Coffee with a Recruiter Feat. Karli Larson – Mastering Engagement for Remote Employees

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Karli Larson is Blue Signal’s own employee engagement guru. As our Director of People and Culture, Karli helps BSS keep our own workforce engaged – with nearly 40 remote employees nationwide! Her initiatives have resulted in marked improvement in engagement as well as overall employee satisfaction. Karli’s expertise can easily be applied to any remote workforce. Watch her segment and read on to hear about some of her best practices!  

“Whether your workforce was remote before the pandemic, they were forced to go remote, or they transitioned to remote indefinitely as a result of the pandemic, you may be wondering – how do I keep everyone engaged? Virtual happy hours have lost their luster and there is no longer an opportunity to connect by the water cooler or coffee machine, so what keeps people connected when they’re working remotely?” 

 

Can Remote Employees be Fully Engaged?  

“YES! And it doesn’t cost you a lot of money or time spent sipping White Claw at 4 o’clock in the afternoon in front of your computer screen. Recent studies have shown that remote employees who get regular feedback are the most engaged out of any other group, including in-person employees! They have the autonomy of working how and where they want to and they get meaningful feedback, creating optimal engagement.” 

 

What Exactly do Remote Employees Need to be Engaged? 

“Connection is the name of the game here. My top three suggestions for getting people engaged are: 

#1 - Connection with their manager.  

Employees want to know how they are performing and that someone cares about their success and well-being. This comes from regular one-on-ones. These one-on-ones can be every week, biweekly, or monthly depending on the needs of the employee, but they should be scheduled and there should definitely be an agenda. Gallup did a study that found that managers account for a 70% variance in employee engagement. So, no pressure managers, but you influence how your team feels about their job and the company. 

#2 - Connection to their peers.  

Human beings have an inherent desire to belong to a group. This sense of belonging helps them appreciate their work and not feel like they are going at it alone. Having regular team meetings creates a culture of shared values and open communication. Team meetings should focus on team goals that everyone’s striving for. They should also celebrate people's wins and offer assistance when people are dealing with work related hurdles. 

#3 - Connection to the company.  

Being connected to the company can look different for many people, but it starts before the  offer is ever made. Maybe they align with your mission and values, they feel connected to the philanthropic endeavors of the company, or they’re just really excited about the company culture that they’re seeing online. Most of the time there is an attraction to your company, and you should find out what it is. During an interview, simply asking, “what drew you to our company?” will not only tell you about the level of research they did about your company, but it will also let you know what’s important to them.” 

 

So Remote Employees Don’t Want Virtual Happy Hours?  

“People want connection! So, after there has been a meaningful connection – i.e., the three things we just went over – find ways to bring people together. This may be mentorship programs, special groups, or even the occasional happy hour with games to learn about each other.” 

 

Why is this Important? 

“When you have high employee engagement, you have productive employees and better overall results – and that’s a win-win!” 

 

Key Takeaways for Ensuring Engagement with your Remote Employees 

When examining your engagement level among remote employees, it can be easy to miss some of the details. For instance, does your online presence align with your company’s values and goals? As a remote employer, how do you highlight your culture to job seekers? It’s important to make sure that your content represented both internally and externally to the worldwide web audience reflects the reasons why employees were excited to work for you to begin with. Make the mission of your remote engagement initiatives clear to everyone who sees your content. This way, you’ll attract candidates whose needs you are ready and able to meet. Furthermore, you’ll improve your retention by making those working for you today feel part of the bigger picture.  

Karli covers several main points within her segment. Namely, that the tools to ensure engagement within your remote employees are simple, and free! With a good set of company values, the right communication, and dedicated leadership, remote employees will thrive when given the opportunity to connect. 

Karli Larson
Karli Larson

Karli Larson

SR. MANAGER OF PEOPLE & CULTURE

Karli’s path to HR came from her two passions, people and service. She believes that HR is one of the single most human-based roles out there. By supporting the internal culture for the humans of Blue Signal, she is in turn helping humans from all industries succeed in their chosen careers!

