How to Improve Connection in the Workplace

Did you know that  41% of managers struggle to maintain engagement among remote team members? As great as remote work can be, maintaining positive morale in a virtual environment can be challenging for some due to the lack of in-person connection.

As organizations look for ways to enhance engagement and connection, understanding the importance of camaraderie is more important than ever. The good news is that virtual team building offers numerous solutions for remote teams to connect and collaborate just as they would in person. 

According to Gallup, engaged teams significantly outperform their counterparts, but only 33% of employees are engaged. Let's look at the benefits of virtual team building and explore some activities that can help you connect and engage your remote team.

The Benefits of Virtual Team Building

• Improved Team Collaboration and Communication: Virtual team building activities help team members interact, share ideas, and collaborate on projects. By fostering open communication channels and encouraging teamwork, virtual team building contributes to a more engaged and productive workforce. According to a survey conducted by Gallup, highly engaged and connected employees show a 14% increase in productivity.
• Enhanced Employee Engagement and Morale: Virtual team building activities like those from Confetti combat feelings of isolation and disengagement by creating opportunities for workplace connection, recognition, and celebrations. When organizations take time to recognize employees' contributions and boost morale, employees feel greater job satisfaction, meaning they're more inclined to stick around.
• Strengthened Team Bonding and Trust: Trust is the foundation of effective teamwork and collaboration. Activities like team challenges and icebreakers give opportunities for team members to build trust and rapport with one another. According to Forbes, teams with high levels of trust are more likely to outperform their competitors.
• Increased Employee Well-being and Satisfaction: Activities like virtual wellness sessions and mindfulness exercises can be worked into employee benefits programs to alleviate burnout and enhance overall employee satisfaction and well-being. By offering opportunities for social connection, stress relief, and work-life balance, virtual team building contributes to a positive work culture and boosts employee retention.

Start building a more connected workplace with these team building activities:

1. Games:

Who doesn't want to have fun at work? Team building games are a fantastic way to create a connected workforce by encouraging employees to work together towards a common goal. From virtual escape rooms to online trivia, games provide opportunities for team members to have fun and collaborate outside of their department. Plus, they hone creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

2. Learning and Development Workshops:

Encourage a culture of continuous learning with professional development workshops tailored for remote teams. You can fill the employee engagement calendar with workshops that cover a wide range of topics, from Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) to leadership development to topics on health and wellbeing. Not only do these educational events help team members develop new personal and professional skills, but they also create shared learning experiences that lead to meaningful connections.

3. Virtual Coffee Breaks:

Encourage employees to take a break to catch up with their colleagues over a virtual coffee break! Whether you're sharing updates on your personal lives or engaging in light-hearted conversations, virtual coffee breaks recreate the social interactions and spontaneous conversations of a physical office. They promote casual relationship-building and foster a sense of belonging within the team, ultimately enhancing employee connection. The best part is that everyone can come and go as their schedules allow, making them a low-commitment way to tap into workplace connectivity for those who need it.

4. Virtual Coworking Sessions:

Dive into productivity with virtual coworking sessions! These structured sessions encourage employee connections by allowing teams to work alongside each other on individual tasks or projects. Like traditional coworking spaces, virtual coworking sessions create a collaborative environment that fosters focus and productivity.

To get started, simply put a recurring slot on your department or company calendar and encourage employees to join, cameras on or off, as they please.

5. Virtual Happy Hours:

Last but not least, wrap up the day with a virtual happy hour! These relaxed gatherings provide a casual setting for remote team members to unwind and connect on a personal level. Whether you're sharing stories from the week, personal and professional wins, or laughing through fun icebreakers, virtual happy hours promote open communication and build rapport among colleagues. At the end of the day or week, a happy hour is a great way to alleviate feelings of isolation and loneliness and create a supportive and inclusive workplace culture.

After your team building event

A successful team building event strategy involves gathering feedback from participants to gauge their experiences and insights. One effective way to do this is by sending out employee engagement surveys that gauge what worked well during the event, areas for improvement, and overall satisfaction levels.

Regularly leveraging surveys enables you to enhance your team building strategy based on employee feedback. You can even send an event planning survey to tailor future virtual team building activities to better meet their needs and preferences, ultimately fostering a more engaging and impactful experience for everyone involved.

The takeaway

In conclusion, virtual team building activities are more than just a means to pass the time; they are essential tools for helping your employees build meaningful relationships and a more connected workplace.

From engaging in fun team games to participating in educational workshops, coffee breaks, and coworking sessions, the benefits of virtual team building are clear. Not only do these activities enhance teamwork and productivity, but they also contribute to higher employee engagement, morale, and employee well-being. By prioritizing virtual team building, organizations can create a supportive and inclusive work culture where team members feel valued, connected, and motivated to succeed.

For more help improving the well-being of your team, schedule a free demo with Fringe today.

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