Working remotely or in a hybrid model is increasingly becoming the norm. Though, if not managed well, it could cause damage to the company’s culture and peers-to-peers relation, particularly new joiners.
I have been studying what businesses could do to overcome the challenges of onboarding and working with remote teams. I came across the “virtual water coolers” onboarding method, which would create an experience similar to what one’s has by being physically in the office.
It is a virtual meeting conducted asynchronously, Q&A session where remote teams or new joiners join virtual sessions, giving them the chance to interact with peers working in the same team or similar role in the business. The session is moderated by senior managers (who is not their direct manager or supervisor).
Running such a session will help facilitate information sharing and advice that enables teams to improve the sense of belonging, enhance performance and career outcomes.