Key Points:
- Maintaining camaraderie in the workplace is essential even when working from home.
- Video calls are essential to building stronger connections with your coworkers.
Working virtually can leave you feeling disconnected from your coworkers when the in-office face time that you’d usually have with others isn’t present. More than likely, you aren’t the only coworker that’s feeling distant. When you are not connected with your work team, your work can be disjointed and inefficient. To develop a strong connection with your team, even from great distances, you can take small steps to truly feel the camaraderie again. Below are five ways to virtually build relationships with your coworkers.
Use your nonverbal communication to make the other attendees feel heard and validated
Nonverbal communication is the majority of communication used in our everyday lives. So turn that camera on, because an extra nod or smile over video call can make sure your coworkers feel included and connected.
Set up virtual coffee dates
If you’re looking to get to know a new coworker or better understand a coworker you have recently been working with more, try setting up a time for a coffee. Using your lunchtime or even a fifteen-minute morning meeting to get to know each other can help strengthen your connection before working together.
Celebrate birthdays & milestones
Whether your coworker just hit their quota or recently got engaged, there’s no better time to celebrate. Celebrating a milestone with your coworkers encourages a positive environment and allows for deeper connections through small talk. Make sure these celebrations are agreed upon a couple of weeks ahead of time so all coworkers can try to make time to attend, especially if it’s after work hours.
Organize a happy hour
Has your team been working on a stressful project lately? Schedule time with your team to have a drink of their choice to cheers over a virtual meeting. While it’s important to highlight the achievements of those working on the project, keep in mind to discuss things other than the project so everyone can decompress. Well-synced should be part of your company’s goals, so enlist your manager as needed to help organize time together.
Have serious conversations via video call
Uncomfortable phone calls are a part of work, and they are always best when completed in person, but when that can’t happen, be sure to meet them through video calls instead of phone calls. Seeing your coworker on the other end helps foster a deeper connection and will minimize room for misinterpretation.
These five tips can make you feel more connected at the workplace and increase a positive outlook of your place of work. Bring these ideas to your manager or supervisor to implement before scheduling. For more details on how to best handle virtual working, check out our blog post on 6 Self-care Tips For Zoom Meeting Fatigue.
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