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As we navigate the evolving landscape of work, the trend of remote working has skyrocketed. According to Global Workplace Analytics, it is estimated that by the end of 2023, 50% of employees globally will be working remotely. While this mode of operation offers several benefits, including flexibility and cost savings, it also possesses unique challenges. 

Prominent among these is the risk of employees feeling isolated and disconnected from their colleagues. Here, we will delve into how fostering a sense of connection and community can mitigate these challenges and contribute to employee wellbeing.

Importance of Connection and Community In The Workplace

Connection and community are cornerstones of the workplace environment that can deeply impact employees' mental health. The workplace is often seen as a social sphere and a source of identity, fostering a sense of belonging. This is particularly crucial for remote employees who can often feel isolated. 15% of remote workers report loneliness as their biggest struggle. This can lead to a range of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety.

Employees who feel a sense of belonging are more likely to be productive, creative, and satisfied with their work. This underlines the importance of employers implementing initiatives, activities, and strategies that encourage community, communication, and connection between team members despite being physically apart from one another.

​​Strategies to Build Connection and Community

A thriving, connected remote community is vital for maintaining employee morale and productivity. Given the absence of physical interaction in a remote work setting, employers need to use innovative methods to foster a sense of camaraderie and belonging. Here are five critical strategies to achieve this goal:

Virtual Team-Building Exercises

The digital world offers a vast array of interactive activities that can bridge the geographical gap among remote employees. These could be regular virtual game sessions where teams compete in online quizzes or collaborative games over a zoom call. Virtual cooking classes, where everyone follows the same recipe and shares their results, can also be a fun, engaging activity to build a sense of community.

Similarly, shared coffee breaks where team members simply connect and converse can recreate the spontaneous interactions typically seen in physical offices. These activities can significantly enhance team spirit and camaraderie, helping remote employees feel connected.

Promote Open Communication

Communication is the lifeline of a remote team. While work-related discussions are vital, encouraging casual, non-work related conversations is equally important for building connection and rapport. Create digital spaces like chat rooms or forums where team members can share personal updates, discuss interests, or simply engage in light-hearted banter. This can mirror the water-cooler chats in a traditional office, fostering a sense of community.

Acknowledge and Celebrate Success

Recognising and celebrating employees' achievements can significantly boost their morale and sense of belonging. It could be as simple as acknowledging their hard work in a team meeting or as elaborate as a virtual award ceremony. The key is to ensure that every effort, big or small, is recognised and appreciated. This can create a positive environment where employees feel valued and connected.

Foster Inclusivity

Inclusivity is paramount in a remote work environment. Ensure that all employees, irrespective of their location, have equal access to resources and opportunities. For instance, when scheduling meetings, take into account different time zones to avoid inconvenience. By being considerate of each team member's unique circumstances and needs, employers can foster an inclusive culture that promotes a sense of community.

Regular Check-ins

One-on-one check-ins are an effective way for supervisors to understand the unique challenges that remote employees might face. These check-ins should focus not just on work-related issues but also on personal well-being. Regular, empathetic communication can help identify any signs of distress or isolation early and provide necessary support. This can significantly enhance employees' mental health and sense of connection.

Each of these strategies is designed to combat the feelings of isolation and disconnection that can come with remote work. By implementing them, employers can foster a strong, connected, and inclusive remote community.

Additionally, employers should consider providing accessible mental health resources such as ThoughtFullChat App to their employees. ThoughtFullChat provides online therapy to users, allowing them to get in touch with their best-fit mental health professional at their convenience. They can gather support, ask for advice, and discover coping strategies to manage their mental health better.

Securing a Healthier and More Productive Remote Workforce: Looking Forward

As remote work continues to grow and redefine the traditional norms of corporate operations, there's an immediate need for organisations to intensify their focus on their employees' mental health. The global shift towards remote work, accelerated by the technological advancements of the digital age, calls for more robust strategies to preserve and promote the wellbeing of the workforce.

The feeling of being connected and part of a community is pivotal to one's sense of worth and job satisfaction. As we've established, isolation and detachment can pose serious threats to the mental health of remote employees, as well as their retention. Hence, employers must take deliberate steps to foster a sense of belonging among their teams. Virtual team-building activities, open communication channels, and recognition of success are but a few tactics that can alleviate feelings of isolation and build a stronger community, regardless of the physical distance.

Organisations have a fundamental duty to foster an environment where remote workers feel connected, appreciated, and supported. It's through these efforts that we can achieve a healthier, happier, and more productive remote workforce, marking a significant stride towards the future of work. By acknowledging and acting on these factors, companies can ensure they are prepared for the continued evolution of the workplace in a way that benefits both the organisation and its most vital asset: its people.

Read other Employee Wellness Resources:

• WFH 101: Keeping Employees Engaged and Motivated At Home
• Mindful Management: The Role of Coaching and Therapy in Supporting Employee Mental Health

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