Topic Multi-State Employers
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How strong can company culture be when you have employees located in different states?
In this post, we look at some of the problems multi-state employers are likely to encounter when implementing a company culture across their network of remote workers. We also explore solutions to these challenges and the best ways to build a remote workplace culture.
Solving the "Shortcomings" of Remote Work
Working remotely isn't all smooth sailing. Several challenges are likely to arise in remote work. Here are the main problems any remote worker may come across when working from home:
- Loneliness – humans are social beings, and feelings of loneliness are likely to arise when working remotely due to isolation. These feelings could impact employee performance, engagement, and productivity if left unchecked.
- Communication gaps – if most employees are new, they may be unfamiliar with digital communication products. This could prevent an organization from getting critical messages across to their employees.
- Lack of trust – some employers don't believe that employees are working if they can't physically see them. That can create distrust between managers and employees, which could hamper overall performance.
While these shortcomings are real, they aren't necessary. There are ways to work around them, as explained below.
Ways to Build Remote Workplace Culture
Businesses can successfully build a remote workplace culture in a few steps. Some of these strategies are short term while others long term. They include:
Consistent Virtual Connections
Constant engagement through virtual meetings or other platforms that promote digital face-to-face communication should be a priority for businesses. Consistent engagement helps workers feel they're not alone as they get to interact with each other virtually.
Some examples of excellent platforms companies can leverage to promote both social and formal, consistent connections include:
- Video Conferencing: Multi-state employers can use these digital platforms like Teams, Zoom, and WebEx Meetings for frequent remote video conferencing events. Such virtual events allow employees to see each other, helping reduce the loneliness of remote work even if they won't socially interact as much.
- Group Social Engagement Platforms: Apart from formal events, employers can organize employee social engagements where employees get to interact as a group. Platforms like Petri provide a virtual space for team-building activities that promote social interaction.
- Chat Platforms: Consistent virtual connections don't always have to be visual. Companies can also leverage chat platforms such as Slack for consistent public and private communications with workers.
Encourage Remote Work
Workers lose the motivation to work when they feel their boss doesn't trust them enough. If a boss constantly tells workers to come back to the office, it may seem like they want to micromanage the workers, which can be a great demotivator.
Employers should give their remote multi-state teams the benefit of the doubt that they will put in the work required to guarantee success. In return, workers reciprocate that confidence from bosses by doing their best.
Create a Sense of Belonging
Feeling part of a team is essential when working remotely, especially considering a challenge like loneliness. When workers feel like their organization values them, it boosts their morale and encourages them to produce more, even when working remotely.
Companies can create a thriving culture that makes their remote employees feel valued. This can be through offering incentives for completing difficult remote tasks, flexibility for self-management, or rewarding great employee efforts.
Monitor Employee Engagement
Excellent employee engagement is reflective of a strong company culture. When remote employees are consistently engaged with work, it shows the organization's expectations are high. As a result, employees develop an internal motivation to work towards the company's success without side distractions.
Employers can leverage various tools and software to monitor the engagement and performance, and constantly improve on them. These tools and software give employers insight into employee activities at specific times and the time it takes them to complete the tasks.
On the other hand, companies can also use engagement surveys to measure their workers' daily motivation and engagement. Surveys give details on employee attitudes and thoughts towards work and the overall work environment.
Emphasize Work-Life Balance
An employee can again become too engaged when working remotely for long hours without a break. Remote work often becomes so intense that workers can't differentiate when a job should start and end.
Businesses can create a work-and-life balance culture that prioritizes employee well-being by giving them enough time for themselves and their loved ones. It allows workers to handle their personal affairs and engage in activities that boost their physical and mental wellness.
Strong Remote Culture Pays Off
A strong company culture is the foundation of any company's success. Businesses with solid company structures realize more significant revenues and employee retention as the most skilled workers want to work for them.
In fact, workplace culture is even more significant than a competitive salary for many employees today. To build a thriving company culture for your multi-state organization, you must encourage remote work, facilitate consistent virtual connections, monitor engagement, and prioritize employee management.
