For many people, work has a social component; we enjoy the day-to-day interactions with colleagues in the office. When that is taken away with the need for remote working, it is important to bring your team together not only for work-related meetings but for social interaction as well.
Here are some ideas for ways to stay connected with your team and have some fun.
Recreate the Friday feeling in the team – plan some fun for that time when your team probably just want to kick back and unwind. We have been holding weekly fun quizzes on a Friday afternoon that have proved a hit – it’s a good way to finish the week together.
Create a virtual tearoom – set up a time when your team can join up online during their lunch or tea break, letting them catch up as they would in the office.
Online fun and games - get your team together and try:
- Vlogging your surrounds – get team members to take turns giving a tour of their remote working space.
- Online board games or a trivia quiz.
- ‘Show and learn’ sessions – come up with a topic to research and discuss together or perhaps take a virtual group tour exploring famous and interesting places together.
- Create a story - each person writes a chapter.
Friendly team challenges - a fitness challenge can also boost wellbeing – a win-win situation!
Dress up days - organise a team meeting with a fancy dress theme or crazy hat day.
Make these virtual events opt-in. Be explicit that all are welcome but are not obligated to join. And remember that short and often may be better than long and infrequent.
