Face-to-face connections with your workforce remains significant
Working Remotely: The Importance of Face-to-Face Interactions
Let's face it, scheduling face-to-face time with your employees can be a painful experience. Their expression when you bring up the topic is often far from enthusiastic. But, research shows that being seen is tied to commitment and, as remote work becomes the norm, employees are finding less and less meaning in the notion of face time.
However, a mere 5 minutes of your face time can make a world of difference. Leaders often use face time as a tool to bring employees back to the office, but don't overlook its significance. Sitting down with your team members allows you to grasp their concerns, gauge their motivation, and understand their perspectives on the work they do. All of these clues can provide valuable insights into their state of mind and their dedication to the task at hand.
It's not just about your team, but about you being seen too. Your face time is crucial for shaping the team's perception of how the project is progressing, how the team is performing, and what you think of each team member's contributions. Emotions – both verbal and non-verbal – carry a lot of weight and can greatly influence the behavior of your employees.
To make the most of face time, take the initiative to schedule meetings. These don't replace virtual meetings, rather they ensure that you are heard and seen when it matters. View in-office days as opportunities to communicate important messages personally, organize your thoughts in advance, and be deliberate with your body language.
For remote employees, in-office days may seem unproductive as they are often filled with meetings – in-person or virtual. But, leaders should treat these days as prime communication opportunities. Use them to discuss crucial issues, clarify context, and provide clear direction. Encourage your team to list issues they'd like to address so that discussions are focused and productive. Having fewer in-office days with the whole team present is more effective than numerous days with only a few team members.
If face-to-face interactions are impossible due to geographical separation, videoconferencing is the next best option. Utilize camera functions to create a more engaging experience, and request everyone to Participate via video. Videos can be especially beneficial when tackling complex issues or during difficult conversations.
Proximity bias plays a role: being emotionally connected to team members helps us pay more attention to them and better understand their reactions. Use video calls to connect, engage, and evaluate your team's responses during discussions.
Lastly, use your energy wisely, particularly during important or sensitive conversations. A strong, positive presence can inspire your team and set a clear direction. Bearing all of this in mind, remember that face time is crucial for fostering trust, understanding, and a stronger bond with your employees, beyond just the work they produce.
Sources:
- HBR: The Real Problems with Remote Work
- WIRED: The Remote Future of Work
- Forbes: Harnessing the Power of Face-to-Face Communication
- Harvard Business Review: The Benefits and Risks of Hybrid Work
- Engaging in face-to-face interactions can be instrumental in the realm of remote work, as it supports workplace-wellness and health-and-wellness, allowing leaders to better understand their team's lifestyle and dedication.
- Beyond just fostering a connection, face-to-face interactions in a remote setting, whether in-person or via videoconferencing, can play a pivotal role in maintaining a home-and-garden balance, as they help reduce feelings of isolation.
- When remote work becomes the norm, leaders should emphasize the significance of face-to-face interactions within the science of team dynamics, as they empower effective communication, boost productivity, and contribute to a collective sense of health-and-wellness and lifestyle balance.
