There have been some obvious benefits with the shift to remote working: home comforts while working, no commuting, being able to balance your work life with home life. But on the flip side of all these positives, there have been a few niggles that businesses appear to struggle with and that is the social ties of the team, company values and the office culture.

Working from home sounds ideal, but lack of team bonding, keeping morale high and staff engaged and for some, loneliness can all go against a strong company culture that was built pre lockdown.

So, how do you maintain that culture back when your workforce is now spread around and working from different areas. Here are our suggestions:

Well-being packages.

Everyone loves a present, right? It is the thought that counts after all. But when people are feeling a little disconnected, sending your team a small gift as a treat will no doubt be well received and give them a boost. They’ll remember why they continue to work for you.

Local lunch… on us.

Every now and then businesses would pay for a lunch out for staff, either for someone’s birthday or after winning some new business. With the current situation that is a thing of the past, for now.  So, offering a lunch budget every so often, with the caveat that they spend it locally or an independent business. Not only is a nice to have for them, but also goes to show you are helping business in their local community.

Chat Channel.

One other thing that most of us miss about not being in the office, is the general office chat. We are social animals after all and chatting about the latest Netflix series while making a cuppa hasn’t been taking place for a while. So, recreate those moments, albeit digitally, setting up a channel on Microsoft Team or on Slack so staff can get involved in a good social chat.

Activities – remotely.

Set up a regular challenge to keep your employees engaged and give them something else to focus on besides actual work. Set them a baking challenge, start a book club, or challenge everyone to learn a new skill.

Video Bonding Activities.

The world has now got used to online video calls. Zoom and Houseparty have gone from barely being know to the staple of day to day communication. So, create some fun. Think about holding departmental games or quizzes, create a league table to add in some healthy competition. Add in some prizes or rewards to keep the activity going and keep everyone focussed on the fun!