CONNECTING ACROSS THE DIGITAL DIVIDE
Like everything else in the post-COVID world, intentionality becomes the main point. You have to be intentional in your reach and your demeanor. Nothing has slowed down in the world; as a matter of fact, it has sped up. Because now we can have 10 meetings in a 10-hour day and talk with people all over the world, it has given us the false sense of security that we are “in touch” with our employees, no matter where they are in the world.
Being truly in touch with them is true if you are purposeful about what you are picking up on … more than words. Having a fun “sharing” experience with your employees is a great way to ensure their mental health and connectivity is your first priority. It is very easy to move from task to task, especially where billable hours are being recorded. It is important to occasionally step away from the usual day-to-day hustle, to relate with employees on a personal basis. Ask them about their favorite team song, or use the “wear your college jersey” day you used to do as a fun activity on camera with your employees, and let them talk about it. This might only require 15 minutes; the casework can wait!
Having a fun “sharing” experience with your employees is a great way to ensure their mental health and connectivity is your first priority.
Ask them to bring their favorite coffee mug to a team meeting and ask them to share why it is. Being intentional about knowing what is going on with your remote employees is so important and a quick and easy thing to do.
People still want to be connected and still want to talk about themselves. During a meeting, start it with a “safety brief” — yes, we still need to be safe, even in our own homes — or share a quick mental break exercise each of them can do, just to stretch their minds.
There is still a lot of connectivity that can happen with remote employees, but we have to be intentional and passionate about connecting and authentic about our intent for your employees. Wherever they may be around the world, they need to know they are important, in a safe environment within your organization, and that you do care about them and their family.
I often hear my team members say, “I am so much more productive when I am working remotely.” There is a time and place for being alone, and yes, I can think clearer and stay more focused if I’m not bombarded by constant client requests, meetings and interruptions. But to do it all day, every day, would be very stressful for me. I need human connection, and I know my team members do as well.
