Remote work is not a new phenomenon, but it has become more prevalent and popular in recent years. According to a survey by Buffer, 99% of respondents said they would like to work remotely at least some of the time for the rest of their careers. Remote work offers many benefits for both employees and employers, such as increased flexibility, productivity, diversity, and cost savings.
However, remote work also poses some challenges for maintaining a strong and cohesive company culture. Company culture is the set of shared values, beliefs, norms, and practices that shape how people interact and collaborate within an organization. It influences employee engagement, satisfaction, retention, performance, and innovation. A positive and healthy company culture can foster a sense of belonging, trust, loyalty, and alignment among employees.
So how can you maintain your company culture as remote work becomes the norm? Here are some tips and best practices to consider:
Define and communicate your company vision, mission, and values
These are the core elements of your company culture that guide your decisions and actions. Make sure they are clear, concise, and consistent across all channels and platforms. Remind your employees of them regularly and celebrate their achievements and contributions that align with them.
Establish and enforce clear expectations and boundaries
Remote work can blur the lines between work and personal life, which can lead to confusion, frustration, or burnout. To avoid this, set clear expectations and boundaries for your employees regarding their roles, responsibilities, goals, deadlines, communication methods, availability, feedback, and recognition. Provide them with the tools and resources they need to succeed and hold them accountable for their results.
Encourage and facilitate frequent and meaningful communication
Communication is key to building and maintaining relationships, trust, and collaboration among remote workers. Use a variety of communication channels and formats to suit different purposes and preferences. For example, use video calls for team meetings or one-on-one check-ins; use instant messaging or email for quick updates or questions; use social media or intranet for sharing news or announcements; use online forums or surveys for soliciting feedback or ideas. Make sure your communication is transparent, honest, respectful, and timely.
Create opportunities for social interaction and fun
One of the drawbacks of remote work is the lack of informal and spontaneous interactions that can foster camaraderie and friendship among coworkers. To overcome this challenge, create opportunities for social interaction and fun that are not related to work. For example, organize virtual happy hours or coffee breaks; host online games or trivia nights; celebrate birthdays or milestones; share personal stories or hobbies; create interest groups or clubs. These activities can help your employees bond with each other and feel more connected to your company culture.
Support your employees’ well-being and development
Remote work can also affect your employees’ physical, mental, emotional, and professional well-being. To support them in these areas, offer them flexible work arrangements that suit their needs and preferences; provide them with wellness programs or benefits that promote healthy habits; encourage them to take breaks and vacations; offer them learning opportunities or career paths that help them grow; recognize their efforts and achievements; show them empathy and compassion.
Foster a culture of trust and autonomy
One of the benefits of remote work is that it allows employees to have more control over their work and schedule. To support this autonomy, foster a culture of trust where employees feel empowered to take ownership of their work and make decisions. Encourage them to communicate their needs and preferences, and provide them with the flexibility and resources they need to do their best work. Avoid micromanaging or imposing rigid rules that can demotivate your employees and hinder their creativity.
Invest in technology and security
Remote work relies heavily on technology and digital tools. To ensure that your employees can work effectively and securely, invest in the right technology and provide them with the training and support they need to use it properly. Make sure your technology is up-to-date, reliable, and compatible with different devices and operating systems. Also, ensure that your data and communication channels are secure and compliant with industry standards and regulations.
Celebrate diversity and inclusion
Remote work can bring together employees from different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. To leverage this diversity and promote inclusion, celebrate different holidays, traditions, and customs that reflect your employees’ identities and values. Also, create a safe and respectful environment where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered to share their thoughts and ideas. Avoid discriminatory or exclusionary practices that can harm your employees’ well-being and your company reputation.
Maintaining your company culture as remote work becomes the norm is not an easy task
It requires intentional effort, commitment, and creativity from both leaders and employees. However, by following these tips and best practices, you can ensure that your company culture remains strong and vibrant even when your employees are working from different locations.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining a strong company culture is essential for any organization, whether it’s fully remote, partially remote, or in-person. As remote work becomes more prevalent and popular, it’s crucial to adapt your culture to this new reality and leverage its benefits while addressing its challenges. By following these tips and best practices, you can create a culture that fosters collaboration, innovation, and belonging among your remote employees.
Remember that maintaining your culture requires ongoing effort, communication, and commitment from both leaders and employees. By prioritizing your culture, you can create a workplace that attracts and retains top talent, drives business success, and makes a positive impact on society.