 

How 5G Will Revolutionize the Way You Do Business

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By now you’ve probably caught the buzz about this thing called 5G that’s coming to change the world… but what is it really? And what will it mean for your business once it’s here? 5G is the 5th generation mobile network and the new global wireless standard. 5G wireless technology is meant to deliver higher multi-Gbps data speeds, much lower latency, massive network capacity, increased availability, and a more uniform user experience to more users across the globe. Simply put, it’ll make your mobile connectivity faster and more reliable. This technology is a huge breakthrough in wireless tech and some industry insiders have gone so far as to say that the 5G network will be as revolutionary as the printing press, the automobile, and electricity. So the question is, have you thought about how your business will change? In this blog, we’re hitting on all the key features of 5G that will revolutionize the way you do business and how to utilize them most effectively.

Ability to Work From Anywhere

With the recent pandemic and the majority of the nation’s workforce working from home, the capability to connect wirelessly, from any location is more necessary than ever. 5G enables just that; making being chained to an Ethernet cable or within range of a Wi-Fi hotspot a thing of the past. With the power of 5G, users will be able to connect to high-speed connections from just about anywhere. Yes, anywhere. A recent study shows 62% of employees work remotely at least part-time and this number only continues to rise as more employers continue to enforce health and safety precautions. With the abilities of 5G, businesses will be able to allow even more flexibility to their employees when it comes to working locations. In turn, this creates a larger candidate pool as geographical location ceases to be a qualifier for employees. This ease of accessibility is sure to increase morale and create a more relaxed workforce.

Seamless Functionality

With 5G, not only will the connection be vastly available but the functionality will be seamless. Through its fluid capabilities, 5G allows not just remote work but virtual work. The difference? Users will be able to access data, communicate with co-workers, collaborate on projects just as seamlessly as if they were physically in the same room. Remote workers will no longer be held back by needing access to large amounts of data, or a brainstorming session interrupted by poor video connection and lag. Further, with the increased capability, running more advanced technology becomes a breeze. Businesses will be able to access and implement virtual reality, augmented reality, and AI technology into their typical work routines creating a more connected and technologically advanced environment.

5G to Increase Productivity Poll

Increased Productivity

The entire workforce is buzzing in anticipation of the impact 5G will have on the way we function. 91% of US organizations and 88% of small to mid-sized enterprises agree that 5G will increase productivity. As mentioned earlier, lagging connections and download speeds can really disrupt remote and in-office employees’ workflow and attention span. Significantly faster data speeds mean far lower latency while waiting for a file to load, a meeting to start, attachments to download, etc. A big contributor to slow or glitchy connections is an influx of users in a centralized area. 5G allows for up to a million devices per square kilometer, making high-speed connections seamless even in extremely high traffic areas. There is an overwhelming amount of both large and small impacts that will contribute to maximized productivity from every angle. Even something as small as improved energy efficiency will result in prolonged battery life on devices, eliminating time searching for a lost charger or an outlet in a crowded coffee shop.

Improve Company Communication & Culture

Especially in the current state of the world, having a strong company culture is more important than ever to keep employees engaged. Human connection and interaction is key to keeping a positive mindset throughout the office and even more so for employees working at home. Companies are hiring more remote employees, expanding across the country and even the globe. While this leverages several benefits, it also can create some challenges in developing an inclusive company culture and connected dynamic. All of the capabilities 5G will introduce into your business play a role in how you’ll connect and interact internally, no matter your organization’s geographical location. Trust us, boring conference calls will be a thing of the past as the potential of 5G innovations expand to holographic calling, enabling users to view 3D presentations with or without glasses, and interactive meetings utilizing AI technology. Why would you choose to use small chat boxes on computer screens when augmented and virtual reality connectivity will run seamlessly?

