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Both remote and hybrid work environments have proven to be smart solutions for those companies looking to give their employees greater freedom and control over their work-life balance. However, this doesn’t mean they don’t come with their own set of cons. Relationship-building and peer-to-peer connections, while certainly possible, can be more challenging for remote and hybrid teams who aren’t physically in the same place at once. This can leave some employees feeling isolated if there is no plan to address it.
Thankfully, managers can utilize plenty of strategies, tips and tricks to keep their teams connected and communicating well. With the recent surge in popularity for remote and hybrid workspaces, the business leaders of Rolling Stone Culture Council have become well-acquainted with these strategies. Below, they discuss their top tips for those struggling to manage their teams in a hybrid or remote workplace and share how to connect with and manage employees well in these types of environments.
Create Accountability With an Agenda
The biggest success we have found is accountability. We have an agenda for all to follow on a weekly basis complete with tasks and timelines, leaving room for variables. We also have three weekly meetings virtually — 10 a.m. Monday, 4 p.m. Wednesday and noon on Friday. It keeps everyone on the same page and allows for variance in workspace, travel and comfort of all involved. Accountability builds credibility and camaraderie. – Matt Altman, Headline Booking
Be Intentional About Building Connection
To build and maintain relationships in remote contexts, you have to be highly intentional. That’s because the organic relationship-building that often happens in person will not occur on its own in a remote setting. So, schedule time to connect regularly, whether you have a major topic to address or not, and don’t skip the human connection part when you do meet. – Jed Brewer, Good Loud Media
Emphasize Open Channels of Communication
My company has been remote-first since the beginning. I’ve found that the best way to maintain connection in a remote workplace is to emphasize open channels of communication — and lead by example. We have Slack channels for real-life updates, and we begin every virtual meeting with a fun check-in that makes it much easier to get on the same page professionally. – Evan Nison, NisonCo
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Allow Time for Informal Interactions
Build a welcoming and warm team culture by encouraging informal virtual interactions. Organize virtual coffee breaks or casual chat sessions where team members can connect personally. This helps build trust and camaraderie, making the team more cohesive and effective in their work. – Kristin Marquet, Marquet Media, LLC
Prioritize One-on-One Check-Ins
One tip is to prioritize one-on-one virtual meetings to check in with employees personally and professionally. This fosters stronger connections, allowing managers to address individual needs, provide support and maintain a sense of belonging. Regular communication and active listening help build trust and keep remote teams motivated and engaged. – Stephen Nalley, Black Briar Advisors
Show Genuine Interest in Your Team
Prioritize regular, intentional check-ins with your team. These meetings should go beyond task updates to include personal connection and support. By fostering open communication and showing genuine interest in their well-being, you can build trust and keep everyone aligned and motivated, even when working remotely. – Sonia Singh, Center of Inner Transformations
Align and Collaborate on Goals
I suggest scheduling one group meeting per week with the primary department facilitators and then having one-to-one meetings as necessary. The meetings should tie into one major yearly goal, one major goal per quarter, and monthly and weekly goals. As the owner, I am currently making a new 30-year plan. We decide our direction by combining wisdom and intuition with what our clients tell us they desire and require. Track with Slack. – Baeth Davis, YourPurpose.com
