In the world of remote work—which wouldn’t exist without a web of sophisticated technology—it is, conversely, the most human of instincts that can truly bond us together and create healthy working relationships.

According to Queen Consulting Technical Recruiter Taylor, key qualities that can help break through the distance between coworkers are:

• being authentic
• being curious
• being respectful

And maybe that’s not so different from how we build relationships when working side by side!

Work Routines Overturned

Ever since so many of our work routines were abruptly overturned in 2020, we all (to one degree or another) have scrambled to adjust, not only in what we do but how we do it. And how we collaborate and get along with our team members is a critical part of that.

Even though many organizations have been reopening offices to onsite work, the overall percentage of in-person work is substantially less than it was pre-2020. Once over-crowded offices have become wide open spaces, and thanks to its many benefits and conveniences, remote work will not go away any time soon. Not only are many workers 100% remote, but hybrid work arrangements have taken off, with many workers in the office only a couple of times a week or month.

Starting a new position today most likely will require creating working relationships with remote coworkers, and that can be a challenge.

How Managers Can Help Workers Form Connections

Just as managers can smooth the onboarding process by setting up a new employee with a laptop, passwords and such, they can also help set the employee up for success in making connections with coworkers.

While many new hires simply don’t need or want much in the way of management help in getting to know others, ideally, a manager will check in with new employees to understand what each one needs. For example, the manager can step in and help a more introverted employee develop a peer network, which may be as simple as identifying one other team member who can be a sounding board for the new employee.

Using Technology to Connect

So many great technologies exist to help employees connect with one another to get work done and build relationships. Taylor is a big fan of Microsoft Teams, due to its comprehensive integration of communication and work tools. “Teams is a game changer for information sharing,” she says. “With Teams, we’re all basically sitting in the same room without physically being in the same room.”

Taylor feels that holding video calls on Teams is one of the best ways to build connections with coworkers. “You can share documents while you’re connecting. Seeing body language and reading someone’s face are just so important to communication. Without seeing someone’s mannerisms, I don’t think you can understand someone’s personality.”

Finding Organic Ways to Connect

At the start of the pandemic, there was plenty of advice on ways to connect with coworkers in a remote work environment. Now, a couple of years later, we see less of an emphasis on management-led structured activities, such as weekly coffee chats. While many employees still find value in these activities, many companies have come to rely more on activities and behaviors that feel more natural and that arise organically from employees themselves.

“What was fun at first may lose its appeal,” explains Taylor. “You can’t mandate fun and socialization.” Taylor believes that ultimately, it is up to each employee to find ways to connect with one another.

“Building a network when you first start a new position is really important,” says Taylor. “It helps if you can bond with another new hire.” Often, this will take the form of a group chat, which may include new or recent employees or those with similar job functions or skills. Sometimes the formation of these groups is spurred by the employer, but often it is organic. “The key is to find similarities with others and form a network to lean on.”

Authenticity, Curiosity and Respect

Creating those organic bonds with coworkers is the key, according to Taylor. Her advice is to “show up as you are and be authentic.” That can mean allowing your pets or family to walk by as you’re on a video chat. As one person asks another about their dog or the photo on the wall, these snippets of personal life can spark genuine conversation and create connections

And that leads to Taylor’s second key to forming organic connections: be curious. Ask about that pet, the child or the photo. Sign on to a meeting several minutes early to be available to chat with others. “Try to find commonalities and interests through small conversations, which can open up so much more than you could imagine. Making these connections can lead to authentic partnerships and friendships, which will make your work relationships stronger.”

Finally, Taylor believes that, just as in a physical workspace, remote workers need to respect coworkers’ time and personal circumstances. “Be respectful of others and their availability—someone may need to sign off to drive children to daycare, for example. Other responsibilities are a part of life. Being there for one another is so important.”

Taylor concludes with this advice: “Finding common ground with coworkers can bring you to a place of authentic dialog and trust. Having social bonds is so important to having a good work relationship and getting work done. If you know how someone communicates, you’re less likely to take anything personally. Without those organic relationships, I don’t think working remotely would work. A lot of the friendships I’ve made have made my work day easier—and a lot more fun.

At Queen Consulting Group, our expert Technical Recruiters are available to help find the right role for you and prepare you for your first day.

Contact us today to get started!