5 Community Building Activities for a Hybrid-Remote Workplace

In today's dynamic work environment, a hybrid workforce has become increasingly necessary as employees seek a balance between remote and in-office work. Which may provide challenges for HR Managers focused on employee engagement metrics. According to our recent LinkedIn Survey, 82% of employees believe that it's important to participate in community-building activities. But many struggle to find ways to connect in a hybrid workplace. As more and more employees request remote work options, it becomes vital for HR managers to find innovative ways to create a sense of community in these settings. Here are some of our suggestions for remote team building.

Virtual Team Building Activities

Virtual team building can foster communication, collaboration, and camaraderie among remote team members who may not have the opportunity to interact with each other regularly. In addition to enhancing team cohesion and boosting team morale, virtual team building activities can help remote employees feel more connected to their colleagues and the company culture. They can also help build trust and mutual understanding among team members, essential for effective teamwork and collaboration. Some examples include:

• Icebreakers
• Book clubs
• Virtual Happy Hour (Talent Show)
• Virtual Cafeteria
• Trivia Games

Buddy Programs

Individual employee morale is also important, and mentorship programs and buddy systems build connections among hybrid teams. Pairing employees new to the company with an experienced colleague create a supportive environment and fosters a sense of belonging. This can be particularly beneficial for remote employees who might feel isolated or disconnected from their colleagues.  Examples include:

• Employee Resource Groups
• Internal Networking Events
• New Employee Onboarding Programs
• Cross-Functional Mentorship Programs
• Career Development Programs
  
  

Regular Meetings  Q&A Sessions

Scheduling meetings and Q&A sessions can help bridge the communication gap in a hybrid work setting. These sessions offer a platform for employees to voice their concerns, ask questions, and stay informed about company updates. To accommodate both in-office and remote staff, hold these meetings using video conferencing tools and encourage participation from everyone. Try ideas like:

• Anonymous Surveys
• Weekly/Monthly “All-Hands” Meetings
• Small Group Q&A Sessions
• Town hall sessions
  
  

Hybrid Social Events

Organizing hybrid social events can promote interaction and camaraderie among colleagues in a hybrid work environment. These events can include happy hours, picnics, or holiday parties where remote and in-office employees can join. To ensure remote workers feel included, provide video conferencing options and encourage active participation through interactive games or breakout rooms. By fostering community through these events, you can help employees build meaningful connections and create lasting memories. Some group celebrations include:

• Heritage or History Months
• Mental Health Days
• Charity Events
• Appreciation Days
  
  

Collaborative Workspaces and Communication Channels

Lastly, it's important to encourage collaboration and open communication among employees, regardless of location, by creating shared workspaces and communication channels. Platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Google Workspace can facilitate real-time communication and collaboration, promoting unity across the hybrid workforce. Creating dedicated channels for various interests or projects can also help employees connect with like-minded colleagues and engage in informal conversations, strengthening interpersonal relationships.

Conclusion

As the hybrid work model continues to gain traction, HR professionals must adapt their approach to building and maintaining a strong sense of community among employees. Through virtual team-building activities, mentorship programs, town hall meetings, and hybrid social events, HR professionals can help create an inclusive, supportive, and engaging workplace culture, regardless of employees' physical location. These activities can help bridge the gap between remote and onsite employees, foster communication and collaboration, and promote a sense of belonging and shared purpose among team members.