The way a team works together isn’t bound by cubicles and office walls. And with remote work here to stay, it’s important for HR leaders to treat company culture just as importantly, even if the team is miles apart. But that’s easier said than done, right?

The first step is to level the playing field. Everyone has a different understanding of what encompasses a positive remote work culture. We define it as:

An inclusive space where cross-cultural awareness is accepted, encouraged and promoted.

In other words, a team where each individual is valued for their unique experiences that benefit the whole’s success.

As you can see from this Trends graph, “Remote Work Culture” has been a popular internet search for the past 5 years.

And it makes sense! It’s hard to personally connect over computer screens. So let’s discuss how to improve your team’s remote work culture.

Vocab Check:
What is cross cultural awareness or intercultural awareness?

The ability to recognize, understand and appreciate the differences and similarities between various cultures.

Examples of Inclusive Workplace Benefits

Although your team is remote, there are plenty of inclusive workplace benefits to offer. Studies show that inclusivity improves hiring numbers and employee retention. Plus, it makes people happy – who wouldn’t want that? As you build your culture strategy, consider including these benefits.

Flexible Work Arrangements: Offering flexible work hours, remote work options, and compressed workweeks.

Example: Offer flex days and allow employees to choose when to apply that time off.

Parental and Caregiver Support: Paid parental leave for all genders, child care assistance, and support for employees caring for elderly family members.

Example: Research resources provided by insurance and make this information readily available for employees.

Mental Health Services: Comprehensive mental health coverage, including therapy and counseling, as well as virtual options.

Example: Educate on and encourage telehealth options by hosting an informational seminar.

Clear Code of Conduct: Detail your company’s standards for appropriate workplace behavior including examples of Dos and Don’ts for employee reference. Include this document in new hire training to establish

Example: Google’s Code of Conduct is easy to understand and provides examples.

Disability Accommodations: Ensuring accessibility in the workplace, providing assistive technologies and accommodating individual needs.

Example: Offer tools like screen readers and voice-to-text technology.

Language and Cultural Support: Language assistance programs, translation services and cultural competency training.

Example: Offer language support tools like these Chrome extensions.

Financial Wellness: Offering financial education, planning tools and assistance to navigate personal financial challenges.

Example: Host virtual financial workshops with a real advisor.

Religious Accommodations: Providing options for flexible scheduling or time off to observe religious holidays and practices.

Example: Include holidays in the company calendar just as Christian holidays are already included.

LGBTQ+ Support: Inclusive benefits include same-sex partner benefits, LGBTQ+ resource groups, and sensitivity training.

Example: Take inspiration from resources like this LGBTQ+ toolkit.

Safe Feedback Channel(s): Establish reporting mechanisms that allow anonymous feedback and set regular 1-on-1s with employees.

Example: Offer employee engagement tools like these popular ones.

Professional Development and Mentorship: Establishing mentorship programs and leadership development opportunities for underrepresented groups.

Example: If this can’t be accomplished in-house, offer outside virtual mentorship programs such as these.

Health and Wellness Programs: Offering diverse wellness initiatives, such as yoga, mindfulness, and health challenges.

Example: Send monthly wellness emails with healthy meals, easy exercises and mindfulness tips that employees can use while working.

By even considering how to develop cultural competence in the workplace, you’re miles ahead of other companies. Creating and sustaining an ethical workplace culture takes work, but the rewards – employee satisfaction, retention and performance are well worth the effort.

Start Your DEI Journey Today

Everyone is accountable for diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Luckily, there are training programs to support your journey. CT3 makes positive workplace behavior possible. With engaging and accessible modules, teams who use CT3 focus on active learning, not passive attendance. CT3 is transformation through training. Take the first step for your team today.

‍