There are now a number of well-functioning applications with which dazzling meetings, files or conversations can be held from the home office (note: some require additional protection). Please talk to us! If the home office is then also IT-technically secured ()Here are our 5 tips for thisThere are the hard skills.
But: In the home office, the lack of face-to-face contact tempts you to limit communication to a minimum – namely the proportion that is important for the business. This not only harms the social fabric in the company, but also demonstrably reduces productivity – because the human share is lost.
At TWINSOFT, things are different – our product manager Julian has put together a few suggestions that help to stay "socially" on the road in the home office.
1. Also start a "business conversation" with a "personal touch"
People need attention and a sense of belonging in order to be motivated to do their tasks. This is even more true for teams that rarely come together in person in times of Corona. So: Start in calls and conversations not directly to the "business talk", but with something completely different. Otherwise, you would not immediately talk about the latest figures in the office kitchen, but perhaps ask about the past weekend.
2. Communication is not a one-way street
See it as a challenge to learn as much as possible about your colleagues. Of course, without getting intrusive. Remember that conversation is not a one-way street. Also tell about your personal experiences. This makes it clear that your questions are not pure courtesy phrases.
3. Creatively "getting meetings going"
Regular team meetings via video conference in larger groups are important. Those who work in a team should also be able to see their colleagues regularly. A good tip for setting such a meeting "in motion" and making it as productive as possible is an opening question that someone in turn thinks up in the team. So this meeting starts "off-topic", but all the more personal. "If you had to live on a deserted island for the rest of your life, what three things would you take with you?" takes on a whole new meaning in quarantine times. "What do you do first when all restrictions are lifted?" can be another example. But maybe also, completely detached from the current situation and always positive: "What is the best thing that happened to you this week?"
In addition to social cohesion, such opening questions fulfill another function: studies have shown that more people present participate in the following discussions once everyone has spoken at the beginning.
"Coffee Roulette" and Co.
Rituals from the analogue world, such as a common lunch, are likely to disappear as long as the Corona crisis continues. However, colleagues also need to interact socially outside of the business context such as meetings. The so-called "coffee roulette" can help. How does that work? Two employees from very different departments are "loose" each other and meet for 15-20 minutes. This not only provides variety and social contacts in times of isolation, but can also create completely new ties. It also works analog later.
