Working from home has plenty of advantages. Yet, one challenge with this set-up is maintaining a sense of connectedness among employees. Without regular and consistent face to face interactions, it’s important as ever to promote bonding and development amongst colleagues. Rich Egloff, Executive Director of the Green Key Architecture, Engineering & Construction team, has crafted a handful of ways for his team of 25+ recruiters to stay connected and engaged.
As a 100% remote team with recruiters scattered in different cities across the country, Egloff understands the importance of bringing an “office culture” to a digital world. For example, the team participates in a “question of the week” game, where every Friday a different person comes up with a thought-provoking question and the team discusses their answers for about twenty minutes. The question is always fun and light-hearted, allowing them to briefly take their minds off work and spark different conversations among each other.
Rich also believes it’s important for team members to “always keep their cameras on”. This isn’t a micromanagement technique, as Rich’s style is very trusting and hands off. Rather, it promotes visibility amongst peers in an effort to foster connection and unity. Whether it’s fantasy football drafts or “pajama days”, it’s important for the team to get the closest experience to in-person interactions while working in a remote environment.
“It’s important that we all have a game plan each and every morning,” Rich emphasized, regarding their daily calls through Teams. “We’re able to put together a strategy every day. On Fridays, we have our wrap-up calls, where we celebrate our wins from the week, take care of housekeeping initiatives, and what we’re seeing in the market or could be doing better.”
Flexibility & trust
Rich reiterated that working remotely requires a sense of flexibility, as long as it results in productivity. Some people might go to the gym in the middle of the day, or work from a coffee shop. As long as they’re performing and practicing discipline, it works for their team.
“You have to be really self-aware,” Rich said. “You can’t wait until the end of the week to realize you should’ve been on top of your work.” He also mentioned that everyone on the Architecture, Engineering, & Construction team is willing to reach out if someone needs help. While this can be challenging in a remote world (i.e. you’re not simply able to walk into someone’s office), their trusting relationships and emphasis on hiring high-character people has allowed the team to feel comfortable asking each other questions.
“We have digital footprints to compete with each other,” Rich added. “For example, our Excel documents, which are public and updated live throughout the day, let’s us see each other’s traction.” Though it might not be the same as sitting in an open floor plan, seeing each other work through virtual platforms can be just as supportive and encouraging to team members.
If you’re interested in connecting with a talented recruiter on the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction team, don’t be afraid to browse their open jobs or follow Green Key Resources on LinkedIn today!
