Managing Working Relationships Remotely

The Challenges of Remote Working

One of the challenges of working remotely has been the lack of personal contact between colleagues. After the novelty of working from home in the early days faded many reports have identified how lonely individuals have begun to feel working from home.  Even outside of the national lockdowns there has not been a full return to the workplace and if anything working from home may become more permanent way of working.

There has been plenty written and discussed about the impact on employees’ mental health and how employers can try to promote health and well being whilst working remotely.  Yet there are many other outputs of people working together in a workspace that will have been adversely impacted.  

Peer Support Group

My own experience of working from home has led me to create a group of individuals I can contact to meet many of my needs.  At times I need to discuss an idea, a response or just to talk something through and that’s when I will pick up the phone or message someone in my contact group. A few minutes of reconnecting and discussing an issue has helped not only my mental well being but also improved my productivity.

Those informal conversations walking past someone’s desk, making drinks, going to get a water those moments help to nurture relationships in the workplace, networking amongst colleagues, impromptu conversations that spark ideas and help collaboration are invaluable.  It’s a challenge that businesses are trying to overcome.

Ideas For Managing Remote Teams

Our HR advisors share below some ideas that seem popular;

·      arranging to meet for a walk with employees who live locally (abiding by rules)

·      have a short catch up on WhatsApp, Zoom or another form of video call with 1 or 2 individuals you work with;

·      introduce a rota to have some groups/teams to work in the office on certain days or weeks (if rules allow);

·      arrange to work with a buddy in a co-working space or local coffee shop (if lockdown/tier rules allow at the time);

·      pick up the phone and have a conversation instead of sending an email.

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We would love to hear how you are managing to remain connected with your employees and colleagues when you work from home, message our social media you can find us on Facebook Twitter or LinkedIn