How to Build a Positive Company Culture, Virtually

The remote-working trend has catapulted us to a place not many thought it would so quickly, thanks to workplace changes forced upon us in 2020. But whether we welcomed the work-from-home transition or went into it kicking and screaming, it’s not going anywhere. So, companies are now left to answer the question, how do we build a positive company culture from a distance?

Gone are the days of depending on the actual, physical workplace to help create a company’s culture or reputation. Instead, leadership is now tasked with responding to business changes caused by the pandemic by ensuring their teams are set up to be more engaged, productive, and to feel supported.

So, how can you build a positive company culture virtually?

1.    Onboard Appropriately

IT departments are in high demand when it comes to supporting a healthy onboarding process. Step one is to ensure the technology is set up to allow new hires to get the most out of their onboarding. Resources should be in place and tested before their first day. On the actual first day, introduce the new hire to everyone else on the team. This can be as simple as a quick Zoom call where people can put a face to the name and get to know a little more about teammates. Make them feel a part of the team immediately.

2.    Foster Connections

Video calls should become a regular occurrence. As much as meetings can be cumbersome with schedules and responsibilities, it is a must to build a positive company culture. Structure the calls as an opportunity to connect, answer questions, share challenges, and provide support. These meetings should be a mixture of work and play too. Design specific meetings for work-related discussions, and others that give workers a place to go to learn more about their colleagues outside of just work things.

3.    Prioritize Face Time and Communication

This initiative is crucial to making sure teammates don’t feel isolated. Meeting face-to-face helps build and nurture workplace relationships. Getting scheduled meetings on the calendar helps to keep these video check-ins consistent. When considering face time outside of work, think about team-building activities that help bring colleagues together and contribute to their professional development.

4.    Promote Work-Life Balance

Work-life balance is no longer a desired company trait. It’s a necessity for working parents, working non-parents, working caretakers, basically any human being in the workforce. It’s easy to encourage the importance of this balance in the workplace when it’s discussed and modeled in person. Virtually, companies need to have policies and procedures that promote a strong work-life balance.

For example, change leave policies to mix sick days and vacation days into one PTO category. Also, consider offering flexible work schedules. 9-to-5 might not work for everyone, and you don’t want to miss out on high-caliber employees. Figure out other working options that help create a more substantial balance.

5.    Celebrate Accomplishments

On team calls, make it a point to celebrate accomplishments and provide rewards when applicable. Think gift cards, an extra day off, or a spa experience. Employees should feel valued and appreciated even if it can’t be done in person.

A consistent remote-working world is no longer a trend. It’s here, and it’s not going anywhere. So if you haven’t embraced it yet, open up those arms and hug it out. Potential job candidates and current employees are looking for companies that promote a virtual work environment and a positive company culture.

So, what initiatives are you using to balance the two? Share your thoughts by commenting below.