Everyone knows the value of an integrated team well. This is the key to success in your business. However, team integration is not easy when working remotely. Some people say the impossible and give it up, which is not a good solution. There are many ideas for remote integration. Below are some ways to integrate your team in a pandemic era.
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Advantages and disadvantages of working online
The pandemic forced remote work, which has become a permanent feature of companies. Home office work is a convenient solution not only for employees, but also for employers. First of all, you can work from anywhere in the world, at different times of the day - which makes everyday life much easier. Additionally, you do not have to worry about commuting (which in large cities can be quite time-consuming and complicated), and employees also feel more freedom at work.
An advantage for employers is the broad labor market. Companies do not have to limit themselves to looking for employees only in their city. They can employ people from all over the country, which allows them to fill positions with the most competent people.
Unfortunately, remote work also has its drawbacks. First of all, it is a difficult integration of employees. Everyone sits at home - so team members don't communicate with each other. Working remotely, it is not always possible to get to know the characters, interests or competences of your colleagues well. Members of the company's crew have fewer opportunities to talk freely on topics unrelated to their job duties. Consequently, they have no chance to get to know each other better and build positive relationships. The atmosphere at work is stiff, unnecessary conflicts may arise, and the team does not achieve maximum results in the industry.
Integrating a team working together on a home office basis may be a bit more difficult than group integration working stationary. However, it is not worth giving up. A little commitment and creativity is the key to success.
How to integrate the team and is it so important?
Imagine a situation where your team is struggling with various problems. There are unnecessary disputes that negatively affect the quality and effectiveness of communication. The atmosphere at work becomes unattractive, and a clear decrease in motivation to act can be observed among team members. As a consequence, the team does not achieve maximum results and the company's position on the market is clearly declining.
When you notice such behavior, you need to know that the team needs proper integration so that members can perform all work tasks efficiently and effectively. Well-organized integration will improve the working atmosphere and strengthen friendly relations between employees.
There are really many ideas: you can organize a few-day trip, integration training, workshops, integration events, team building workshops, or everyday integration at the company's headquarters. There are many possibilities, so there is nothing to delay. A well-functioning group that can use its potential and skills of each member is definitely the key to the success of your company.
How to integrate an online team?
Remote integration is possible! Since 2020, a lot of messengers and sites where you can remotely integrate have appeared on the Internet. Where to start? First of all, you need to find a platform through which team members will be able to communicate freely, because it is known that good communication is the basis for the proper operation of the team. It is worth setting up a group chat (e.g. on WhatsApp or Messenger) where employees will be able to talk about loose topics - especially those that are in no way related to their duties. This is a great way to get to know you better and build a positive atmosphere.
The next step is daily virtual and informal meetings for coffee or tea. The idea is to plan short (e.g. 15-minute) video calls with all team members - e.g. during a break from work. A few minutes of rest in the group of employees will not only strengthen friendly ties between individuals, but also allow you to break away from work duties for a while to recharge your batteries and return to work with new energy.
However, these actions are not enough. Sometimes something more needs to be introduced. These can be webcam meetings held every few weeks in a relaxed style in the form of an "online event". Each employee should have a bottle of good beer or a cup of their favorite tea and a large bowl of snacks. During the "virtual party" you can talk freely, joke and relax the atmosphere a bit.
How to integrate a team in real life?
Live integration is also needed and if it is possible in a team that works remotely, it is worth organizing it. There are many advantages of working in a home office, but nothing can replace a live meeting. A joint trip to a picturesque place will certainly bring employees closer, which will translate into the efficiency of their work on a daily basis. An integration trip may include team building elements. Organizing interesting games and team games can help shape a harmonious group of employees that communicates efficiently, is motivated and knows how to use the skills and potential of each member.
See how to organize a party – event configurator