EDITOR ’ S QUESTION
CHRIS BENNETT , MD OF EVORA GLOBAL
There is a danger of remote-first working making employees feel isolated . It relies on maturity in each individual to balance their needs for convenience of work versus social connection , and that maturity is not always a given and can take time to develop . Part of the issue is also line managers and colleagues not always being aware of the sense of isolation .
The presence of mental health first aiders is a good way to help mental health for remote workers . We also have a vibrant range of groups that work on social activities , health and wellbeing activities and other ways of connecting people such as via our music exchange , book exchange and climbing groups .
Silos become inevitable with remote working when you get to higher staff numbers where employees work on specific projects . The different interest groups help to create connections across the organisation , as will matrix arrangements such as more fluid project groups . People need to feel they belong somewhere , whilst also having a range of work and more social engagements .
It ’ s always great if people can start their work on-site , so they feel physically connected for the initial experiences .
We have a range of induction sessions that help plug people in across the business , as well as regular all-company meetings that bring people together . We are also looking at having learning cohorts so that people can forge strong connections in that initial learning phase .
For managers , keeping the team connected is a balance of structure and connection . Try to have occasional to regular days when you come together as a team in the same place , in addition to more regular remote catch-ups together – where it ’ s not all about work , but about who you are as people . Where possible , break up the routine with sessions out of the working zone that help to draw people back to the bigger picture . x www . intelligentcxo . com
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