For many, workplace culture is a driving force for keeping employees motivated and engaged at their jobs. The workplace atmosphere, the relationships with co-workers, the watercooler chatter and the snacks on hand give many folks something to look forward to when going about their daily work routine.
However, maintaining workplace culture has become much more challenging while working remotely. Days often feel the same and blur together, with people feeling isolated and more and more like they’re living out Bill Murray’s character arc in the movie Groundhog Day. We’re trapped in a time loop and endlessly living the same day over and over again.
Despite this challenge, some people are finding new ways to inject culture into their digital interactions with co-workers and colleagues to lift each other’s moods. The importance of communication has taken center stage and plays a critical role in maintaining this connectivity, even while employees are scattered in remote locations.
PR Daily recently asked readers how they were fostering company culture during quarantine. Here are some of the ways that communicators, including those of us at Communiqué PR, are sustaining culture with our respective teams.
- Virtual Team Check-Ins and Lunches
These are regular occurrences at our PR firm and crucial to maintaining workplace connectivity and camaraderie. Our daily check-ins via Microsoft Teams allow team members to share the various projects they have going on, informally brainstorm and seek feedback, and request support when needed. These virtual meetings also allow an opportunity to check in on each other’s mental health and general wellbeing. Even while working remotely, our daily stand-ups and bi-weekly team lunches have continued without a hitch.
- Digital and Virtual Gaming
Who doesn’t love a rousing game of Trivia? Or have you ever tried your hand at Bingo via Zoom? Digital and virtual gaming can be a fun way to boost engagement and morale. One fun game that teams can play under quarantine is to have a co-worker share a photo of their pantry or bookshelf, then have the rest of the team guess who the owner is. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about your colleagues.
- Team Challenges
Workout-from-home groups have sprung up while living under quarantine. Workout challenges such as doing “30 pushups a day” have helped some employees stay fit and feel better connected with their colleagues. In addition, some PR teams have held a Virtual Step Challenge, setting a goal of completing 140,000 steps over a two-week period. Those who successfully reached this goal would have donations made in their name to a selected charity.
- Daily Break Reminders and Positive Videos
When working from home, it’s easy to power through projects and neglect to step away from your desk. Daily break reminders can serve as a welcome notice to pause and take a breather. Treat yourself to a snack or get some fresh air. Additionally, a lot of stress and tension can come with living under quarantine. A daily positive video from co-workers can introduce levity and ease your spirits for a much-needed smile.
- Virtual Happy Hours and Gatherings
These have certainly become popular while under quarantine – and aren’t limited to the workplace. Virtual happy hours provide a fun, social event to have a toast with your co-workers and maybe even bring in your household pets to make an appearance. You don’t need alcohol to participate either – bring your favorite coffee drink, soda or sparkling beverage to the digital event and join the fun.
One day, hopefully in the not-too-distant future, workplace culture will shift back to what we once knew. As businesses begin to reopen, communicators will continue to have a critical role moving forward with our new normal. Messages must be delivered about returning to the office, informing people of best practices to adopt. Questions must be addressed. And our workplace culture will need to be restored. Fortunately, we’ll be prepared with methods that prove effective, whether we interact in the office or from home.