In today’s digital age, the nature of work has undergone a transformative shift. With the rise of remote and hybrid work models, companies are increasingly challenged keeping remote employees connected, engaged, and productive, even when they are not physically in the same location. This shift calls for innovative initiatives that foster a sense of community, collaboration, and belonging among remote teams. Here, we explore various initiatives that companies can launch to maintain strong connections among their employees, regardless of where they are based.

1. Virtual Team Building Activities

Virtual team building activities are an excellent way to bring remote employees together and help them bond in a fun and relaxed environment. These activities can range from online games and trivia nights to virtual escape rooms and cooking classes. By regularly organizing these events, companies can create opportunities for employees to interact, collaborate, and build personal connections beyond work tasks.

Examples:

• Online Games and Trivia: Platforms like Kahoot! or QuizBreaker can host regular trivia contests or game sessions.
• Virtual Escape Rooms: These are engaging and require teams to work together to solve puzzles and “escape” from a virtual room.
• Cooking Classes: Virtual cooking classes where employees can cook a meal together from their kitchens and share their experiences.

2. Employee Engagement Platforms

Employee engagement platforms are digital tools designed to foster communication, collaboration, and engagement within remote teams. These platforms often include features like social feeds, recognition and rewards systems, surveys, and feedback mechanisms, all aimed at enhancing the employee experience.

Examples:

• Slack: While primarily a communication tool, Slack offers various integrations and apps that can be used to boost engagement.
• Microsoft Teams: With its robust collaboration features, Teams also supports social interaction through channels, chats, and integration with other apps.
• 15Five: This platform focuses on performance management and engagement, helping employees align with company goals and receive continuous feedback.

3. Virtual Coffee Breaks and Lunches

Scheduling regular virtual coffee breaks or lunches can mimic the casual interactions that happen in a physical office. These informal meetups provide a space for employees to catch up, share stories, and discuss non-work-related topics, thereby fostering stronger interpersonal connections.

Implementation Tips:

• Use video conferencing tools like Zoom or Google Meet.
• Encourage participation by keeping the meetings informal and optional.
• Consider organizing themed lunches or coffee breaks where employees can share their favorite recipes or discuss specific topics.

4. Online Learning and Development Programs

Investing in online learning and development programs not only helps employees grow their skills but also provides opportunities for them to connect over shared learning experiences. Companies can offer webinars, online courses, and virtual workshops that employees can attend together.

Examples:

• LinkedIn Learning: Offers a vast library of courses on various topics that employees can take together.
• Coursera for Business: Provides access to courses from top universities and companies, encouraging collaborative learning.
• Internal Knowledge Sharing Sessions: Employees can take turns sharing their expertise or insights on particular topics through virtual sessions.

5. Virtual Wellness Programs

Wellness programs that cater to the physical and mental well-being of employees are crucial, especially in a remote setup. These programs can include virtual fitness classes, meditation sessions, mental health workshops, and more.

Examples:

• Virtual Fitness Classes: Organize regular yoga, Pilates, or HIIT sessions via video conferencing.
• Mental Health Workshops: Partner with mental health professionals to conduct webinars and workshops on stress management, mindfulness, and mental health awareness.
• Wellness Challenges: Create team-based challenges such as step count competitions or healthy eating challenges to encourage a sense of community.

Introducing teroGO: The Wellbeing Platform for Corporations

teroGO can be instrumental in implementing these strategies effectively. This platform offers a range of solutions tailored to enhance employee engagement and well-being through targeted challenges and ongoing programs focused on physical and mental health, sustainability, and impactful initiatives. By leveraging this solution, organizations can foster a healthier work environment, improve employee retention, and cultivate a positive corporate culture, ensuring that efforts to bridge employee engagement and mental health are both structured and sustainable.

The platform includes features such as personalized wellness programs, mental health resources, and team-building activities. These features can be customized to meet the specific needs of your organization and employees.

Conclusion: The Role of Employee Engagement Platforms

Among the various initiatives discussed, employee engagement platforms stand out as comprehensive solutions that integrate multiple aspects of engagement, from communication and recognition to learning and wellness. By leveraging these platforms, companies can streamline their efforts to help keeping remote employees connected and engaged. 

They provide a centralized hub where employees can interact, collaborate, and access resources, making it easier to maintain a cohesive and supportive remote work environment.

Many corporations already trust teroGO to help them in their continuous mission. Make sure to book a meeting with one of our experts to learn more about how teroGO can support your organization. Not ready yet? Test our app now for free and discover its benefits.