Inspiring Workplaces: Building Connections in a Hybrid Workplace

Published: Wed, 11/25/20

Humor at Work

ISSUE 849- Nov. 25, 2020


		Building Connections in a Hybrid Workplace

	A recent survey by getAbstract found that a whopping 89% of employees working from home reported feeling isolated or disconnected from the rest of their team. That's a great reminder that we need to triple down on our efforts to reach out to people and create opportunities for everyone to feel connected and included. Here are few ideas you may want to try. Create Zoom office hours, where people can login at a certain time every week and find a random assortment of folks to connect with casually. One company has created "library hours" where employees work quietly on their own stuff alongside their remote, virtual coworkers - the idea is to replicate that feeling of going to the library to study for the communal ambience, so people still experience a sense of connection even when working alone at home. I'm going to mention them yet again: Schedule random coffee dates where everyone's name goes into a random name generator to determine who meets up for a virtual coffee. If people are experiencing Zoom burnout, then pick up the phone! Make it a goal to connect with at least two of your colleagues a day, even if it's just for a quick check-in. Schedule optional (to allow those folks who are Zoomed out to take a pass) weekly social hours, trivia contests, or lunch meetups. Do a weekly check-in survey via email to keep a pulse on what's happening - just include one or two questions per week. Include some fun questions and, of course, share the results. Use your Slack channel, intranet site or app of your choice and encourage everyone to post their top 3 personal and/or work-related highlights of the week. Finally, talk about this topic! Make it a conversation point in your meetings. Never assume everyone is doing okay. Ask questions. Ask what level of support people want. Ask, "What is your preferred way of feeling included and connected to the rest of the team?"

		Mike's Fun at Work Tip

A super quick meeting icebreaker: Imagine that everyone will win a year's supply of the very last thing they bought! Then, go around the room and ask everyone, "What's the last thing you bought that you will now win a year's supply of?"
		Quote of the Week

“Humor is one way we regain some sense of control over a situation. You’re allowed to laugh if you’re depressed...especially when you’re depressed.” Dr. Glen Doyle
		It's a Wacky World

How did we get to December so quickly!? Here are some of the offbeat December theme days headed your way! As always, the complete list is posted on the website. December 1: Giving Tuesday December 2: Mutt Day December 5: Bathtub Party Day December 8: Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day December 15: Cat Herders Day December 16: Chocolate-covered Anything Day December 17: Re-gifting Day December 18: Answer the Phone Like Buddy the Elf Day December 20: Games Day December 21: Humbug Day! December 23: Festivus Day December 28: Chocolate Day December 30: Bacon Day December 31: Look on the Bright Side Day

Every Other Wednesdays
The Culture Club returns Wednesday, December 2, 1:00 pm EST/11:00 am MST, where we'll be talking about building a culture of inclusiveness and diversity with our special guest, Lenora Billings-Harris. Every Other Wednesday.

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Managing Hybrid Teams and Connecting Virtual Employees in Fun Ways
The 120+ list ideas keeps growing. How to bridge the gap and connect with your remote, virtual colleagues!

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