Using Intersection Points to Improve Remote Work
As more organizations adopt hybrid or fully-virtual work environments, it’s becoming increasingly important to find ways to maintain interpersonal interactions. In particular, younger employees who may be new to the organization need to build relationships with colleagues to integrate into the team, build culture, and collaborate with other functions.
The good news is that even in virtual situations, you can ensure that all employees have sufficient social networks and teamwork in the workplace.
This article will share seven ways to create intersection points.
7 Ways to Create Intersection Points for Better Engagement at Work
Create “intersection” points in a virtual or hybrid work environment through these recommendations:
- Create virtual watercooler moments: In a physical office, watercooler moments are informal conversations that occur when employees gather around the water cooler or coffee machine. In a virtual environment, these moments can be replicated by creating virtual spaces for employees to chat informally. This can be done using platforms such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Discord.
- Rotate meeting facilitation: To encourage cross-functional collaboration, rotate meeting facilitation responsibilities among team members. This gives everyone an opportunity to lead and participate in discussions with colleagues from different functions.
- Encourage cross-functional projects: Encourage cross-functional projects that require employees from different functions to work together. This can help break down silos and foster collaboration across the organization.
- Make training and development a priority: Provide training and development opportunities for employees to develop new skills and interact with colleagues from different functions. This can include virtual training sessions, online workshops, or guest speaker events.
- Use video conferencing more often: While email and instant messaging are useful for quick communication, they don’t provide the same level of personal connection as face-to-face interactions. Use video conferencing platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet to hold virtual meetings, team-building activities, and social events. Encourage employees to turn on their cameras to make the interactions more personal.
- Schedule regular check-ins: Set aside time each week or month for one-on-one check-ins with team members. Use this time to discuss work assignments, provide feedback, and getting to know your employees on a personal level. This can help build trust and strengthen relationships.
- Host virtual team-building activities: Host virtual team-building activities such as online trivia games, virtual escape rooms, or virtual happy hours. These activities can help build relationships and foster a sense of community among team members.
Maintaining interpersonal interactions in a hybrid or virtual work environment is critical to building relationships, fostering collaboration, and creating a strong team culture.
By utilizing these strategies, you can create “intersection” points that facilitate these interactions and help your team thrive in a virtual or hybrid work environment.
To learn more about virtual work and its impact on younger team members, read my recent post: Is Virtual Work Hurting Our Younger Employees?
TRANSFORM DISRUPTION INTO OPPORTUNITY
Do you need help guiding your team through virtual or hybrid workplace challenges? Contact me to learn about my leadership keynote speaking, executive coaching, and facilitation services.
