A connected workplace could be an umbrella covering every aspect of enterprise service management, bringing every member of the company together and embracing the departments’ actions. It maintains complete transparency from the ‘C’ level members to workers in an organization in layman’s language.
It is a tough job answering how to connect with employees working from home or how to keep teams connected while working from home.
Here are some tips to help you create a connected workplace for your employees:
1. Connect with employees at a personal level
The managers and human resource personnel need to connect with their employees at a personal level. This brings a sense of belonging, and the employees would love to continue with the firm for a longer duration.
To give an example, Facebook sends a gift to employees on their respective birthdays. We also have to keep in mind that there should be consistency present in such benevolent activity.
2. Easy onboarding process
The Human Resource personnel and the top-level managers should create a suitable and welcoming environment virtually for the entrant, which allows them to develop trust and give his 100% in any role he undertakes.
Make them feel connected by conducting virtual orientation programs and giving them the liberty to learn at their own pace. Sometimes, it’s hard to learn and understand remotely without any face-to-face interaction.
3. Create a ‘Family-Like’ environment
Every workplace department should be deeply connected to make it easy for all employees to connect virtually. An interesting idea would be advising ice breakers to everyone according to their comfort. This will solve the query of how to connect employees with each other as such an atmosphere lifts the entire room’s mood.
4. Conduct team building activities
Our only way of entertainment is through video calls, online games, movies, and virtual social events during these tough times. Encourage this culture in your workplace for better connection. In Australia, multinationals hold online games and team-building activities for their employees every Friday night.
When asked why they conduct such practices, they said it improves manager-employee and employee-employee engagement, reflecting directly on the tasks they perform.
5. Provide non-monetary rewards to employees
In many organizations, the practice of providing non-monetary increments has started. This means providing home delivery of comfortable tables and chairs without any cost. This trend will motivate employees and encourage them to stay committed to the company.
6. Give recognition frequently
A virtual model of “Suggestion Box” must be created for the employees to put up ideas to advise any correction of any wrong-doing in the environment. The managers must recognize these ideas, and action must be taken regarding the same.
Make sure you encourage open and meaningful conversations across your organization. Provide your employees with accessible internal communications channels to voice their opinions and ideas about the performance of the business.
7. Grouping based on interests
How to stay engaged with coworkers when working from home? A simple yet effective way to stay would be to create group chats based on interests like Bitcoin, Sports, Stock Market, etc. Let employees open up on their favorite topics with their peers, which will definitely help as a team-building activity.
