As countries around the world continue to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, many companies have decided to shift to working remotely until further notice. For many communities throughout the United States, lockdown measures to prevent its spread continue to get extended, forcing companies to expand their remote work policy. As a result, many companies are looking for new ways to build rapport with their employees virtually. Leaders who are looking for ways to build rapport with their team should consider the following tips.
Encourage Conversation Among Employees
Many employees may be working remotely for the first time and could be having trouble adjusting to the virtual environment. Help ease these uncertain feelings by encouraging virtual conversation among employees. Additionally, encourage conversations that are unrelated to work, as this can help employees feel more connected and comfortable. Encouraging more conversations can also help to build more rapport as a team.
Utilize Video Calls
With more companies like Zoom releasing technology capable of video conferencing, companies should make an effort to schedule virtual meetings using videos. According to a study done by the Journal of Consulting Psychology, nearly 55 percent of communication is visual, making video calls even more important for building rapport. Schedule at least one video call per week with your team to catch up and chat about any important updates. Video calls can also be a great option for team-building exercises like playing a game or holding a happy hour.
Provide Positive Reinforcement
During difficult times like this, it becomes even more important to provide positive reinforcement as much as possible. If there is something that an employee did well, make sure to express your appreciation for the hard work that was put into it. This can not only help build trust among your employees, but it can help improve employee morale in the long-term.
While working remotely can be an adjustment for companies, it is important to remain calm and flexible as employees adjust.