How to Create a Good Company Culture in a Virtual World 
Vincent Benjamin

When employees all report to the same physical workplace, they usually get to know each other relatively easily. Additionally, when they need assistance, help may only be a desk away. In time, this facilitates bonding and effective professional relationships, often leading to a positive culture. 

However, when everyone is working remotely, many of these organic opportunities fail to arise. Over the long-term, bonding is hindered. The lack of connection soon becomes an issue, particularly if employees don’t know what to do if they run into a difficulty and need assistance. 

Luckily, it is possible to overcome the challenges created by the work-from-home paradigm and craft a positive company culture. If you’d like to know how to pull it off, here are some tips. 

Embrace a Variety of Communication Platforms 

The sheer number of communication options can be staggering. Along with phone calls and email, there’s video chatting, messengers, chatrooms, texting, and much more. 

If you try to force your team to use only one approach, there’s a good chance that at least some of them are going to shy away. Everyone has different preferences, and some may not feel that they can express themselves as well when using your required option. 

Ideally, you want to eliminate communication barriers. As a result, it’s wise to embrace a range of platforms or a single one that offers a multi-channel experience. That way, people can use the methods that are most comfortable to them, increasing the odds that information will flow freely. 

Showcase Your Appreciation as Often as Possible  

Managers need to step up if they want to create a great company culture. When your team isn’t right in front of you, it’s easy to forget about the effort they are putting in every single day. Plus, there are fewer organic opportunities to recognize their contributions, like offering a thank you when a report is dropped onto your desk. 

If you want to boost your company culture while everyone is working virtually, make showcasing your appreciation a priority. Reach out often to express your gratitude, create a “shout-out” channel where you publicly recognize an accomplishment, send a thank you card in the mail, and do anything else that comes to mind. Positive feedback is powerful, so make sure you don’t forget to offer it. 

Make Collaboration the Norm, Not the Exception 

When you give employees group projects, you are giving them a reason to stay in touch. Even if they each have their own responsibilities, they have to coordinate with one another to ensure every deliverable is brought together. 

If you get the opportunity to turn a project into a team endeavor, seize it. That way, your employees will have reasons to reach out to each other – and support one another – increasing the odds that any bonds they have will remain strong while they are working remotely. 

We Can Help You Create a Positive Company Culture 

Ultimately, all of the tips above can bolster your company’s culture while everyone is telecommuting. If you’d like to find out more about how you can create a positive environment, the staff at VB can help. Contact us today. 

 

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