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.