Make cloud operations efficient with AI/ML techniques and solutions
February 10, 2022
In the last few years, companies across the world have embraced remote work as a part of their regular workplace strategy. COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of this practice to a new level. Despite the enforced nature of remote work, most employees were able to transition and even thrive in this new normal.
A survey by Buffer and AngelList suggests that 70% of the respondents are happy with the amount of time they work remotely. However, adapting to the concept of remote work also comes with a set of challenges:
- Limited opportunities for peer-to-peer interactions
- Lack of communication between team members
- A sense of isolation and loneliness
Most organizations opt for team building activities and virtual sessions to boost productivity, motivation, and a general sense of wellbeing among their remote workers. However, it is more beneficial for companies to examine the desired outcomes first and then tailor these activities to suit their goals.
Here are examples of some interesting methods and tools that companies can use to motivate employees working remotely. These tools are grouped based on the outcomes to be achieved, so companies can choose the methods that best suit their needs./
Build emotional connections
Remote work offers little opportunities for employees to interact with each other on a personal level. As a result, they miss out on forming social bonds with their team members. Informal/planned interactions or sharing of day-to-day experiences during these activities will help them leverage personal insights and enhance professional relationships.
- Rose/thorn ice breakers – mindfulness activity that builds camaraderie through exchanging positive and negative experiences
- Virtual coffee/tea breaks – informal, non-rule-based exchange of ideas for team members who interact with each other irregularly
- Donut – a Slack extension that mimics water cooler chitchats by automatically pairing colleagues for pre-scheduled 30 min video calls
Improve collaborative thinking
People working in a remote setup often face difficulties in working as a part of a team. Participating in these virtual game sessions, along with their colleagues, will push them into working together and employ a collective strategy for achieving a common purpose.
- Murder in Ancient Egypt, a facilitated murder mystery involving puzzles, problem-solving situations, and team challenges
- War of the Wizards, a live RPG-based event with escape rooms, puzzle-solving, storytelling, and world-building
“Technology now allows people to connect anytime, anywhere, to anyone in the world, from almost any device. This is dramatically changing the way people work, facilitating 24/7 collaboration with colleagues who are dispersed across time zones, countries, and continents. ” — Michael Dell, Dell
Promote creativity
Creative expression can help remote employees to recharge, regroup, and step away from routine activities & try to spark imaginative thinking. Organizations can use team-building sessions like these to highlight individual or collaborative creativity of their remote workers.
- Spreadsheet Pixel Art uses Google Spreadsheets for showcasing art and imagination.
- DIY Craft Challenges created by taking supplies from home and building objects within a stipulated time
