Digital identity security firm Keyfactor gives ideas for promoting core values and culture while working remotely.
Working from home has become the new normal for many of us at the moment, and while we’re still settling into our new routines, businesses are trying to focus on productivity and connectivity – without forgetting about employee wellbeing.
Ohio-based digital identity management company Keyfactor, for example, has taken a number of steps to ensure its people are safe, healthy and connected.
Keyfactor HR and business operations director Mary Mathews said: “As I considered my role in the organisation, the biggest concern surrounding the crisis was our employees. I wondered, how are they feeling? Are they productive? Are they going to have increased stress levels?
“Our CEO, Jordan Rackie, and I realised a clearly communicated game plan was needed. The analysis led me to write our remote engagement initiatives.”
Mathews and her team at Keyfactor have shared the initiatives they’ve put in place to keep employee wellbeing and company culture as a top priority during this time.
Cross-functional lunches
Once a week, for 30 minutes to an hour, individuals from different departments at Keyfactor sign up and ‘meet’ via video conference during lunch.
Employees share what’s on their lunch menu and what they’re currently working on in their department. This aims to mirror the office lunchroom, where many cross-functional interactions usually take place.
Breakfast club Mondays
Every Monday morning, any of Keyfactor’s employees can join a video call. They’re encouraged to bring their favourite mug of tea or coffee and chat about how their weekend went.
According to Keyfactor, this is a great way to kick off the week with some interactive engagement that doesn’t rely on business talk.
Open mic Thursdays
Thursday afternoons at Keyfactor are set aside for a video call dedicated to casual conversation and bonding. Employees are encouraged to perform, whether it’s playing an instrument, singing or showcasing another talent.
The company referred to this as a fun way of helping staff to decompress at the end of the day and towards the end of the week.
Live working sessions
While working from home in separate locations, Keyfactor’s teams have the option of scheduling live working sessions for a few hours every day.
Using video conference calls, this mimics the typical workplace environment in which people are working in the same room or on the same floor.
It can help give people the chance to chat and interact with each other while they get their work done.
All-hands weekly check-ins
Keyfactor CEO Rackie uses another video call appointment to loop the whole company in on weekly developments.
It also gives employees the time and platform to ask questions about their evolving situation.
Virtual meditation classes
The company is also currently setting up weekly live virtual meditation classes in a bid to help employees take care of their health and wellbeing.
It said that it hopes to continue to offer additional resources for mental and physical health.
Emphasising the importance of initiatives for building and maintaining a good company culture, Mathews added: “The pandemic crisis we are facing is truly horrific and will leave a mark on our global economy and psyche for the foreseeable future.
“However, it has pushed us to continue to be innovative by turning challenges into solutions and ensuring that we continue to secure and support our employees and customers.”
