Remote Collaboration: Crafting and Sustaining Connections

Collaboration is inevitable in the modern workplace. Whether you’re  a freelancer engaging with clients or part of an employed team  interacting with colleagues, managers, suppliers, and customers.  While it’s challenging to completely avoid other people, remote work  brings forth its unique set of hurdles, making it tougher to build  connections without the nuances of face-to-face interactions. This  article explores practical strategies to foster and maintain  relationships in the realm of remote work. 

In the past, remote work was often a choice, typically constituting a  fraction of the workweek. Part-time remote work allowed for  seamless relationship maintenance. However, the recent surge in  remote work, driven by global events, has disrupted this equilibrium.  Now, maintaining robust relationships is not just desirable but  crucial for mental well-being in the face of isolation. 

Tips for Relationship Maintenance 

1. Scheduled Team Engagement: 

In the absence of casual corridor chats, maintaining regular formal  communication becomes paramount. Schedule team video  conferences or group telephone conversations to keep everyone in  the loop about ongoing work and the team’s overall direction.  Acknowledge that not everyone can attend, considering diverse  schedules and time zones. 

2. Infuse Social Elements in Meetings: 

Lack of kitchen or water cooler encounters makes it essential to  know your colleagues on a personal level. Dedicate the initial ten or  fifteen minutes of a scheduled meeting for a casual ’round the table’ chat about everyone’s day or week. Additionally, pick up the phone  occasionally for a casual check-in to ensure your colleagues are  coping well, especially those who may not attend regular meetings. 

3. Facilitate Remote Work: 

Understand that working from home doesn’t mean less routine; for  many, it’s a more structured routine. Discuss with colleagues to  identify small changes that can significantly improve their work from-home experience. Share your preferences as well. It could be  a simple adjustment in deadlines or allowing a brief interruption in  team meetings to accommodate children—a small change that can  make a big difference. 

4. Personalised Check-Ins: 

When communicating about tasks or projects, avoid relying solely  on emails. Take the time to call and have a conversation. This may  be the only human contact someone has had all week. Blend in  some social chit-chat during these interactions; it not only  strengthens professional ties but also contributes to a positive work  environment. 

Building and maintaining relationships remotely pose challenges,  but with dedication, it’s entirely achievable. Although you might lack  some usual cues, employing conscious tone modulation in phone  conversations can compensate. Video conferencing, especially in  the initial stages, helps bridge the gap by providing visual cues. The  key is to recognise that building relationships takes time. Relax, let  it evolve, and don’t rush the process. 

In traditional office setups, relationship-building often happens  seamlessly in the background. Remote work may make it seem  harder to invest time in relationships, but it’s arguably more crucial. Recognise the value of those seemingly small interactions and  dedicate time to cultivate connections. It might take effort, but the  dividends in terms of a connected and motivated team are well  worth it. 

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