The old adage "out of sight out of mind" suggests that employees working remotely might be in danger of being overlooked. In fact, I've heard from several remote employees who said that for the first time ever their teammates forgot their birthday! (Personally, I would trade them in for better teammates, but that's just me.)

With so many companies shifting to hybrid workplaces, you need to be extra intentional when it comes to recognizing all your employees and celebrating successes. Here are a few thoughts around remote recognition.

1. Add some new rewards to recognize your new hybrid reality. A Bridge Builder Award to whoever best unites the home team and the office team (or is it the office team and the home team?); a Virtual Rock Star of the Month for whoever best rocks the new virtual reality in some way; the Houdini Award to whoever magically made a big hybrid challenge disappear; or The Camera Loves You Award to whoever makes the most expressive facial expressions on camera. 

2. Use an app or create a shared online calendar where people can post and view social events, birthdays, and work anniversaries.

3. Schedule it. While surprise kudos can be fun, when working in a hybrid workplace schedule most of your recognition events so people can be properly prepared (and appropriately dressed?).

4. Combine high-tech with high touch. Sending something in the mail, even if it's just a handwritten thank you card or a small gift, has far greater impact when everything's moved online.

5. When appropriate, invite family members to participate - working remotely means it's never been easier to make a connection with families and include them in the celebration. 

6. Think outside the org box. Virtual meetings makes it easy for people you might otherwise not consider to be included - retired employees, key customers, or people working overseas.

7. Make use of the technology. Prerecord a funny Zoom video message from your team. Hire a B (or C or D) celebrity from Cameo.com to pop in with a customized message. Have people write down one word in the chat box that captures their feelings about the recipient. Use the Wheel of Names (WheelofNames.com) to add a list of different prizes that the recipient can spin for. 

And speaking of celebrating employees, just a friendly reminder that today, June 2, is official Leave the Office Early Day!