The Mindful Leadership Blog
Just In! Remote Work = Frayed Social Connections
October 21st, 2020
What’s hot?
Communication and collaboration can increase productivity by 25-35%, yet 41% of workers don’t feel connected when working remotely*.
So what?
The pivot to remote work has challenged leaders to find ways – beyond zoom happy hours – to avoid employee isolation and to maintain a positive corporate culture.
What to do?
Borrow shamelessly from Anne Sheenan, director of Vodafone Business U.K, who instituted an informal program called “Sandwich with Anne.” Twice a week, Sheenan invites 12 employees from different areas of the company to lunch. She sends an invitation and a sandwich to each person’s home. Then, they have a virtual lunch and talk for about an hour. Sheenan reports that it helps employees establish new connections beyond their immediate circle.
* Gartner ReimagineHR Employee Survey, fielded in 4Q19
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