As companies shifted to a virtual workplace due to COVID-19, many quickly recognized challenges in their digital wellness. Digital wellness has two prongs that directly impact employers and employees alike: (1) maintaining an effective culture in a remote workplace, and (2) leveraging the IT and HR departments to streamline business efficiencies. Here are some ways employers can boost their digital wellness in the virtual workplace.

Maintaining Company Culture in Remote Workplace

Some of the top challenges of working remote, include:

• Social isolation, communication
• Distractions, time and project management
• Supporting employees, inability to disconnect

Tips for boosting company culture in remote work

• Conduct daily check-ins with your employees. These check-ins can address both personal and professional challenges your employees may face and how you – as the employer – can assist in alleviating those stressors.
• Acknowledge jobs well done and encourage breaks. It can be easy for employees to be consumed in their projects while working from the comfort of their home. Make sure your employees are taking regular breaks to refresh, eat and stay hydrated, and disconnecting outside of work hours. Promoting jobs well done can help increase employee morale and create a positive remote working environment.
• Invest in the tools and resources. The best way to support employees in a remote workplace is to ensure they have the adequate tools and resources available. These should include cybersecurity,

Bridging IT and HR

HR is typically the leader for employee experience than the role of IT (35% vs 17% respectively). However, HR and IT overlap in many regards to creating a more cohesive, effective remote workplace but fail to do so due to lack of mutual understanding and common objectives.

For example, employees utilize technology for different aspects of their roles. A new employee may be more engaged after receiving a digital “welcome” through an employee portal, with access to mobile-friendly apps, information, benefits, and remote onboarding. Whereas current employees may require access to necessary information, remote work capabilities, and ease of use of technology. Both require IT’s assistance for resolving technological issues, providing feedback on overall functionality, and the general impact of employee experience. Only 30% of HR teams at reputable companies provide IT relevant information and feedback on the employee experience with technology.[1]

One way to resolve the disconnect between IT and HR to boost digital wellness is to invest in a cloud infrastructure. The cloud simplifies IT operations and streamlines technology implementation. Additionally, businesses should hire and retain experts with knowledge in both HR and IT for a deeper understanding of current HR and technology available that could benefit their employees’ experiences.  

For more information on the latest digital technology, cloud platforms, or digital best practices, please contact VensureHR. Our HR and IT departments collaborate to find the best possible solution for both employees and clients.

Source: Remote.co

[1] Search Enterprise Desktop