Virtual office eliminates the unexpected opportunities of physically meeting colleagues in the break room or sharing an elevator. So, it has become hard for employees, especially new ones or the existing ones different from than majority of others [introvert or timid]. Some employees have no support system, so will need the help of senior leadership often. 

To become an inclusive team leader, you will need to detect the challenges associated with building a remote workplace culture. What works in person is not possible, so pay close attention to your WFH team’s specific needs and challenges. When you crack virtual collaboration code the team performance and productivity will drastically improve. 

How to successfully create a productive work-from-home culture?

Set a virtual team room

Kosy Office is a program that offers space for teams to communicate and collaborate. Companies can create a virtual office that acts as their headquarters, where the decision-makers and executives can gather to discuss business activities. Managers can collaborate with the team in the virtual space for daily standups, ideation, sprints, workshops, quick catch-up, and more. 

Be available and open to communication

As a manager take proactive steps like having frequent 1:1 talks with the employees. If you did not hear from them for a couple of days show concerns, they may be the shy types. After a presentation connects with some team members, which gives the feeling of walking out of the conference room smiling and discussing or debriefing. 

Bond informally

You hardly get a chance to know your team members as you don’t physically sit together. To build trust it is necessary to create a relationship. Communications hardly occur naturally in a virtual space, so make it possible. Set virtual team morning coffee break or lunch, where every member will hang out. It gives a chance to share vacation stories, photos, or interesting life events. 

Plan virtual activities

As the team is spread remotely, there are chances that the time zone may differ. For virtual team get-togethers get creative. Plan holiday parties, where you put on music and eat treats. Do some crafts together and send them to some charity. Besides, there are always anniversaries, birthdays, and festivals to celebrate.

Show gratitude

You must never forget to thank the team member/s for a project that exceeded expectations. If the project was challenging and included unexpected obstacles but the team’s effort was beyond expectations needs recognition. Let them know you see their efforts even if they are located remotely and are grateful!

Transparency

An effective virtual office environment is built on transparency. In the start, it seems there is over communication but will soon appreciate and feel motivated to persist. Ongoing updates and feedback help to keep the team aligned. If you are unavailable during working hours let the team know, which the other members must follow. Have proper technology for the team to communicate with ease.

Get started with Kosy Office and they even have an official Twitter account you can follow!