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If you are like us, it is becoming increasingly difficult these days to find the motivation to get out of bed and crawl to our computers to start working.

All zoom calls around the world do not change the fact that we still feel separated from everyone – especially our employees. Gone are the days of quick conversations in the coffee machine or happy hour after work. No more personal meetings or team building retreats in the foreseeable future. The things we once feared now sound like a world of fun, and we really miss seeing the people we were used to for more than 8 hours a day.

Even those who have been working in the distance have felt the creeping feeling of isolation. And isolation, my friends, can be extremely toxic to your business.

We know that it is the job of a manager to ensure that team members feel valued and committed. This is not an easy task if all of your employees are in different locations. However, there are several ways to give your team a sense of community during this uncertain time. These are just a few ideas with which we have been successful here at DigitalMarketer. Try them out with your team and let us know how it works!

Keep the team members up to date

One of the best ways to motivate and motivate your team is through consistent contact and transparency. Let them know as much information as possible so that they continue to feel an integral part of your team. Implement multiple contact channels including chat, email, video calls, etc. You can always reach people. There is no over-communication at the moment. Be a resource for your team, even if you don't have all the answers.

Let everyone watch their video

If you have company or team meetings, use a video conferencing option and make sure all cameras are turned on. You will be shocked by the difference it makes to see all the faces of your team members, as opposed to a dark screen with their names. The personal interaction, even if it is virtual, creates a certain normality for people who are used to seeing each other in the office every day. It also serves as a reminder that although we may not be in the same place, we are still part of a team.

Encourage team members to demonstrate their remote setups

Working remotely is natural for some, but it can be a real challenge for others. Encourage your employees to be creative with their home work space and make it their own (after all, it's in their house). Maybe that means starting a Pinterest board together or even finding space for new chairs in the company budget. Then, alternately, start or end your employee meetings, with each employee taking a virtual tour of their workplace or even their entire house! Pet introductions are also welcome and highly recommended. There is nothing that increases morale like a furry friend on the screen.

No micromanagement, but don't leave anyone in the dark

While constant communication is a must, it is important that your check-ins do not become micromanagement. The stress is higher than usual and it is anything but constructive when a boss (metaphorically) breathes down his neck. Give your employees the encouragement they need for their work and offer advice or support where you think it is right. However, remember to have grace and a little more patience. It will go a long way.

Plan social (virtual) activities

In addition to work-related video chats, it's also a good idea to start regular social meetings. Whether it's a weekly virtual happy hour, game night, or even a nostalgic photo contest (from your most embarrassing high school moments – yikes!), Your employees are far more committed when they feel they still have a community Coworkers and friends. Some of your team members may not have a social life outside of work and rely on these interactions to stay healthy. So get creative and have fun!

Schedule one-on-one meetings / ask for feedback

We have spoken a lot about communicating with your team, but it is just as important that your team communicates with you. Give them the opportunity to give their feedback and let them know how they feel right now – both professionally and personally. The best way to do this is often to schedule one-on-one virtual talks so that they feel comfortable when they open and share their experiences remotely. This will speak volumes about your commitment to your team and their happiness.

Start an open forum

In the same way that you ask your team for feedback, you can set up an open forum or community group to motivate them. This is a place where they can easily communicate with each other, whether it's a work or a list of shows that can be seen on Netflix. People like to be part of something big, and they shouldn't lose that motivation or mentality just because they can't set foot in the office or be with their peers. We could all use a helping hand now, even if it's so easy to share all the sweetest photos of your pets. Can we start now? That would be great, thanks.