In the article Remote Work Is Here to Stay, we discussed the need for a remote work strategy and outlined the four key steps to develop a robust strategy. Of the four steps, health system executives repeatedly identify culture as particularly challenging to get right. And we get it. Culture can seem like an elusive and slippery idea. But let's demystify that idea and make culture concrete. In this article, we turn our focus toward helping you think through how to build a positive remote work culture.
It takes time and intentionality to build a great culture — but it's well worth it. Research shows that U.S. workers value culture even above salary as they consider their job satisfaction, meaning the urgency is real to get this right.1 While culture isn't built overnight, there is some good news: you don't need a new toolbox. A positive remote culture relies on getting the building blocks of culture right — across on-site, remote and hybrid teams.
What are the building blocks of a strong culture?
Books have been written about culture. Here's a quick look at three critical areas to focus on as you're building your remote work culture: belonging, transparency and recognition.
Belonging
Employees need to know they belong and how they fit within the company. This knowledge is particularly important for fully remote employees who are at more risk of feeling isolated. Making an intentional effort to create co-worker connection points both virtually and in-person is a tangible place to start.
Putting it into practice: Does remote staff have ample opportunities to engage with onsite counterparts through periodic virtual or onsite team meetings? Do they have access to employee affinity groups?
Recognition
Employees want to know their work matters. Remote workers should be able to draw a clear line between their contributions and the success of an organization. Managers need avenues to call out individual contributions and excellence — even for employees who are less visible across the organization.
Putting it into practice: What can your organization do better to recognize and highlight the work of your remote staff? How can you build opportunities to celebrate wins virtually?
Transparency
Remote employees should feel just as plugged in to leadership's strategic decisions and plans as onsite employees do. Focus groups, rounding and face time are ways for leaders to make themselves more visible and available to teams — and these steps need to carry over to remote employees.
Putting it into practice: How can leaders get to know remote staff better?
