For decades, companies like Banty.com have come to understand that success is easier to attain if its team of employees is united and pulling in the same direction. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has made that more challenging. Now, many teams feature those who work in-house and those who work remotely.
Recently, Lifesize said 41% of video call users think companies embracing such technology have more engaged team members. Like anything in business, though, this feeling can quickly shift.
This got Banty Co-Founder and CEO, Scott Wilson, thinking: "What type of team building initiatives should companies put in place to make staff feel - regardless of where they are based - constantly connected with one another? Furthermore, which ones can be successfully pulled off using a virtual meeting service?"
Here is what Scott came up with:
Watch educational videos together: Successful professionals love to learn new strategies and ways of thinking. Try presenting a relevant educational video to your team and encourage them to have a thoughtful conversation about it afterward
Bring on a guest speaker: There are a number of high-profile business coaches who help companies give their team a positive jolt. Welcoming one to a virtual meeting gives attendees a new voice and fresh perspective to draw motivation from
Play trivia: Once a month, gather your team for a casual online trivia tournament. This hassle-free event allows team members to let loose, show their knowledge, and have a few laughs along the way
Show and tell: This activity is not just for elementary school. Encouraging a team member to virtually share a prized possession will reveal a whole new side to them and perhaps create greater relatability
Icebreakers: At the beginning of a video chat, pose a random question to members of the team. Soon enough, a wealth of interaction will begin. This is an especially important exercise for remote workers who do not have a lot of daily, face-to-face interaction with the team
Food and Drink Tastings: There are services that deliver baskets of culinary delights and wine pairings to individual office team members, then virtually guides the group through a tasting. This type of dining experience always leads to a full belly and happy mind
"Even if your remote employees are being productive, it's still important to ensure that they always feel like a part of the team," says Scott. "Yes, virtual meetings allow you to do regular check-ins. However, the management team should also use such a platform to create fun and engaging team building activities that inspire employees."
Continues Scott: "When your team feels connected with one another, they will go the extra mile to help each other perform well on the job."
Thank you StreetInsider.com for this coverage of Banty!
