For many of you, working remotely has been a way of life for years. However, when COVID-19 hit, many employees and business owners immediately transitioned to working from home. Whether or not remote work is new to you, one thing hasn’t changed: relationships matter. Just because you aren’t seeing people in person as much, it doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to develop and build relationships that make your business stronger. Here are the best ways to strengthen business relationships working from home:
Be communicative and available.
When you aren’t working in an office, it’s easy to forget to keep in touch with other people. Set aside time to reach out to colleagues, coworkers, and clients during the day. It doesn’t have to be work-related, but check in regularly as if you ran into each other in the breakroom. Have regular hours where you can be reached during the day. Another element is transparency. Let people know when you are away from your desk due to client demands or personal matters. It’s best to over-communicate working from home.
Go beyond written communication.
Even though written communication can be easier, the message can often be lost due to the lack of nonverbal cues. Even when using chat, information can get lost. So, in times like these, pick up the phone and give someone a call. Something as simple as that can clarify information, ease tension, and even develop a stronger connection with the other person.
Use technology to your advantage.
One helpful thing about working remotely nowadays is the technology at our fingertips that help us communicate better. So, when building a business relationship or working with someone on a project, utilize video chats. It may not always be the ideal to work with someone, but it’s a better way to get to know someone, communicate clearer, and be more casual in your communication.
Reward others.
Is your client getting married? Did a junior staff member successfully complete a project? Did one of your vendors go the extra mile for you? Rewarding a job well done and sending out personal touches go a long way. Unfortunately, many of us aren’t able to drop off a coffee to an overworked coworker or easily take someone to lunch. That doesn’t mean that you can’t be generous in other ways. Mail out small gift cards, physical greeting cards, or other small care packages. Remembering events, celebrating with someone, or sending notes of encouragement can enhance your relationships in a memorable way.
As working remotely becomes more popular, for many of us, it means stepping outside of our comfort zone. Often, the ways we must communicate with each other now feels unfamiliar, but they are necessary. With these tips, you are sure to build stronger relationships in your business.
