There may be calls from employers for employees to get themselves back to the bricks and mortar office and even a rash of RTO (Return to Office) policies being drafted across the globe, but the appetite for remote working has remained as voracious as ever. In fact, it’s estimated that 30% of employees in the UK are now working from home full-time. With this transition, many HR and Reward managers are facing the challenge of maintaining a cohesive and positive working culture across dispersed teams. And if the lockdown taught us anything, it’s that keeping remote workers productive, happy, and motivated is a tough remit.
According to research by Owl Labs and Global Workplace Analytics, 74% of employees feel happier when they work remotely. The reasons vary from not having to commute to having more flexibility and spending more time with their families. Considering that 50% of surveyed employees would gladly take a pay cut just to have the option of continuing to work remotely, getting the right benefits in place to provide as much support for remote workers as their in-office counterparts becomes even more important.
Fostering engagement and wellbeing in remote teams requires intentional strategies that promote connection and recognition. It is not simply a matter of setting them up with the home office equipment, scheduling weekly catch-ups and letting them get on with it. There has to be plans, checks and policy in place to ensure the organisation and the staff member gets the support and protection they need. Here are some actionable ways to build and sustain a strong, supportive culture in a remote working environment:
Recognition is one of the most powerful motivators for employees. Encourage colleagues to celebrate each other’s achievements through regular shout-outs or peer-to-peer recognition programmes. Platforms like Slack or Microsoft Teams can be great tools for publicly acknowledging efforts, boosting morale, and reinforcing positive behaviour. You might also have an internal recognition system, which will allow employees to give thanks in the same way, but this can be branded and connected to the organisation’s own purpose and values.
A well-rounded rewards package can make a significant difference in employee satisfaction. Rewarding employees with a mix of financial remuneration, wellbeing benefits, and development opportunities helps employees feel valued, even when they are not physically in the office. Consider flexible benefits that can cater to individual preferences, whether that’s gym memberships, mental health resources, or retail discounts.
This is a non-negotiable in a remote working set-up. Frequent, transparent communication is vital to keep the connection between employer and employee. Schedule regular catch-ups, both formal and informal, to keep the team connected and aligned. Video calls for team meetings, one-on-one check-ins, and even virtual social gatherings help prevent isolation and promote a sense of belonging.
At My Staff Shop, we specialise in creating tailored employee benefits and wellbeing packages to enhance engagement and support teams. Get in touch for an informal chat about how we can help improve your remote work culture and wellbeing strategy.
