According to recent research, remote workers have a largely positive experience working from home or using other remote arrangements. As the figures from the PwC US Remote Work Survey<\/em> show, both employers and employees have experienced increased productivity due to more flexibility and time for family obligations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n Foster effective communication and organize your work with Pumble.<\/p>\n\n If you\u2019re planning to embrace the remote work model partially, or full time, you should consider creating a positive remote employee experience as one of the first steps. To help you get the best tips and strategies, we\u2019ve asked HR and culture experts and business owners to share their personal best tips and insights on what constitutes a great remote employee experience. Here\u2019s what they told us. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Michael Alexis, the CEO, and Owner at TeamBuilding<\/a> states that in order to create a perfect remote employee experience, organizations need to structure the activities for the remote-first model. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIf you want to create a great experience for remote workers, then you need to customize those experiences for a remote setting. For example, a successful virtual happy hour isn’t just a happy hour that takes place online. If you focus on drinks and conversation, a video call can fall flat. Instead, you need to plan more structured icebreakers, games, and activities. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The same goes for all-hands meetings, team building, holiday parties, and more. The virtual version can and should have some similarities with in-person counterparts \u2014 but in general, needs to be more structured to be successful. On the plus side, if you put in the work, you can build a thriving remote team culture that is just as good or better than what you can create at the office.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 Michael\u2019s key advice on how to create a great remote employee experience:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Jamie Jacobs, HR expert and Co-Founder of Gig Talent<\/a>, stresses the immense significance of effective communication and listening in the process of creating a healthy remote employee experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cTwo of the most important ways to create a perfect remote employee experience are understanding how to effectively communicate and listening to employees. Although every person is different, it\u2019s never helpful for an employee to feel left in the dark. While it can be impossible to know what is going on with everyone you manage especially in a remote environment, making time for check-ins, opening up a conversation to answer questions they may have, and even asking something simple like how their week is going makes a huge difference in <\/em>employee engagement<\/em><\/a> and creates a better understanding of expectations and responsibilities from both sides. One thing to be mindful of however is the timeframe in which this communication happens, for example, it may not be effective to send emails really late at night. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lastly, mastering the skill of listening is just as important in an employee\u2019s experience. Not only listening, but taking action based on the employee\u2019s needs, wants, questions, and\/or concerns is a critical factor in making employees feel heard and understood. These two things go hand in hand and when done well, employees will notice, be more loyal, and feel appreciated in their role.<\/em>\u201d <\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 Jamie\u2019s key advice on how to create a great remote employee experience:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Dehan Matthee, HR Managerat Epos Now<\/a> suggests making communication a priority when working to deliver a great remote employee experience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMy #1 tip for creating a great employee experience for remote workers is to go out of your way to communicate. Take the time each week to schedule a meeting or discussion with your remote employees, be it on Skype, Google Hangout, Google Drive \u2014 whatever works for you<\/em>. This is important as it allows employees to ask questions and voice any concerns they may have in order to ensure everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goal<\/em>.\u201d <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n He also focuses on the importance of keeping the communication streamlined, by using the same team communication tools<\/a> across all teams \u2014 on-site and remote:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cIt is also important to use the same communication tools for all employees, regardless of whether they are based in an office or remote. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n This ensures that everyone is on the same playing field and that you are treating everyone equally<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Dehan also highlights the quality of communication in the remote workplace and suggests asking meaningful questions to build stronger connections:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cDon’t just communicate about work either, but make sure to take the time out of your day to ask how an employee’s family is or about their weekend. Small talk can go a long way in building rapport with your team!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 Dehan\u2019s<\/strong> key<\/strong> advice on how to create a great remote employee experience:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udca1 Pumble Pro Tip<\/strong> Pumble makes streamlining your communication easier<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n A talent management expert, HR consultant, and writer, Melanie Haniph<\/a> shares an interesting perspective on the role of communication tools in building the perfect remote employee experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe best way to create a great employee experience for remote workers is to offer several options for them to connect. Don\u2019t assume that everyone communicates or collaborates the best via Zoom. Collaboration platforms such as Trello and <\/em>Pumble<\/em><\/a>, or even the old-fashioned phone call or email, can also do the trick. These alternatives also spare employees from \u201cZoom fatigue\u201d and feeling like they always have to be on and camera-ready.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 Melanie\u2019s key advice on how to create a great remote employee experience:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n According to Kai Stowers<\/a>, an independent Coach and Consultant specializing in Organization Development and DEI, remote organizations can structure the inclusion experience based on their employees\u2019 unique needs and personalities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMy #1 tip is to create inclusion at the level desired by your employees.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n For outgoing, people-oriented employees, creating community and connection is essential. Group texts, <\/em>Pumble channels<\/em><\/a>, and social Zoom calls are the oxygen these employees need to thrive.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n For employees who engage in deep thought and analysis, minimizing meetings and team-building activities helps them thrive. These employees often prefer to build connections by partnering together on a work project rather than interacting in social situations. Creating a customized experience for the employees you have is crucial for creating a healthy and engaging remote workplace environment.