Transitions, transitions, that’s the story of my life. I moved to the Philippines as a youngster, then came back to India in my 20s. I walked into a building (just because it looked impressive) and took the first job I got. I became a mom and had to handle a whole human being.
It taught me many things. Too many things to list down here.
The key thing? Letting things go, enjoying the human art of mistakes, and of course, patience.
Everyone who knew me before I had my child is shocked at this epic transition. I used to be a fair enough manager, but I didn’t let excuses fly. I took my time to give direct feedback, rather than be wishy-washy. Though a lot of my co-workers and employees appreciated the honesty, that’s not how I work now.
Joining a remote workplace was and has been quite an adventure. I do love the flexibility it offers, along with the ability to be efficient at my own pace.
However, I do miss those little things that make a big impact in the workplace.
Things like:
- Impromptu tea sessions filled with laughter and banter
- Instant communication with the next seat/cubicle and have a small chat
- Bond in person with everyday meet and greet
- Connecting and finding that work-bestie
- Enjoying company time together – the workshops, the team-building activities, the pot luck, awards, and festive celebrations
I felt isolated when I first joined, and being such a bubbly person who loves to talk, it did throw me off. At first, it seemed the team only spoke when they were working on a project together. But, later on I realised that there is quite an active bond in this small and cosy team.
Once a few days had passed, I came up with certain ideas to help the team have fun and take some monotony out of the day.
Not only does it give the hard-working team a chance to enjoy a little break, but it also gives us all a chance to connect with the others, even if they are sitting hundreds of kilometres across the country.
That’s why I like to infuse joy in my workplace. To have intelligent interactions, forge that connection, and keep building on the team-spirit.
Some of my greatest team-bonding hits:
As a person and family unit obsessed with games, puzzles, and quizzes, I got the team hooked on competitive (friendly competition!) and time-sensitive quizzes.
From Bollywood to Christmas trivia, we laughed, we raced to the finish, and we got quite the kick playing these fun games.
Just a 20-minute breather that gave the entire team a chance to bond together, trying to win a game of absolute delight.
My favourite was a ‘guess which team member’ quiz. I went on a treasure hunt with each team member. I took a fun, unknown fact about the work buddy, and during a live call have the rest of the team guess who the fact is about!
Instant warmth and joy infused!
If you’re also looking for bonding remotely….
Yes, we come to our jobs to work, not make friends. But, positive work cultures have long been researched for their increased productivity. It goes beyond camaraderie.
If your employees get along, gel together, enjoy each other’s company at work, they will enjoy the company as a whole to work in. Get it?
- They’ll communicate clearer
- They’ll band together to smash deadlines
- Work smoothly ensuring a better output
- Be motivated to continue working in the company for longer
What you can do to foster meaningful work connections is:
- Give the team a chance to connect beyond work. Organise in-person meet-ups when possible, or opt for an after-hour Zoom call for a fun way to unwind and make time for each other
- Use online games and quizzes to entice their interest and give them a chance to think about each other in a friendly manner
- Encourage positive communication from top-down, to better build that camaraderie
Here’s to happier, funnier, and yes, much more productive remote teams!
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