How to keep it personal while working remotely

Working remotely has become more and more common in the modern workforce, especially in this day and age where connectivity is at an all-time high. However, working remotely can often lead to feeling disconnected and losing touch with colleagues. It’s important to keep it personal with your colleagues even if you’re not in the same building, and we’ve got some tips to help you do just that!

1. Keep communication lines open – Use technology to your advantage and keep in touch on a regular basis with your colleagues. Set up regular video conference calls, have virtual coffee breaks, or use instant messaging to stay connected. Don’t be afraid to share updates on your personal life, such as weekend plans or funny stories. This will help build personal relationships and keep the lines of communication open.

2. Collaborate on tasks – Working remotely doesn’t mean working alone. Collaborating on tasks with colleagues can create a sense of teamwork and camaraderie. Use tools like Google Docs, Trello, or Asana to collaborate on projects in real-time. Take breaks to share funny memes or jokes with colleagues to add a bit of humour and personality to the task at hand.

3. Set up a virtual “water cooler” – A lot of work interactions that happen in an office are done informally, such as at the water cooler or coffee machine. Creating a virtual space where colleagues can interact on a more personal level can help build relationships and keep things light. You can use existing tools like Slack or Skype, or set up a specific channel or chat group for non-work-related conversations.

4. Schedule in-person meet-ups – While working remotely means you don’t have to commute to an office every day, it also means you don’t get to see your colleagues face-to-face as often. That’s why it’s important to schedule meet-ups and get-togethers in person. Whether it’s a team building event or just a casual lunch, meeting in person can help build personal connections and strengthen relationships.

5. Be respectful of personal time – Working remotely can make the lines between personal and work life blurry. It’s important to be respectful of your colleagues’ personal time and communicate with them when you will be available. Avoid sending emails or messages during off-hours unless it’s an emergency.

In conclusion, working remotely doesn’t mean losing the personal touch. With the right mindset and tools, you can build strong relationships with your colleagues and keep things personal even when working remotely. Remember to keep communication lines open, collaborate on tasks, set up a virtual “water cooler”, schedule in-person meet-ups, and be respectful of personal time.