Bridging the Gap: Fostering Inclusivity and Wellbeing for Both In-House and Remote Teams

In today's evolving work landscape, companies often find themselves managing diverse teams, that include both in-house and remote workers. While remote work can offer flexibility and in many cases increased productivity, it also brings unique challenges, including feelings of loneliness and burnout among remote team members. 

“a remote work environment can increase feelings of loneliness in workers by 67%” 

Kiasma’s team is spread out across New Zealand (and in the past, even the USA!) and so, we have first-hand experience knowing how important it is for companies to implement strategies that foster inclusivity, connectivity, and wellbeing for all their employees, particularly their remote workforce. 

Some practical approaches to prevent loneliness and burnout and ensure that remote team members feel included and valued include:

Open and transparent communication:

Foster a culture of open and transparent communication that transcends physical boundaries. Implement regular team meetings where both in-house and remote team members can share updates, discuss projects, and engage in casual conversations. Utilise video conferencing such as Zoom or Teams to enhance the sense of presence and connection, allowing everyone to feel like part of the team.

Equal access to information:

Ensure that information flows seamlessly between in-house and remote teams. Leverage digital collaboration tools such as Dropbox or Google Drive and project management platforms such as Confluence or Miro to centralise information, making it easily accessible to everyone. This reduces the risk of remote workers feeling left out or uninformed about crucial aspects of the team's activities.

Promote virtual team building:

Actively engage in virtual team-building activities that bring both in-house and remote teams together. This could include online games such as daily trivia, virtual happy hours, coffee breaks, or collaborative projects. Creating a shared virtual space for social interactions helps build camaraderie and strengthens the sense of belonging among team members, regardless of their physical location. 

Invest in opportunities to bring the team together in person. 

Ilona Bernotaite of Kilo Health recommends businesses invest in face-to-face meetings at least once a quarter. Combining those events with both work and fun will help you to keep your remote and in-person team engaged, connected with their co-workers and feeling appreciated. If it is something within your company’s budget, supporting remote workers by allowing them to join co-working spaces can be a huge support for them and overall productivity.

Inclusive decision-making:

Make a conscious effort to include remote workers in decision-making processes. Seek their input, opinions, and perspectives on important matters. This not only contributes to better decision outcomes but also reinforces the idea that every team member's contribution is valued, regardless of their work arrangement.

Acknowledge and celebrate achievements:

Celebrate both individual and team achievements openly. Use digital platforms to recognise and applaud the accomplishments of remote team members, ensuring that their contributions are visible to the entire team. 

Mental health and wellbeing support:

Prioritise the mental health and wellbeing of all team members, regardless of their work location. Provide resources such as Kiasma which include, counselling services, 1:1 coaching, and wellness initiatives. Encourage open discussions about mental health to reduce the stigma surrounding these topics.

Regular check-ins and feedback:

Conduct regular check-ins with remote team members to gauge their wellbeing, workload, and job satisfaction. Provide constructive feedback and recognize their efforts, reinforcing the sense that their contributions are essential to the team's success.

Building a great work vibe for both on-site and remote teams is all about being proactive and inclusive. When companies put these strategies into action, it helps create a feeling of connection, keeps loneliness at bay, and lessens the chances of burnout among remote workers. In the end, making inclusivity a priority leads to a happier, more engaged, and robust team, no matter where they're working from.

To learn more about supporting your team through Kiasma’s comprehensive EAP services, book a demo with Dan today.