It’s no secret that virtual gatherings have become the norm for businesses with remote workers, and they’ve been a lifesaver in keeping us all connected during these challenging times.
However, if we want to maintain this connection and build a strong culture with our VA team, we need to adopt a more structured approach. By creating a set of guidelines and tools, you can facilitate employee connectivity regardless of distance, making it easier for everyone to work together and achieve common goals.
Explore these valuable tips for nurturing a virtual culture that fosters employee connectivity:
Virtual Team Building
Virtual team building sessions are an effective way to relieve stress and kick off or wrap up a long workweek. Incorporating engaging activities, such as online games and sharing stories, not only helps team members feel more connected beyond their work duties, but also fosters stronger bonds and friendships among your virtual team. By promoting a sense of camaraderie, the team can work together more cohesively towards shared goals.
To add some extra fun to your virtual team building, try these ice breakers like online trivia, virtual bingo, or even the occasional costume party.
Skill Share Workshops And Cross-training
Skill share workshops provide an excellent opportunity to discuss your areas of expertise and share them with others, especially those looking to develop their leadership and communication skills. While specific team members teach and share their skills, your other VAs can also learn from these experiences, creating a mutually beneficial learning environment.
For instance, your writing team lead can share their strategies for content creation and team management. In turn, one of your graphic designers can do a workshop on basic PhotoShop and image editing.
Cross-training is a beneficial way for employees to learn new skills that can add value to the company. It enables the virtual team to experience different roles and responsibilities, leading to a more versatile and adaptable workforce. As employees acquire new skills through cross-training, it supports their professional growth and development.
Team Huddles
Team huddles, similar to weekly meetings, provide an ideal opportunity for team members to discuss their ongoing projects, share updates, ask for help, and outline their goals and objectives. It’s crucial to acknowledge and appreciate team members’ accomplishments, contributions, and wins during these huddles. Keeping communication channels open helps demonstrate hands-on leadership, fostering productivity and accountability within the team.
Wellness Initiatives
Prioritise the physical and mental health of your virtual team by implementing a positive work environment. Consider incorporating activities such as yoga, meditation, mindfulness sessions, virtual fitness classes, and mental health resources. These initiatives can establish a culture of care and support, demonstrating to your employees that their well-being is a top priority. Ultimately, this can combat stress and promote overall health and productivity.
