Businesses big and small want to attract and retain the best talent possible. During this time of virtual work, employee engagement takes on new challenges. Change of any sort can be difficult for many so it comes as no surprise that during a time of rapid change, consistent and clear communications are key.
It is important to give employees as much information as you can regarding changes that impact them, company go-forward plans, policy changes and support available. With constant change during a pandemic it is good to reinforce that processes, policies and work may change rapidly, and both employer and employee hold the responsibility for frequent communication.
Numerous corporate functions need to be sufficiently staffed and ready to handle additional workload. The need for additional human resource support is obvious. And, critical to virtual work is access to good internet; making sure your IT team is equipped for additional support can ease a lot of stress and tension as employees pivot from physical to the virtual workplace. Are there apps or technologies you need to invest in to make work easier and more productive?
Frequent, short surveys can be a good tool to assess employee needs and current situations. Trusting confidentiality in the process will be important to getting good results.
Having worked with virtual teams both locally and globally, below are some ideas we have employed and have heard of from others that may be helpful as you consider your company and team:
Stipends for improving the home office or home workplace
Business goal setting and follow through – make sure goal expectations are realistic and then work with employees to help them to achieve them
Flexible work hours – support families with children/loved ones who have distance learning demands and other time stressors
Establish a buddy or mentorship program to help your team connect, especially key for new hires
Provide stipends for employees to use to donate to a cause they believe in, do good in the community, etc. to promote mental health and well being
Develop an internal series of learning opportunities around important topics, such as racial justice
Daily DJ: send a fun song or two and incorporate music into a meeting start
Have everyone use their high school photo for a virtual call
Celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and other notable events – make it personal
Virtual “wellness” opportunities – exercise classes, mental health seminars
Schedule a virtual happy hour meeting
Small outdoor meetings with or without a food truck
Virtual events: comedy or motivational speaker hour
Online gifts – cooking, art, mixologist, language, or other classes
Pop-up gifts delivered to home – meal delivery, puzzles, books, personal care items, subscriptions, craft projects
A surprise gift delivered that is related to a virtual event or call, happy hour cocktail or mocktail delivery or a midday meeting with coffee and treats
Recognize accomplishments, good work and achievements via company chat channels (Slack), emails or company newsletter/e-news
Welcome new team members with virtual lunches (like pop-up home deliveries—lunch delivered, coffee delivered, etc.)
Make leaders visible and accessible (post phone numbers, emails, etc., on all employee communication channels)
Continue 1:1 meetings via video chats or phone calls
Support professional development and provide help or how-to guides
Launch an online break room or water cooler like Zoom breakouts where employees can hop on to chat or get ‘away’ from things for a quick break
Pet-related events, virtual or social distanced in person
One of the most interesting ideas we heard was from someone who sent a Zoom invite to a co-worker that just could not stand working alone for another minute. They got on Zoom and just literally worked side by side as if they were in the office together. This did wonders for the extrovert that was feeling isolated.
An authentic and personal focus on your team will help to get everyone through a time of challenge. This has the dual benefit of keeping employees engaged and supports their well being while keeping business goals on track, improving the opportunity for profitability and growth.