The pandemic has made a permanent mark in history and has drastically changed the way in which we operate. In terms of business, an undeniable shift of all processes and operations to go fully digital to keep everyone afloat. And although some industries struggle to adapt, this simply was the way to go. Some teams might haven’t unlocked the power of open communication to build ongoing gap within their business process.
And this is why cultivating a healthy and helpful virtual culture is key to creating a workforce that has evolved with the times and will be able to operate through any of the world’s changes.
In an Instagram Live we had with Jonaed Iqbal of No Degree Inc. on the topic of Keeping up with The Virtual Culture, he has defined culture as all of the feelings that you feel in a setting and how everyone communicates.
Communication breaks cultural barriers
It’s been said before and it will be said again and again, communication is the most important skill to learn on how to cultivate a culture. There are roles in the workplace that can be felt in office spaces just by the way some have their own private offices. These physical divisions dictate who is in charge.
And although a private office space is well-deserved, as the person in charge, how do you break through your own walls and communicate effectively to your team?
How about if you are the employee trying to reach out but don’t quite know how to do that just yet?
Fast forward to 2020, things are extra challenging as the shift to virtual spaces is adapted.
Genuine intention to connect sparks unity
Alright let’s get to the actual solution. And it’s one of those answers where it’s really simple but people overlook it or haven’t gotten around to really implementing it.
For the person in charge, it is through genuine connection. Having an interest in your people and their lives is imperative in creating genuine connection that then bridges better open communication. And that is just part of creating culture, whether that is in physical spaces or virtually.
Now, a conversation is a two-way street. As a worker, you also have to participate in the conversation or start it. Give an honest and genuine answer! When the culture cultivated is one that actively promotes healthy communication, genuine answers such as having a rough time or struggling won’t be taboo to admit anymore.
Opening communication channels closes virtual gap
Virtual spaces can be isolating given their nature. Everyone is doing their thing in their own spaces, it’s easy for communication to get stale. And so, it’s about creating time and space!
Discord has always been popular amongst gamers and streamers but people have really been utilizing the platform in order to create more social spaces. Hop on a call with coworkers to work together even through the silences, this is also a great time to hold each other accountable and work less alone.
Or create time in the work week to just catch up with the team! Do a couple of online games to get everyone engaged and to get to know each other a little more!
Something that businesses are having a hard time adapting is welcoming their pandemic hires, so, having a designated chat space that isn’t about work can help ease new team members into the team as well as a look into how the culture is like.
Build a virtual culture that can withstand difficulties
A lot of the time, challenges are points of growth. But how can you cultivate that growth? As the person in charge, how do you communicate to your team effectively when the going gets tough?
Another tip we got from Jonaed is to look at yourself first. As a manager and as a leader, were you able to set them up for success or help guide them in what they needed? Was there strong and open communication with you and the team?
A whole lot of questions to ask yourself not to find or point blame but to find the things that needed more attention in order to see the problem for what it is and to find solutions for next time.
Bumps along the road are always going to be present but dealing with it in the most objective and compassionate way will always yield better results and a stronger connection in the long run.
Communication channels virtual team can use
We’ve talked a lot about communication and how it’s vital in cultivating a company’s culture. But in the virtual world just how can we do this?
Here are some great examples of virtual spaces that can be used as both meeting spaces and hangout spaces.
Related content: 2022 Project Management Tools for Virtual Assistants
Key takeaway: Open Communication
The way that a virtual culture is created and cultivated is created through genuine connection and communication. Being present and allotting time where everyone can come together and get to know each other outside of work and the office is a surefire way in cultivating a virtual culture.
