How to Engage Your Employees Virtually
Virtual 9 to 5
Whether you’re new to remote work-life or have been managing virtual employees for a while, keeping your team engaged is an important part of the job. Foster a dynamic and cohesive online atmosphere with open communication, the right technology, and a little bit of fun.
Lead by Example
The workday starts with the wardrobe. If you expect your team to follow a certain dress code, be sure to lead the way with your style. Embroidered dress shirt and embroidered polo shirts make business casual a piece of cake. If you’re more on the “casual” side of things, let your employees know that a comfy tee or sweatshirt will get the job done.
Morning Brew
Once your outfit is handled, it’s time to make some coffee. But don’t drink your first cup alone – make it a team event! Virtual morning coffee is an easy way to gather the team together right off the bat; say good morning, recap the previous day, and give simple reminders or alerts to all employees at once. Deliver custom company mugs to your crew for a few bonus points.
Tech Savvy
Email, phone calls, texting, instant messaging, video calls – the world of virtual work involves many different forms of technology. How should you communicate with your employees? Chances are, you’ll use all of the above (and possibly more). To best engage your team with the day-to-day details, determine which technology fits which task or activity. Remember that expressing and reading emotions can be difficult via the written word, so email alone cannot cover every message. Phone and video will feel most like in-person meetings, so keep that in mind for creative sessions, standing meetings, lengthy discussions, etc.
Be sure to set expectations for technology use. Let employees know upfront if cameras should be turned on during video meetings, for example, or if there is a procedure for speaking. Ensure that everyone on your team knows how to use each virtual technology tool, and provide training if necessary. Everyone has a preferred method of communicating, and when possible, meet your employees where they are. When an employee feels comfortable they’ll feel most engaged.
Build New Leaders
A smart way to increase participation is to allow employees a greater role in daily operations. Prepare meeting agendas ahead of time and assign different topics to individuals or departmental groups. Encourage employees to take the lead in discussions where applicable, so workers can feel more involved. Promote a proactive environment by encouraging your team to ask questions and prompt conversation when needed, instead of only waiting for your direction. Pro tip: have employees jot down ideas with custom company pens for regular brainstorming sessions.
Take a Break
You know that saying, “All work and no play…?” Well, we all saw how that turned out – so don’t forget to take a break once in a while. Sometimes you need a moment around the virtual water cooler to refresh your mind. Ask employees about a TV show everyone is watching; or better yet, start a new show together. An informal TV, movie, or book club can be a fun way to get the conversation flowing. Online games are also an easy way to take 10 while doing an activity together.
Healthy Habits
Sometimes, you might need to step away from the screen. Encourage your employees to use virtual work as an opportunity to embrace healthier daily habits. When the weather is nice, take a quick walk in between meetings. And when the weather is not so nice, bundle up in custom logo jackets and walk anyway!
Challenge your team to walking or biking challenges; most smartphones are programmed with apps that will track your steps, so you can get into some friendly competitions and support one another’s progress. Trade healthy recipes, organize a meal swap (when geographically possible), or schedule a virtual lunch break. A logo water bottle will keep employees hydrated all day long.
Dog of the Day
Or cat, bunny, turtle, fish … whatever the pet, people want to see them. A major perk of remote work is hanging out with your pets all day. Snap a picture of Rover when he’s looking particularly cute and share with the team for a quick mood boost.
Celebrate Good Times
Celebrating accomplishments, both work-related and personal, goes a long way in keeping employees feeling appreciated and engaged in their work. Acknowledge company anniversaries with a video shout-out, a heartfelt email, or a funny meme in the group chat. Celebrate birthdays with special corporate gifts or a personalized card. Thinking about rocking around the virtual Christmas tree? Go for it! Mark major holidays with a fantastic online bash. Consider costume contests, karaoke, secret gift exchanges, and more.