The age of remote work: How to motivate and unite the community within your company
During the pandemic, we all had to learn how to work in new ways and try not to lose efficiency
1.) Maintain effective communication
After switching to remote work, we now have to spend most of our time alone with work tasks. In these circumstances, it is easy to feel disconnected from the team and lose sight of the importance of your work. Constant feedback helps combat this.
Give your team the flexibility to choose a format that will work for everyone. For example, a standard online call or a coffee break on Skype, where you can discuss general plans in a more relaxed atmosphere; find out how everyone is coping with their workload, and whether it is possible to maintain balance. The most important thing is to have an open conversation rather than a meeting with reports, which will only increase anxiety.
2.) Organize social activities within the company
You can also unite your community around a meaningful social activity. Shop Small is an example of an initiative that Depositphotos and VistaCreate have proposed to the team this month, as a part of the global Vista family. The initiative is aimed at small, local indie brands and family-owned businesses that are struggling in these difficult times. Vista's mission is to continue to support small businesses, and the Shop Small initiative is intended to encourage employees to join the movement.
Each team member who wants to join the initiative is compensated $50 for purchases made from local brands. The main requirement of the initiative is for the business to operate legally. In total, the company has allocated more than $350,000 to fund a campaign to support small businesses in different countries.
This is a great way for each team member to feel a direct connection with the mission of the company, and to do a good deed with their own hands. When it comes to social activity, people usually proudly share information about it with others.
3.) Involve teams from different departments in common projects
Of course, teams are already united by common work in almost every company. But we are talking about something that goes beyond the usual responsibilities. These can be creative projects that are related to your niche, but provide an opportunity to realize untapped creativity at the same time.
At Depositphotos, we have the "Visual Trends" project, our annual report on the visual communication trends that will prevail in the near future. The content and marketing teams are involved in its preparation. Working together over several months helps to truly bond. Everyone involved in the process can feel like a part of something important and valuable, as well as see the results of their collective efforts.
4.) Conduct motivating team buildings
It is important to spend time together outside of work to maintain team spirit. People get along much better when they are relaxing and having fun together. It’s also the best way to improve efficiency, as companionship at work helps build rapport. Team building allows us to see each other in a new light. Participating in board games, quests or sport competitions teaches the entire team how to work together to solve problems and achieve goals.
5.) Take care of your employees' health
In recent years, health issues have come to the fore for most people. And we are talking about both physical and mental health. The general atmosphere of uncertainty has left many people in a state of permanent stress and increased anxiety. It is not always possible to cope with them on your own, therefore offer your employees the help of a psychologist. This way, they will feel support from the company, and will know that they are not alone in this situation.