By Colton Pifer, Livestock Audit Specialist
Building a team and fostering a positive workplace environment is difficult but doing so in a virtual setting can seem near impossible. Technology enables many possibilities for team building and communication but often diminishes the value of conversation. Food Safety Net Services Certification and Audit (FSNS C&A) is an entirely remote company with employees scattered throughout the country. We strive to build the same team environment found at many in-person and hybrid workplaces in our remote work setting. A team environment is invaluable for auditors as it helps bring many different backgrounds and experiences together to train and produce the best auditors possible.
Working towards a team environment involves open communication, building relationships, and going the extra mile. Building a team environment starts from day one for a new employee. New auditors shadow experienced auditors extensively when they begin working at FSNS C&A. This in-person interaction gives new employees tangible experiences that virtual training and education cannot. Building a relationship with their fellow auditor creates a connection in the virtual workplace and provides the opportunity for communication with other co-workers. Communicating in the virtual world can be intimidating; email and instant messaging are great for initial contacts but video calls resonate best to help acclimate new hires and add the human element often missed in other methods of communication.
In addition to acclimating new hires, special attention must be paid to the engagement of existing employees. Oftentimes technology and remote work make it easy for employees to be isolated or feel out of touch. Weekly or biweekly calls help include employees and catch up on personal and work-related matters at the same time. Video calls also provide the opportunity to resolve conflict, which, when managed, can be beneficial to understanding how co-workers think and provides the opportunity to debate issues within the workplace. Having the ability to discuss and debate issues helps employees feel understood. Bottling up frustration or trying to convey frustration via email or chat programs rarely results in a positive manner. Regularly scheduled calls also promote a commitment towards continued communication that is often neglected by other forms of communication.
Building a positive workplace environment in a virtual setting is a constant work in progress. FSNS C&A works to incorporate personal elements, establish clear communication and acclimate new employees to successfully build our virtual team and provide the best services to our customers.
