‘Nurturing’ team members in different locations and time zones is new undertaking for many leaders. Here’s 7 thought-starter ideas to re-create the magic from a distance:
- “Work from Anywhere” Days: Occasionally implement “work from anywhere” days, where employees are encouraged to work from different locations like a park, coffee shop, or a nearby city. This hack injects a sense of adventure and excitement into remote work, boosting creativity and morale.
- Remote “Show and Tell” Sessions: Organize remote “show and tell” sessions where team members share personal hobbies, talents, or interests outside of work. This hack strengthens connections among team members and promotes a supportive and inclusive culture.
- Implement “No Meeting” Time Blocks: Introduce dedicated “no meeting” time blocks for your remote team. These blocks allow employees to focus on deep work without interruptions and attend to critical tasks or projects that require extended concentration.
- Encourage “Audio-Only” Days: Designate specific days or time slots where team members are encouraged to have audio-only communication. This practice helps reduce video call fatigue and allows employees to focus solely on verbal communication without worrying about appearances.
- Host Virtual “Lunch and Learn” Sessions: Organize virtual “lunch and learn” sessions where employees can enjoy a meal together while participating in educational or informative discussions. This fosters a sense of community and continuous learning in a relaxed setting.
- “Office Hours” for Leadership: Adopt a practice of scheduled “office hours” for top leadership, allowing employees to drop in for informal discussions, feedback, or questions. This fosters open communication, breaks down hierarchical barriers, and shows that leadership is accessible and attentive to the team’s needs.
- Psychological Safety Surveys: Regularly conduct anonymous psychological safety surveys to gauge how comfortable team members feel expressing their opinions, concerns, and ideas. This valuable feedback helps identify areas for improvement in team dynamics and communication.
