In recent years, remote teams have become increasingly commonplace for many companies, largely due to affordable technology that makes virtual workspaces both convenient and effective. It’s never been easier to replace a  traditional office environment with laptops, cloud servers, and an employee’s Wi-Fi— especially now that advanced security protocols mean that working from home can be as secure as it is convenient. And while remote work was once considered the exception and not the rule, companies are beginning to appreciate the reduced overhead costs. Why pay for a rented space and utilities if not absolutely necessary?

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has accelerated the work-from-home trend, especially in areas where public safety mandates require employees to work from home whenever possible. At this point, a return to the traditional office environment is increasingly unlikely, which means that virtual team building is more essential than ever. 

Clearly state expectations and remain consistent 

Shifting to remote work will inevitably change some of the procedures previously developed to complete tasks and fulfill job requirements. Some of these changes may be small, but others will be significant. Confusion and errors are normal under these circumstances, but can cause larger mistakes or conflicts if not handled correctly. 

To maintain accuracy and employee morale, it’s important for every virtual team to develop and follow set processes that produce results similar to those achieved in the physical office. Creating these routines may initially take time and slow productivity, but it’s worth the time to make sure everyone understands their roles and responsibilities. 

As teams adjust to remote work, remind them that your expectations regarding their responsibilities remain the same, regardless of whether they work on-site or remotely. Remote employees shouldn’t feel pressured to work extra hours in order to “prove” their worth, but they do need to provide consistent results and maintain the same level of productivity as when working in the company office. 

Keep your regular meetings, but create some new ones too

Employees working from home can often feel disconnected from their coworkers and peers. Brief but regular virtual meetings help solve this dilemma and allow everyone to see and hear each other on a regular basis. This also provides employees with the opportunity to raise concerns or suggest new ideas. 

For teams new to remote work or those feeling particularly disconnected, meetings with a specific team building agenda can be incredibly useful. From icebreaker activities to games and quizzes, take the extra time for teams to learn more about one another and get comfortable communicating on a virtual platform. 

These activities don’t need to be complicated—you can ask participants to share photos of their pets, compete in a trivia contest, and for the particularly brave, sing karaoke. Just remember to find an activity that works in your existing company culture to avoid pushing remote workers too far out of their comfort zone. 

Keep Going

While many businesses are new to working remotely, even businesses with established protocols for working from home can benefit from improved communication and enhanced performance outcomes. We help companies assess their productivity and discover the best technology for effective team-building.

We’re here to help, wherever you are. Remember to reach out to your trusted Smolin professional with any questions or concerns.