We have not attended in-person staff lunches in months. We miss “Bagel Tuesdays.” We have not heard the pups running around the office for what seems like an eternity. Now that we have adjusted to our new normal, we are looking for ways to maintain our already stellar agency culture.
Our company culture helps to keep us motivated and productive so that we can provide our clients with the best results. How employees feel about coming to work is reflected in their work product and their devotion to the company. According to Forbes, highly engaged teams generate 21% greater profitability for the business, among many other benefits. An engaged employee, in conjunction with strong workplace culture and a good attitude, is the blueprint for success. So how have we been able to keep a strong company culture and have fun with the “Zoom” versions of our coworkers? The answer is simple: de-stress, communicate, and be creative.
De-stress together and find a common ground. Before the pandemic, we regularly found ways to come together after a long day of work, the Buchanan way. From making homemade snow globes around the holidays to joining around a box (or three) of Jules Thin Crust pizza after work, our team of PR pros has always known how to have a good time together. Teambuilding activities are extremely important to maintaining relationships and building trust among your coworkers. How can one expect to have a successful team if you don’t know your teammates?
Communicate. Communicate. Communicate. Effective and constant communication is crucial, especially if you are part of a smaller team. Our team transitioned seamlessly into remote work because we were already accustomed to collaborating through a business communication platform prior to the pandemic. Using tools like Slack or Skype for Business, among many others, can help your employees connect through various channels and have access to an open space to discuss timely matters.
Communicating internally is equally as important as communicating externally. Are you using your company’s social media channels to their full potential? Now is the perfect time to revamp your social media strategy and treat your business as if it was a client. Utilize your social channels to feature your successes, study the analytics behind your posts, and have a little fun showcasing what it is like to be a part of your company or team.
Be creative. Video conferencing, a vital tool we use for client meetings and new business opportunities, has provided us with many laughs and much-needed positivity amidst the chaos. We set aside time weekly to engage in meaningful ways, such as attending themed virtual happy hours and staff meetings with our pack of furry coworkers. Whether it is a round of trivia, a virtual show-and-tell, or a birthday lunch with your team, setting aside time to be face-to-face with your coworkers is the pièce de résistance.
While I miss my team, the office pups, and being able to work out of our charming office on County Line Road, I feel comfort knowing we have taken steps to make sure we still feel connected to one another. For this reason, I am confident that we will not skip a beat the day that we all finally reunite.