Time and again we hear people asking about how to create company culture within remote environments. A strong workplace culture has been identified as the top precursor to increased employee engagement. We need it, and companies are spending a lot of time and money trying to achieve success in this area.
But with so many people working remotely, how do you create cohesion? It’s tricky to institute culture among disparate individuals who may be working from all over the world. But distance does not have to be a barrier to creating solid working relationships.
Set Boundaries Upfront
Create schedules and discuss working limitations. Talk with your employees to understand what their lives are like and what they can commit to. It’s better to know upfront than to have your workflow disrupted down the line.
Hire Well
Know your team well and hire those who fit accordingly. Conduct in-depth interviews and really listen to what potential employees are saying. You will pick up on subtle clues that illustrate character, work ethic and state of mind. Make sure you are hiring the right fit for the culture you want to create.
Give Support
A high level of support is key in any remote culture. Staff needs to know that you are there to help them navigate not only their working life, but also any issues that may arise along the way. Encourage transparent communication and address problems head on.
Offer Incentives and Rewards
Acknowledgement goes a long way towards improving engagement and keeping staff happy. Whether it’s incentives to get the job done right or rewarding innovation and initiative – make sure to make it a consistent part of your culture.
Creating culture in remote working environments is really just about showing employees that they are valued and respected. It’s about acknowledging worth and creating the right environment for their best traits to shine. With a few simple steps, you can create a workplace that encourages fulfilled, happy workers.