How to Keep Remote Workers Connected to Company Culture

The Challenge of Maintaining Culture with Remote Workers

In today's increasingly remote work environment, companies face the risk of remote employees feeling disconnected from corporate goals and culture, potentially transforming them into gig workers. Despite some organisations urging employees back to the office, remote work remains a significant and lasting part of the modern workforce. However, keeping geographically dispersed employees aligned with company culture and objectives presents a continuous challenge.

Shifts in Workplace Culture

Before the pandemic, workplace culture was heavily influenced by the physical office environment. Now, with employees more distributed, fostering a cohesive culture has become more complex. Surveys have shown a growing disconnect between remote and hybrid workers and their companies' purposes over the past few years.

Technological Solutions for Enhanced Connectivity

Companies can bridge this gap by leveraging collaboration and communication tools. For instance, some organisations used Microsoft Teams to maintain operations during the pandemic and adopted Microsoft’s enterprise social network Viva Engage to foster ongoing employee engagement. These platforms help create communities within the company, facilitating discussions around corporate announcements and providing informal channels for employees to connect and share feedback.

Studies have shown that many organisations use enterprise social apps, team-building apps, and informal conversation apps to build communities around shared interests, roles, departments, and geographies. These tools are essential for helping remote workers feel part of the larger organisation.

A Strategic Approach to Remote Worker Engagement

While technology plays a crucial role, it alone cannot ensure remote workers remain engaged with business objectives. Companies have demonstrated that a strategic approach to maintaining work culture is essential. Some companies that have adapted pre-pandemic, in-person culture to a remote environment by intentionally implementing new engagement practices and regularly communicating company values through various channels.

Supporting Leaders and Building Connections

Providing support and training for team leaders to manage remote employees effectively is also critical. For instance, offers a leader playbook with guidelines on remote management and uses Microsoft Teams to foster connections. They also use third-party apps like Coffee Pals to encourage new interactions among employees.

The Importance of In-Person Interactions

Despite the emphasis on virtual tools, in-person interactions remain valuable. Encourages employees to attend quarterly regional roundtables, combining business updates with fun activities to maintain a sense of community. Promotes office visits to enhance employee engagement, finding that in-person interactions can significantly boost engagement levels.

Continuous Feedback and Adaptation

Regular employee surveys are vital for maintaining engagement. Frequent feedback through various survey methods helps organisations stay attuned to employee needs and make necessary adjustments. A combination of people, processes, and technology is essential for successfully keeping remote workers engaged. By connecting these elements, companies can create a more engaged and productive remote workforce.

Outsource SA Limited: Your Partner in Finance Outsourcing UK

Outsource SA Limited supports companies in keeping remote workers connected and engaged. With services such as Finance Outsourcing, Finance Professionals for Hire, and UK Finance Staffing Solutions, Outsource SA Limited offers customised solutions for all your financial staffing needs. As your go-to Outsource Finance Experts in the UK, we can help you find the ideal Financial Staffing Solutions. Our expertise ensures that your finance operations stay efficient and seamlessly integrated with your company's culture.

Conclusion

Maintaining a strong company culture with remote workers requires a multifaceted approach. By leveraging technology, supporting leaders, fostering both virtual and in-person connections, and continuously gathering feedback, companies can keep remote employees aligned with corporate goals and culture. Prioritising engagement and being intentional about it can make remote work successful and fulfilling for both employees and organisations. With partners like Outsource SA Limited providing comprehensive Finance Outsourcing Solutions UK, businesses can ensure their remote workforce remains connected and productive.