How to Build Strong Relationships in a Virtual World as a HR Professional

Building relationships within your team as a HR professional can be very challenging, especially with the rise of remote working. It can be difficult for colleagues to build strong relationships when they might rarely, if ever, meet in person. Missing out on casual interactions and conversations as well as non-verbal cues can lead to misunderstandings and a feeling of isolation.

Creating a sense of connection in a virtual environment requires a deliberate effort. Here we’ll look at the importance of these relationships and some steps you can take to build them. 

Why Strong Relationships Matter Remotely:

Stronger bonds create teams which communicate more effectively, are more willing to share ideas, and are more creative and productive. Clear communication also reduces conflict - misunderstandings can quickly grow in a virtual setting without transparency. And when there are disagreements, a greater sense of empathy and understanding within a team make it easier to constructively work through them. 

When working virtually, it is easy to feel isolated. Strong relationships help every member of the team to feel valued and connected. As well as helping individual wellbeing, this also means as a whole employees are likely to be more motivated and more invested in the work they do.

Strategies for Building Strong Relationships Remotely:

• Clear Communication: Regularly check in with colleagues or employees via video calls, instant messages, or project management platforms. Be clear, concise, and transparent in your communication, and don't shy away from overcommunicating to avoid misunderstandings.
• Embrace Virtual Team Building: You could organise online social activities like coffee chats, game nights, or book clubs. Celebrate milestones virtually with team lunches or cheers over video calls. Utilise collaborative online tools that allow teams to work on projects together in real-time.
• Show Appreciation: Reach out to colleagues or employees to offer help and acknowledge their achievements, both publicly and privately. Take a moment to express gratitude for their contributions. These gestures go a long way in building a positive and supportive virtual work environment.
• Maintain a Human Touch: Whenever possible, turn on your video camera in meetings to add a personal touch. Show empathy and understanding for colleagues' situations, acknowledging the challenges of remote work. Let your personality shine through in your interactions – authenticity fosters trust and connection. Don’t be a faceless entity behind a screen. 

Building strong relationships takes effort, even in a physical office. Strong virtual relationships are not about replicating the environment in a physical office, they’re about building camaraderie that allows your team to work together effectively and achieve amazing things, no matter the distance.

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