The way we work has fundamentally changed since 2020. The rise of remote work offers flexibility, with some preferring their home office, co-working spaces, or even another region. While not everyone desires telecommuting or constant face-to-face interaction, a hybrid model seems ideal for many.
However, this shift presents challenges. In some work cultures, face-to-face interaction is still seen as a control mechanism. Additionally, remote work can sometimes strain human connections.
The good news is, fostering a thriving hybrid work environment is achievable and essential. Motivating a remote team requires creating a strong framework, rituals, and tools. Over the past 6 years, I've built a dream team of 5 members, primarily working remotely. This remote structure suited my personality and allowed me to attract and retain top talent – our turnover rate is incredibly low! However, it did require innovative collaboration methods to build strong bonds and a sense of belonging. Let me share 5 practices that have had a positive impact on my team's connection!
✨ Weekly coworking
Nothing is imposed, but we have an open co-working space where anyone can come and work. We're there for about 2 days with the communications team, for example.
✨ An ultra-efficient tracking tool
Trello is our best friend. The whole organization of the company uses this tool! For us, it's a great platform for exchanging ideas and tracking progress asynchronously.
There are lots of tools for getting organized (asana, trello, notion, etc.), so each need and function has its preferred tool.
✨ Strategy updates by division
Every Monday morning, we have a video conference to review the week's various priorities. It's an opportunity to take stock of what's worked and what hasn't, and maintain a mindset of continuous improvement in our actions.
As for the teaching team, we meet regularly to share best practices and feedback from the field, and to work on the R&D of our support programs. Continuous improvement is clearly a subject, if not an obsession for us!
✨ Individual follow-up with each participant
I regularly check in with each person (feelings, field feedback, desires, possible tensions, readjustments...), over coffee/lunch, via voice or written messages. These points are so necessary to open dialogue and take care of each other and our relationships. Otherwise, we use asynchronous sharing a lot, as it allows us to respect each other's rhythm and stay in close contact on a daily basis!
✨ A ½ team day every two months
Team moments, and in real life, are sacred. In the end, we don't see each other much - and that's what works for us as an operation, but human bonds in real life are so important! We take the time to get together to discuss strategy, celebrate victories and share our difficulties.
This ritual is key to ensuring that all members have a similar level of information about news & projects, to co-construct the next stage of the adventure together and... to strengthen our cohesion!
It's true that our way of working is a little atypical, but that's what brings us together and makes us unique. And that's what makes it work in the long term!
My team's commitment is quite impressive, I must say, but I'm convinced that it's a tailor-made recipe to be encouraged, co-created, iterated and cultivated over the long term. It's both exciting and disconcerting to experiment off the beaten track.
And, of course, there's always room for improvement.
Developing assertive and fulfilling relationships by working differently can therefore involve setting up a framework, tools or rituals.
The work culture of each structure needs to be shaped together. It's a real opportunity to give meaning, to create cohesion and lasting commitment within teams! And so that this human wealth feels in its rightful place, fully at the service of the company's/organization's mission.
It's not easy, but it's totally possible, and even indispensable, isn't it?
Further information
👉 HR - Recruiters' guide to gen Z