% want to work for a company that has socially responsible business practices.
Organizations can facilitate this by identifying and promoting volunteer opportunities that employees can participate in together from anywhere in the country.
These opportunities could range from volunteering for national causes or programs and environmental clean-up initiatives to fundraising for local charities.
By creating a platform for employees to share their volunteer experiences, organizations can foster a sense of teamwork and purpose. Additionally, encouraging team participation in these activities can enhance employee engagement and build stronger relationships, while giving back to the community.
As remote work continues to play a significant role in the modern workplace, fostering a sense of connection among virtual employees is more vital than ever. By promoting camera use during meetings, conducting regular check-ins, hosting engaging Lunch and Learns, and finding volunteer opportunities that everyone can participate in nationwide, organizations can create a supportive and inclusive environment.
These strategies not only enhance employee engagement but also contribute to a positive organizational culture, ultimately leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction. By embracing these initiatives, organizations can bridge the gap of distance, ensuring that every employee feels connected and valued, regardless of where they work.
As Human Resources Director at Greystones Group, Julie Lofreddo oversees the HR functions, providing strategic solutions to complex challenges in the defense and intelligence sectors. With years of experience in HR, she has developed and managed various aspects of human resources, such as recruitment, training, performance, compliance, benefits, and payroll.