Remote working has a lot of positives but there’s one big problem…
The global pandemic made businesses and individuals realise that work could be done from home just as effectively as in the office – in fact some employees are even more productive.
And while a worker’s output is clear to measure through KPIs, sales targets and project progress there are other elements of work that are more difficult to quantify. For example, employee engagement, team morale, creative thinking and career development – all of which, it could be argued, are suffering at the hands of office absences.
It’s a simple fact that people feel less connected to each other when they aren’t within physical proximity of each other. And with this disconnect, businesses lose loyalty because what is the individual being loyal to? A domain name on their email address and text chat in a messenger platform?
Some organisations have recognised this issue and attemped to solve the problem by enforcing three, sometimes five, compulsory days in the office. Which pre-pandemic would be perfectly acceptable, however employees have had a taste of flexible working and they like it. They, and their bank accounts, enjoy not having to commute regularly. And when competitors offer completely remote working opportunities businesses who do enforce office-time might end up losing out on the best talent. What’s more, they are unable to cast their nets as wide when recruiting for this talent, due to geographical limitations.
So what is the solution if it’s not enforcing regular days in the office?
The simple answer: Fun and sociable experiences. Original, personalised and entertaining activities that will bring teams together and unite them through laughter and friendship.
Let employees work from home, give them the freedom of being half-dressed on their sofa if they want. But create and foster employee connections and company culture through more deliberate experiences. Authentic, shared memories are what truly bond people and so if you can create touchpoints that build trust, communication and a team dynamic the bonds will be strong enough to survive any long-distance relationship.
