A casual online catchup is an informal meeting with team members conducted via an online platform. Video conferencing is often the most effective medium for these catchups, offering a simple yet impactful way to connect.
As we near the end of the pandemic, it’s clear that the world is gradually shifting back to a sense of normalcy. While the threat of COVID-19 still lingers, recent developments and safety precautions have significantly reduced its impact compared to two years ago.
However, the changes the pandemic has wrought are proving to be lasting, particularly in the realm of work. The rise of remote and hybrid work models is becoming a defining feature of this new era, and with it comes new challenges for businesses to navigate.
One of the most pressing challenges we’ve faced during this time is maintaining regular communication with our teams. Although video conferencing has provided some respite, the lack of casual interaction among employees has become apparent.
Considering that communication is the bedrock of a successful team, leaders have struggled to keep connections strong and cohesive. Online meetings have indeed allowed us to reconnect with our colleagues and nurture the team spirit we all need, but obligatory meetings focused solely on business discussions are no longer sufficient.
As remote workers, many miss the casual conversations that were part of the office culture. The spontaneous chats with a colleague over a coffee break, or the lighthearted banter during lunch, have been replaced by scheduled calls and virtual meetings. This shift has undoubtedly taken a toll on workplace relationships, creating a gap that needs to be filled.
So how can businesses effectively tackle this issue and find a solution that aligns with the remote working landscape? In this article, we will explore a new socializing mechanism: casual online catchups. We will discuss how these informal gatherings can enhance teamwork and communication for remote workers, ultimately leading to a more connected and productive workforce.
What is a Casual Online Catchup?
It’s just as the name suggests, a casual online catchup with your team members through an online medium. Video conferencing seems to be the most optimum option for this purpose as it’s simple but effective.
What makes these catch-ups casual is discussing anything but business with your co-workers. Since it’s no longer possible for remote working teams to casually get together and have a fun chit-chat in the office with their team members, casual online catch-ups are necessary to fill this hole.
The time when the catchup is held or how long it takes shouldn’t be defined on strict terms. Sure, there has to be planning made beforehand to fit with people’s schedules but other than that it should be a process left to its natural flow.
Learn about your team members’ lives, ask them how they spend a day, what are their short-term plans for their life, what movie they saw last or just talk about the daily matters. Establishing a communication channel with your team members in addition to the regular job-related one can help both parties to learn about their colleagues.
How Can Casual Online Catchup Help?
There’s no need to discuss whether communicating with your teammates is beneficial or not, but it’s important to understand how it can help your business go further.
1. Casual Online Catchup Improves the Trust
In its simplest sense, learning about each other helps team members to build trust between them. It doesn’t have to be your deepest secrets that you need to share to form a trusting relationship; even talking about your day, your interests, or your daily problems can help you to understand each other more.
2. Casual Online Catchup Nurtures the Team Spirit
Most of the time, teams are founded based on people’s talent and dedication and it’s usually disregarded whether these people can get along or not. Casual catch-ups can be the ultimate tool to understand that.
As people start to learn about each other more, they develop a sense of familiarity with each other which is essential to build a team spirit among members. Team spirit heavily rides on the open communication between its members and casual catch-ups can fulfill this role properly.
3. Casual Online Catchup Furthers the Sense of Belonging
It’s already difficult to make remote workers feel belong to the company since they don’t spend their time in an office. But there are ways to ensure it even under remote working conditions.
With casual catch-ups, as people spend more time together, team members will start developing personal relationships with their company aside from their job-related ones. People care about the people they work together with and whether they can get along with them or have a friendship with them can increase their sense of belonging towards the company.
Therefore, by organizing casual catch-ups with your team members, you can help them to feel more belonging to your business.
The Practicalities of Implementing Casual Online Catchups
Now that we understand the benefits, let’s discuss how to implement casual online catchups effectively:
- Set a Regular Schedule: While casual catchups should be flexible, having a regular schedule can help establish a routine. Consider weekly or biweekly sessions that employees can look forward to.
- Create a Welcoming Atmosphere: The goal is to foster a relaxed environment where employees feel comfortable sharing. Encourage lighthearted conversation and ensure that everyone has an opportunity to speak.
- Use Fun Icebreakers: Start each catchup with a fun icebreaker question or activity. This could be anything from sharing a favorite hobby to discussing the most unusual item in their home office.
- Encourage Participation: Remind employees that participation is voluntary and that the catchups are meant to be enjoyable, not another task to complete. This approach will help lower any resistance and increase engagement.
- Solicit Feedback: After a few sessions, ask for feedback on how to improve future catchups. Employees may have valuable insights on what topics they enjoy discussing or how to make the experience even more enjoyable.
Real-Life Examples of Successful Casual Online Catchups
Many companies have already begun implementing casual online catchups with impressive results. For example, a tech company initiated weekly virtual coffee breaks where employees could join a video call to chat about non-work-related topics. This simple practice led to increased employee engagement, enhanced relationships, and a notable reduction in feelings of isolation among remote workers.
Another example involves a marketing agency that introduced “virtual lunch dates,” where team members were randomly paired for a lunch hour chat. This initiative not only allowed employees to connect with colleagues they may not have interacted with regularly but also sparked new ideas and collaborations across departments.
Conclusion
In summary, the challenge of building communication with remote workers is significant, but it can be addressed effectively through casual online catchups. As businesses continue to adapt to the remote work model, these informal gatherings can serve as a powerful tool for fostering trust, nurturing team spirit, and enhancing the sense of belonging among employees.
Don’t let the lack of casual interactions hinder your team’s growth and cohesion. Embrace the opportunity to connect on a personal level with your colleagues through casual online catchups. These moments can lead to a more engaged, motivated, and productive workforce.
To facilitate your casual online catchups, consider using OctaMeet—a platform designed for seamless video conferencing that can help you cultivate stronger communication and relationships among your remote teams. Sign up free to OctaMeet today and take the first step toward building a better future for your company.
