August 9, 2022

Forget Remote vs. In-Office. This Is What Your Company Needs to Focus On.

Smiling young man wearing headset working from home

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic there has been a shift in the way employers and employees operate.  Perhaps none has been more dramatic than the shift to remote work. 

Today, more job seekers are searching for work-from-home opportunities. According to the 10th Annual Survey by FlexJobs, 58% of people say that they want to work remotely on a full-time schedule. Thirty-nine percent said that they would prefer a hybrid work arrangement where they work in the office a few days of the week and work the rest of the time remotely.  Just 3% of respondents in the survey said they prefer full-time in-office work! 

The conversation no longer needs to be about in-office versus remote work. Instead, companies must focus not on where employees work, but how to build a thriving culture, regardless of their workforce locations.  

Why is work culture important?

Workplace culture impacts how your employees feel each day, and how they relate to their colleagues, your business and your company’s goals.  A strong, positive culture can help improve internal communication, client relations, sales and even profitability.  When company culture is valued, it helps promote:

  • Easier recruitment of top talent 
  • Increased employee satisfaction and motivation 
  • Stronger employee retention 
  • Improved productivity and workflow

How to create a virtual office culture. 

Many companies have already scaled technologies to connect their employees.  For example, online collaboration platforms help maintain communications across your team so that employees can quickly connect with one another for work projects.  However, the switch from being in-office to working at home can still be difficult. Transitioning from an environment where there are plenty of other people to provide help and support into an isolated setting can leave employees feeling lost.  A positive and welcoming virtual culture breaks though the isolation, helping to build connections and bring your team together. 

Here are 5 tips for promoting a thriving workplace culture.

  • Start by asking questions.  How do your employees define a positive workplace culture?  What’s currently working for them?  What isn’t?  Sometimes, the point-of-view of senior leaders and employees are miles apart. It’s time to gather feedback. Surveys, team meetings, 1:1 interviews - find out how your employees are feeling and what they value in a good corporate culture. 
  • Rethink prior team building initiatives (social outings; charity events, etc.) and reinvest those funds into a digital solution that can be accessed regardless of location.
  • While employees may no longer share a physical place, a virtual space can play a major role in promoting social engagement. Provide a social channel or wellness hub to spark conversation, inspire creativity and promote connectivity.
  • Celebrate both individual and company-wide accomplishments on a regular basis. Remember that recognizing small accomplishments is as important as rewarding larger achievements.
  • Gamify social engagement: fitness and wellness challenges allow colleagues to connect socially while reaching personal goals together.

Lack of social connections in the workplace or a thriving corporate culture can lead to loss of productivity, stifled creativity and crippled decision-making. These aspects directly impact a company’s revenue, spending and overall performance. 

In our world today, one in which employees are disconnected and facing unprecedented challenges, Sprout At Work is here to build a culture of wellness.  Our digital platform connects your workforce, delivers measurable outcomes and promotes social recognition. You'll build trust, foster a thriving work culture, all while driving your company’s corporate health.

Ready to invest in wellbeing to see happier and more productive employees? Book a discovery call today to see how we can move the wellness needle in your organization.

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