Building relationships while working remotely- the importance of communication
Summary
The pandemic has completely changed how we work, with remote work becoming a norm for many businesses. At Caspian One, we have adapted to flexible working environments, offering fully remote, hybrid, or office-based options, depending on employee circumstances and needs. And the results have been positive: We have seen higher productivity, efficiency, and a better work-life balance among our employees.
However, there are also potential downsides to working remotely... such as the feeling of isolation and disconnection from colleagues. In fact, a study has found that "52% of workers say they feel less connected to their colleagues when working from home." [1]
To address this issue, companies need to prioritise building relationships and maintaining company culture with their remote workforce. We have implemented various measures to ensure everyone in the company feels involved.
Hosting weekly business meetings over video calls, of which each division is a part of, discussing important updates and news.
Hosting events all year round, such as kick-off events, family fun days, annual Christmas parties, and staycations allowing our employees to come together and socialise with one another.
Using a team collaboration platform that allows quick and easy forms of communication, ensuring that everyone is up to date with the latest news and the ability to communicate quickly and efficiently with one another when needed.
Caspian One Projects Coordinator Rosemary joined us in 2022- Operating entirely remotely. For this article, we asked Rosemary to share her experiences collaborating with teams from an offsite location.
“Despite working fully remotely, I still feel part of the team. I'm still part of the company meetings, and when we have world company-wide meetings, I'm still part of those. So, I get to see the culture and see what people are about.
I think it's the best thing that could have been done. For me, it just works. It allows me to do the school run. I can pick up my kids from school. It allows me to be a bit more flexible.
With my manager John, I have only met him twice as he also works remotely, but I feel like I have known him for ages, as I interact and see him over teams every day!
I also feel like it's down to the people that Caspian One hires. That protrudes the company's spirit and ethos for you to feel it.”
At Caspian One, having the option for flexibility and offering a remote work environment has worked sufficiently well in providing a better work-life balance and flexibility. Still, we must ensure effective communication is in place - to allow relationships to build and for a sense of unity to be created. Our experience shows that by hosting regular virtual meetings, organising virtual events, and investing in communication tools, companies can ensure that their team members feel connected, engaged, and valued. Being part of events and having ways to communicate with your team effectively allows everyone to feel involved and maintain a company culture regardless of location or working arrangement.
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