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 Kai\u2019s key advice on how to create a great remote employee experience:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Similarly to the previous point, Megan Leasher, Ph.D., Chief Solutions Strategist at Talent Plus<\/a>, offers a perspective that focuses on creating an individualized approach when looking to create a great remote employee experience for all employees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cRemote work, flexible working hours, and other flexible work arrangements have communicated to employees that their employers listen to, understand and accommodate what they desire out of their personal and work lives. What \u201cbalance\u201d looks like to one person is not likely to match others\u2019 views and what \u201cflexibility\u201d means to one person is very likely different than if you asked others. Individualized approaches are the cornerstone to a great remote work experience; individuals are heard and help craft the story of what they want their remote experience to be and feel like.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 Megan\u2019s key advice<\/strong> on how to create a great remote employee experience:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n James Rice, Head of SEO at Picked<\/a> emphasizes the importance of consistent work-related and \u201cwatercooler\u201d communication when building a positive remote employee experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBuilding and upholding a strong company culture can be challenging when working remotely, however, it is a crucial part of an employee\u2019s experience.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the biggest obstacles to maintaining company culture is communication. Make sure to establish regular communication with employees, keeping them updated on new shared goals and initiatives, hold regular team meetings, and maintain two-way feedback so employees feel in the loop and heard. Provide ways for employees to connect outside of work that reflect how people interact socially in an office environment, which can help foster a sense of belonging in the company. For example, at our company, we hold regular \u201cwatercooler\u201d Zoom chats to help build connections among employees and ensure they feel engaged and included, rather than isolated.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 James\u2019 key advice on how to create a great remote employee experience:<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Share constructive feedback effortlessly on Pumble<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Another interesting perspective on the ways to create a great remote employee experience comes from Melissa Dexter, Chief People Officer at Uprise Health<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Melissa shares two key points integral to creating a positive and healthy employee experience for remote workers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Melissa highlights the importance of a virtual open-door policy to maintain communication across the organization. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cEmbrace our new world of remote culture and schedule regular check-ins with staff: Providing a remote workplace has been invaluable to many employees who covet the flexibility, but in order to make sure team members feel involved, communication \u2014 and even <\/em>overcommunication<\/em><\/a> \u2014 is crucial. Let employees know you always have an open virtual door for a quick check-in or a longer collaborative discussion. Creating that open-door culture in a remote environment is tough, but continual reminders will resonate with staff and help them feel as though they are a major part of the team<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udca1 Pumble Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For more in-depth insight on an open-door policy, be sure to check out our guide on the blog:<\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition, Melissa stresses the role of fun which companies can incorporate through watercooler chit-chat and virtual games. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cBring fun and joy to remote meetings, and smile \u2014 in order to thwart screen fatigue, incorporate lightheartedness into at least a small part of each employee interaction. Spending a few minutes on chitchat and connecting on a personal level will go a long way with staff members, and will also provide them with a place to share virtual water-cooler chat about whatever is on their mind. To take that even further, <\/em>schedule time for fun and games<\/em><\/a> \u2014 literally. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n The simplest virtual activity, such as a candy-cane-in-a-jar guessing game, can provide multiple touchpoints for staff to interact, connect and smile. Providing small prizes really boosts morale, something that\u2019s essential for productivity and cohesiveness during this time of new working conditions.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 Mellisa\u2019s<\/strong> key advice on how to create a great remote employee experience:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Nico Blier-Silvestri, CEO and Co-Founder of Platypus<\/a> suggests a complete 4-step process to delivering a great remote employee experience: <\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udd38 Nico\u2019s<\/strong> key advice on how to create a great remote employee experience:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rachel Neill, CEO, and Co-Founder of Carex Consulting Group<\/a> highlights the two key steps to facilitating a great remote employee experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Rachel suggests regular check-ins to maintain employee engagement<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/pumble.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-blog\/theme\/images\/banners\/features@2x.png)
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Optimize the experience for the remote setting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Foster effective communication and listening<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Streamline your communication<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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<\/strong>To learn more about how to streamline communication in a remote team, check out our blog post:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Utilize communication tools that suit your remote team\u2019s needs and preferences<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Create a customized inclusion experience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Adopt an individualized approach to creating a great remote employee experience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Maintain a positive company culture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Create a virtual open-door culture and incorporate fun into your remote work environment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Maintain a virtual open-door culture<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Include virtual games and activities<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Communicate deliberately, act accordingly \u2013 and learn from your experiments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Create opportunities for engagement and offer mental and physical health support<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Keep the employees engaged<\/h4>\n\n\n\n