Building Bonds: Tips for Maintaining Connections with Remote Teams.

MIN READ

For decades, physical presence and positive work environments have been central to building relationships at work. The shift to remote work mixes things up. There's no more water cooler chatter or desk buddies to bond with. This can adversely affect our ability to truly connect with our colleagues.

Yet, can you imagine that brand new teams are forming and meeting for the first time over Zoom? We are living in the future of work. Our current team consists of 4 people who have never met in real life. In a way, we are strangers, so we have to be intentional about building trust with our employees and we can’t take for granted that it might be a bit harder than usual. 

Positive workplace relationships are key to team success

Relationship building is key when it comes to team engagement and retention. According to Gallup’s 2017 State of the American Workplace Report, dissatisfaction with one’s manager is among the top reasons why employees leave a job. So, it's vital to maintain a positive connection with your team to not only boost their performance but also keep them around.

Additionally, having friends at work can lead to happier and more productive employees. Since we spend an average of 40 hours a week with our coworkers, forming connections with them can truly impact our success. Ultimately, teamwork is the foundation of success, not individual efforts.

How has remote work affected our relationships? 

Have you found yourself having solo lunch dates since transitioning to remote work? It's a far cry from the days of lively office banter and casual catch-ups with coworkers. These impromptu interactions not only kept everyone engaged and strengthened connections (even across different departments), but they also sparked off-the-cuff discussions that led to some brilliant ideas. Let's explore more ways in which remote work can impact the art of building meaningful relationships in the workplace.

Decreased connection and collaboration

Team collaboration may suffer when the group is scattered. It's not always due to team dynamics; sometimes, the team isn't structured to collaborate effectively in a virtual environment.

Less visibility

Visibility in a digital setting takes on a new form, yet remains a critical element. Without clear visibility and transparency, tensions, uncertainties, and conflicts can escalate, jeopardizing trust. It is essential for managers and team members to consistently provide visibility to one another to maintain trust and cohesion within the team.

Less empathy  and Fractured team spirit

As the digital divide separates us, empathy may falter. It's not a lack of empathy, but rather the challenge of truly grasping each other's realities through fleeting video calls.

As team camaraderie weakens and connections wane, a shift towards individualistic thinking may emerge. The danger lies in losing the spark that makes work enjoyable. Managers must prioritize nurturing team spirit to uphold engagement levels.

When an employee's demeanor shifts, managers should take notice and address it in a one-on-one meeting. They may be feeling the distance and require additional support.

Enter TGG

The definition of a positive work culture has shifted. It is no longer solely dependent on physicality and face-to-face interactions, but rather on the implementation of new rituals that foster social capital within teams. Team building has emerged as a powerful tool in driving a better office culture, whether it be in a physical or virtual setting.
 
Enter The Go Game, the solution that empowers organizations to embrace remote work while still cultivating a strong sense of community and collaboration. With TGG, teams can engage in team building activities that promote camaraderie, trust, and teamwork. These new rituals not only boost employee morale but also enhance productivity and creativity. The Go Game delivers unforgettable events, whether in-person, remote, or a blend of both. We understand the crucial role that a strong culture plays in achieving success, which is why we prioritize team-building activities, provide professional development opportunities, and maintain open lines of communication. 
 

From customizable company trivia to interactive game shows and employee recognition ceremonies, our events are tailored to reflect your company's unique preferences.

Level up and strengthen your team now.  Book a demo today to learn more about how The Go Game and Weve can help your team build relationships at work and maintain connection across remote teams through play.