How to build a strong camaraderie in the workplace

The FAST team at Holey Moley

Working remotely has become the modern-day norm, offering convenience and flexibility that many of us adore. But, in a surprising plot twist, industry giants like Zoom and CommBank are scaling back remote work options, ushering their employees back into the office at least twice a week.

That has left a lot of people unhappy, however, there’s evidence that suggests, coming back to the workplace can actually boost employee happiness!

The challenge of building strong relationships in a remote world.

Research from our Frontline Feel Good Index highlighted that having strong relationships with colleagues is a key component to employees thriving at work. However, remote work adds a layer of complexity to building these connections.

The casual chats over coffee, the impromptu brainstorming sessions, the occasional hilarious quip and the water cooler conversations that often lead to innovative ideas and strong connections are largely absent in a remote setting. For new starters especially, trying to connect when you only ever interact with teammates virtually is like trying to dance without music – awkward and confusing. The absence of face-to-face interactions can make it difficult to ask questions, seek guidance, and feel integrated into the team.

Here’s what we do to build a strong camaraderie at work.

In sync with many businesses, our head office team – known as the Franchise Agency Support Team (FAST) – is located in Sydney, while remote employees span Australia and New Zealand. What we’ve realised is that genuine bonding flourishes when we share physical office space. Some bonds among us have grown so strong that they’re inked as matching tattoos – an emblem of our camaraderie.

The FAST team celebrating the 4th of July

Our achievements, including being recognised as a Great Place to Work and Best Place to Work for Women two years in a row, recently being listed as one of ANZ’s top mid sized companies to work for, attest to our expertise in cultivating a vibrant workplace culture. Here’s what we do:

• Weekly shout outs: Our weekly newsletter shines a spotlight on our team. In a dedicated section, we celebrate each other’s achievements and give shout outs to acknowledge the impact of their efforts.
• Transparent communication: The weekly newsletter is also a gateway to introducing new faces to the network. We use it to foster discussion points, put names to faces, commemorate milestones, and share our victories.
• Office celebrations: Whether it’s a birthday, milestone, or achievement, we believe in celebrating it all. From the small triumphs to the major milestones, we make sure every success gets its moment. For significant milestones, we coordinate events that remote team members can join virtually.
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  The FAST Team at our 2022 AMPLIFY annual conference

  Friday catch-ups: Fridays come alive with our office-based team members catching up. This laid-back session lets us chat about the week, upcoming weekend plans, and a peek into our personal lives. It’s an excellent avenue for deeper connections.

• Quarterly strategy days: Every quarter, our team across ANZ unite at our head office for strategy and bonding days. Discussions revolve around our greatest wins, future plans, and strategic direction. Beyond the boardroom, shared experiences like a visit to Holey Moley mini golf followed by dinner strengthen our bonds.
• Rethinking flexibility: Flexibility takes a unique shape for us. While working from home has its merits, we believe everyone being in the office on set days is crucial to maintaining our connections. But, true flexibility encompasses the freedom to attend crucial appointments, be present for children’s school activities, and manage personal commitments while aligning with career aspirations.
• Cultivating purpose: Our research emphasises the role of a positive workplace culture in attracting and retaining talent. Our focus goes beyond job proficiency. We aim to instil a sense of purpose and growth in each team member.

One thing remains certain: the value of strong relationships at work cannot be underestimated.

While remote work has its merits, it may be harder to create these bonds with colleagues. Ensuring companies have what Michael McQueen calls an intentional connection strategy, where everyone gets together for team bonding activities at least once a quarter will help maintain these relationships.

Remember that the bonds you and your team build and nurture in the office are the ones that will ultimately enrich your work life.

To get a better understanding of what’s making people happy in the workplace, download our Feel Good Index. It’s a 40+ page report packed with incredible stats and insights into what energises our people.