How Your Remote Workplace is Impacting Culture and What You Should Do About It

You worked hard to build your winning company culture and always strive to maintain it. But now that an increasing number of employees work remotely, this goal poses different challenges. How do you keep every member of your workforce – those on-site, as well as those working from home or in a hybrid model – engaged, productive, and invested in your company and its culture? 

Keeping all members of your workforce aligned with your organizational values

Culture matters. 

The right working environment is a top priority for both job seekers and your existing team members. Continue to pay special attention to maintaining cultural alignment with every employee, with a little extra focus on those no longer on-site day-to-day and those candidates who will be working remotely if hired. 

Remote workers may miss the small talk and other routine interactions with their coworkers. So here are some steps you can take to keep them empowered and tuned in: 

• Establish a virtual environment where people still feel connected and empowered. Remote employees still need to know that their entire team is working collaboratively and that their input and opinions matter. 
• Make sure remote workers have regular contact with their managers and coworkers. Supervisors play a key role, as you ensure that these employees stay linked to your company’s overall mission, vision, and goals. Feeling they’re part of your bigger company picture and having a sense of ownership is critical for keeping all team members engaged and loyal. 
• Discuss your culture with your senior leadership, managers, and employees. Seek their input, and actively listen to what they have to say. They can help you establish team norms that strengthen their ability to work together, no matter where they’re physically located. 
• Continue to treat everyone with trust and respect. Find creative ways for teams to share work schedules so everyone – on-site and off – can stay updated and in touch with their progress. There are myriad tools available to help you with this. As you do so, don’t micromanage. When everyone is aware of the ongoing activities of their team members through effective communication and workflow, this knowledge will reinforce trust. 
• Address mental health issues that may impact your employees. In addition to paying attention to work/life balance for everyone (yourself included!), be proactive in promoting positive mental health. Employees working remotely may experience loneliness, concern for their job, and other issues. Nip social isolation in the bud. And on that note, remember: things have opened up again post-pandemic. So host social events where remote workers can join their on-site coworkers. And if you have an employee assistance program (EAP), remind people of it. If not, maybe now is a good time to start one. 

Looking to further build your organization and its culture for all of your employees?

As you foster your industry-leading company culture, consider working with Key HR. We’ll become your trusted partner as you build your team and adjust to ongoing changes as they occur, including your growing remote workforce. Contact us today to learn more.