Making Stronger Virtual Employee Connections

2.5 minute read

According to a survey from Boston Consulting Group, 40% of employees have transferred to remote working arrangements since the pandemic began. What once was a fringe benefit, is now a workplace reality that will remain here to stay.

Working at home may bring about new concerns for employers – employee isolation, burnout, and the lack of employee connections. But with little effort, employers can help foster virtual connections among their employees. According to a survey by the Gensler Research Institute, 43% of workers consider team building and collaboration critical workplace aspects.

Just because employees may no longer be in the same workspace, doesn’t mean that face-to-face interactions need to end. Webcams and other software solutions can provide face time with one another, fostering deeper interpersonal connections. Consider making webcams mandatory during meetings instead of only using audio.

In a virtual world, written communications to employees must be done carefully and correctly the first time. Without nonverbal cues, the context of the message must be clear, otherwise there is greater room for misunderstandings.

One of the top workplace complaints is often meeting fatigue. Employers should attempt to reduce unnecessary meetings. Meeting fatigue can be counterproductive to increase employee connectivity. Some organizations have blocked off certain days of the week when no meetings are allowed.

Team-building activities can help employees socialize together virtually. These could be managed by employers or employee volunteers. Things like virtual happy hours, virtual game night, virtual crafts, etc., can help bring employees together as a fun way to connect and decompress from work.

It’s important that management still be seen even though it may not be in person. This includes things like sending emails directly to employees, providing transparency on important organization news, and participating in social activities. When managers connect with their employees, it can strengthen workplace bonds, show employees that they are valued, and increases worker-buy in. Management should also consider keeping virtual office hours. It shows that they want to connect with their employees and their ‘virtual door’ is always open to discuss any topic.

With remote work here to stay, employers must get creative in keeping their workers engaged, productive, and socially connected. Download the bulletin for more details.

This blog is intended to be a compilation of information and resources pulled from federal, state, and local agencies. This is not intended to be legal advice. For up to the minute information and guidance on COVID-19, please follow the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and your local health organizations.