It’s clear to see that the power and innovation 5G is bringing will revolutionize the way people do business in a big way. Here at Blue Signal, we plan to utilize many of these advancements in multiple aspects of our business. One area we are excited to embrace is the ability to further empower our remote employees’ flexibility in where and how they work. Blue Signal has a long history of leveraging a geographically diverse team as we’ve had recruiters working from all over the country since our inception. The ability to further advance the way we communicate and engage with each other internally will be a huge initiative in the coming year as we look forward to continuing to nurture our tight-knit company culture. Additionally, the connectivity and seamless functionality of 5G will allow us to better serve our clients and candidates. As the recruiting industry continues to grow, we continue to stay committed to rising above the norm by utilizing the most effective resources, technology, and processes available to us. Reach out to one of our recruiters today to talk about what 5G advancements mean for your workforce and how you can capture these benefits.

Leveraging COVID in an Interview to Gain Insight into Company Culture

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The Coronavirus pandemic has caused unmeasurable hardships on people and businesses worldwide, yet unwittingly brought about some of the greatest innovation and adaptation we will ever see in our lifetime. Companies all over the world have reimagined their customer experience, relocated their workforce, and deployed incredible technologies that have prioritized safety and security in spite of the virus. Considering all of this, leaders everywhere are asking the same question, “what comes next?” What was once considered a quick fix to a pressing problem might be the new norm - whether that be working from home, or re-emphasizing e-commerce in the marketplace. 

This changes a lot in the way of the workforce. As many look for new jobs post-pandemic, it’s important that we rethink the traditional interview philosophy that the company is only vetting you, and not the other way around. As a candidate that brings a lot to the table, make sure you are asking the right questions to ensure this company is the place for you. With COVID as a good benchmark for how a business values the security and safety of its employees, utilize the following questions to gain the best insight into the true culture of a company. 

Leveraging COVID in an Interview Infographic

The Ones They Prepared For 

Being top of mind, hiring managers and interviewers by now must have mastered their post-COVID-19 game plan. Most of their work for the past several months has revolved around how they will handle remote onboarding, work from home policies, and the benchmarks they seek to achieve with this new business model. Consider asking these questions to get a sense of how they are looking to manage these challenges: 

 

Can you tell me about your work-from-home policies? 

  • This is a pretty basic question. If they plan on having you work remote, you will want to know what your schedule will be like, what hardware they might provide for you to complete your work, and what communicating with your team will look like. Set these expectations early! Better yet, ask if these are outlined in the employee handbook and request a copy to review. 

 

What will remote training look like for this role? 

  • Assuming you will be working from home for the foreseeable future, you probably will not go through their traditional training program. As an organization, they will have a good idea of how they will onboard you into your role. Recall how you learn best and try to advocate for yourself here. If you learn best at your own pace, you might want to look for a company with a preset online training module that you can work through. Or, if you work better by bouncing ideas off someone, look for an employee shadowing training opportunity. 

 

How are you working to ensure the success of new hires in light of COVID? 

  • Try not to think of this as a philosophical question. You don’t want to work for a company that just “gives you tools and hopes for the best” - you want to work for a company that has a support system ready to go and has goals in mind for what they want this role to achieve for them. Ask what success looks like in this remote role, and how the training is set up to ensure you get there. 

 

What is the timetable for the company returning to the office, if at all?

  • Make sure you know what you’re getting into. Ask if the end goal is to have this role working back in their brick and mortar headquarters, or if they see this position being permanently remote. Note which workplace style you prefer, and make your decision based on what the position will offer you long-term. 

 

Covering the Logistics 

Businesses have had to pivot to reshape their safety and time off blueprints, especially in essential industries and in-person positions. Before committing to a role, you will need to know how the company has outlined rules and regulations to keep you healthy and employed. We suggest asking these questions NOT in the initial interview, but maybe in the second or third interview when you are anticipating a job offer. Just like asking about compensation and perks in your initial introduction, asking about sick leave and related policies can sometimes give off the wrong impression. Be strategic with when and how you ask the following: 

What changes have you made to ensure employee safety post-COVID? 

