Developing Your Company Culture with A Remote Workforce
As C-suite executives, you understand company culture is the bedrock upon which success is built. An organization’s culture not only has a profound impact on its capacity to thrive, but also on its ability to attract top-level talent. With that in mind, the shift to remote and hybrid work has necessitated a paradigm shift in how we nurture and guide our organizational culture.
As leaders, you are tasked with steering your company through these uncharted waters, where the traditional norms and practices are no longer sufficient. Guiding company culture with remote and hybrid work arrangements requires innovative thinking and a holistic approach. To help you achieve this, we put together best practices for the C-suite, comprised of ten principles:
Peter Olmsted
Managing Director
- Lead by Example: The journey begins with you. Set the tone by demonstrating the company’s values and work ethic in your own remote work practices. Your actions speak louder than words, and your remote leadership sets the precedent.
- Define and Communicate Company Values: Clearly define your company’s values and communicate them regularly to provide a solid foundation for decision-making. A shared value system ensures that, no matter where your employees are located, they align with the organization’s mission.
- Foster Open and Transparent Communication: In a remote environment, the absence of physical proximity necessitates even more transparent communication. Encourage open channels of communication through various tools (i.e., chat with a tool like Slack or Teams, video calls, schedule in-person events, etc.) ensuring employees stay informed, connected, and engaged.
- Establish Clear Goals and Expectations: Set clear performance expectations and goals for your remote teams that include supporting the organization’s culture. Ensure that all employees understand their roles and responsibilities, creating a shared vision that transcends borders.
- Regular Check-Ins and Feedback: Remote work requires more intentional efforts in tracking progress and addressing concerns. Schedule regular one-on-ones and team meetings to discuss development, address concerns , and provide constructive feedback, fostering continuous improvement.
- Promote Work-Life Balance: The lines between work and personal life blur in remote work. Encourage employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance, offering support for mental health and well-being. A balanced workforce is a more productive and engaged one.
- Recognize and Reward Achievements: Recognizing and rewarding exceptional performance in a remote setting is essential. It not only motivates your remote employees but also makes them feel valued and appreciated, despite the physical distance.
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts, ensuring that all remote employees feel included and have equal opportunities for advancement and development. Embracing diversity not only enhances your company’s cultural fabric but also drives innovation.
- Team Building Activities: Remote work can sometimes feel isolating. Organize virtual team-building activities to build relationships and create a sense of camaraderie among remote employees. A strong team spirit transcends geographical boundaries.
- Flexible Work Arrangements: Be open to flexible work arrangements to accommodate different time zones and personal circumstances, promoting employee well-being. A flexible approach ensures that your employees can be their most productive selves, wherever they are.
As you embrace the future, remember your company’s culture is the compass guiding you through this transformative journey. By nurturing a strong remote or hybrid culture, you not only adapt to the challenges of today but also position your organization as an attractive environment for top performing employees.
If you would like to discuss building an attractive work culture or any other parts of your workforce strategy, don’t hesitate to contact us at Clark Schaefer Executive Search!
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“Culture isn’t just one aspect of the game; it is the game. In the end, an organization is nothing more than the collective capacity of its people to create value.” – Louis V. Gerstner, former CEO of IBM
