Virtual morning tea breaks, team-building activities suggested to promote interaction
Organisations implementing flexible work arrangements are being reminded to promote opportunities for social interactions in order to keep employees connected.
Strategic Pay's whitepaper said having opportunities for social interactions will help maintain a sense of community in the workforce even if they are apart.
"Schedule virtual morning tea breaks or team-building activities to help maintain a sense of belonging, build relationships, and increase collaboration amongst colleagues," the paper read.
The reminder comes as organisations risk diluting their organisational culture by implementing flexible work practices.
Another measure that organisations can introduce to avoid a breakdown of organisational culture is in-office collaboration days, according to the report.
"Working together enables cross-pollination of knowledge and a sense of togetherness. It also strengthens employee connections to the place of work," the paper said. "Collaboration days are an effective way to encourage employees' connection and belonging."
Organisations should also ensure that employees keep each other updated on their whereabouts at work to assist in managing work schedules.
"The organisation can work more efficiently by providing transparency, avoiding conflicts, communicating with colleagues, staying accountable, and planning effectively," the paper said.
Communication breakdown at work, as well as lack of trust, have been cited as the factors that can dilute organisational culture amid the implementation of flexible work.
To avoid this, the report further underscored the importance of "clear communication" between managers and employees.
"HR professionals and business owners need to ensure their managers' communication is clear, that they establish trust with employees, create social interaction opportunities, and treat their employees equitably," the paper read.
Find out more about how employers can put their culture at risk due to flexible work and how to prevent this from happening in this new whitepaper.
