Over the last nine years, Willory has been recognized as a leader in creating a positive organizational culture, in large part due to our virtual work environment. Our entire team works out of their home offices the majority of the work week, but we do still get together regularly for meetings and social gatherings. As a result, our culture supports flexibility and freedom for our team, and we’ve learned a lot about the benefits of virtual work along the way. As the world continues to virtualize, it’s crucial to think about the impact on HR and payroll professionals.
Freedom Through Working Virtually
Take a moment to think about the culture of your organization. If you had to describe it in a few sentences, what would you say? Ask yourself the following questions:
- Are we doing enough for our employees?
- Are we giving them the environment to be the most successful?
- Are our employees happy in their current work environment?
- Do our employees feel freedom and flexibility in their roles?
Remember that each employee has unique needs that need to be met for them to perform their best and grow at your organization. Allowing employees to work remotely, even in a small capacity, can enable them to thrive. A day or two can pave the way for success for those that feel overwhelmed and stale in the office.
If you are currently working in a traditional office setting, we ask you to take a moment and think about what a remote option would look like for your organization. At home, employees can still set up meetings, collaborate with others, and have a successful virtual work day. Employees are also able to manage their personal lives better.
One of the best parts is that most employees will give back to your organization for this freedom in ways you never expected. By having more time, employees can go above and beyond on their day to day tasks and accomplish their goals more efficiently. This unique dynamic truly give the best of both worlds.
Building Fellowship
Fellowship among employees is just as important in a virtual workspace as it is in a traditional office. With the rise of technology, the world is continuing to virtualize. Many companies have employees who work in different buildings, different cities, and even different countries. Although some of us don’t have the chance to see one another face to face regularly, technology has provided us a great alternative. Skype and video chat are an excellent way for those in long distances to keep this integral connection.
From a long-term perspective, it is vital for employees to meet in person quarterly or even semi-annually. It is worth the investment for airfares and hotels because you can’t do virtual without creating that personal connection. Seeing each other’s faces and reading body language are important when working together. More importantly, the opportunity to build a personal relationship and give high-fives and hugs is irreplaceable.
Next Steps
What do you do if your company has never discussed virtual work at all, or what do you do if you’ve never worked virtually before and now have the opportunity? These are common questions that you might have. Don’t be afraid to have discussions with your employees, peers, and leaders to express interest in this concept. Starting this conversation can be beneficial for your department and encourage helpful dialogue between one another. We encourage you to think about the opportunity to help pave the way for the future and be a part of the virtual workforce. The possibilities are endless.
Have questions? You can connect with a Willory team member right here.