  • Prior to the pandemic, they surely had PTO policies and safety protocols that were in place to meet mandated regulations, but with COVID-19 that all would have changed. You can cut past the standard items with this question and get right down to the updates. 

 

What is your sick leave policy? 

  • With COVID, some employers might have rethought their rules regarding doctor’s notes and other guidelines that qualify time off as sick leave. The laws regarding what is required by businesses differ by state. Know your state’s laws before going into your interview by checking here. 

 

If I get sick and have to quarantine, what happens? 

  • It’s important to set expectations ahead of time in these situations. Remember, if you’re not going to be working in a remote capacity, the regulations they have set for this role are the same regulations set for your coworkers after they fall ill. Make sure that whatever their policy, it is something you are comfortable with. 

 

What happens if I need to take care of a sick, dependent family member, like a child or elderly parent? 

  • Hopefully this is never a situation you will have to navigate, but in that instance, it’s good to know where you stand with your employer. Let them know your responsibilities outside the workplace to best gauge if this is the type of work environment that meshes well with other aspects of your life, too. 

 

Uncovering the True Company Culture 

Unfortunately, it’s all too common that you enter a job interview and are promised the moon and stars in a new role. With some interviews giving an impression of glitz and glam, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a prospective new opportunity and miss some red flags. The Coronavirus pandemic has given prospective employees a unique opportunity to ask companies acceptable - but telling - questions about a role. Use the following questions to get some insight into a business’s actual priorities and overall culture: 

What did you learn from the COVID crisis - as a leader, and as a business? 

  • Try not to lead this question to employees, revenue, production, or anything else. Ask it plainly and then wait to hear what they say. Without giving context, this will give you a realistic view into what is top-of-mind for this particular manager in that particular department. Depending on the direction they go, you can get some major insight into how they prioritize their employees by either mentioning their teams or - even more telling - by not mentioning their team at all. 

 

In what ways have the strategic priorities of the company shifted? How does this role support the achievement of these new goals? 

  • This is a great question to get a sense of the direction the company has shifted. Maybe they expanded their service offerings to gain better footing in new industries or doubled down on their current target markets. Whatever the case, it’s beneficial to know how this particular position plays into their long-term strategy to better understand what is expected of you if you were to land the job. 

 

When it comes to leading hybrid teams (remote and in-person workers), what is your management style? 

  • As mentioned before, it’s pertinent to look for what it is you need to succeed. Maybe this manager is super hands-off with their remote workforce, but deep down you know that you need more structure in your role to stay on task. In which case, you might prefer the other role with a manager that schedules end of day check-ins with their team. 

 

How has your company worked to maintain company culture with a remote workforce? 

  • As part of the appeal of this candidate-driven job market, you should know what kind of team environment you are stepping into. Maybe you need a competitive space to outperform your peers in sales, or maybe you need a lot of camaraderie to feel fulfilled in your role. If this is your first remote role, and you thrive in an immersive company culture, seek that out. Talk to the interviewer about things they have done to maintain that togetherness despite physical distance. 

 

Have you had to lay off employees due to the pandemic? If so, how did you help them transition to new roles? 

  • Tread lightly with this question! If you feel like this new position could be a risky move, this question could help you investigate its job security further. Of course, the interviewer probably won’t talk about any less than agreeable terminations, but watching their body language and hearing their take can give a valuable perspective. 

 

How has your company supported its community during the pandemic? 

  • If social responsibility marks high on your list of things you want in a future employer, this question can help you discern a company’s sentiments. There could be situations where they did their best by just keeping their heads above water after the market crashed. In this case, you could add value to your candidacy for the role by discussing ideas on cost-effective ways for the company to give back. 

 

Certain questions asked in particular ways can uncover answers that aren’t explicitly stated on career pages or in job descriptions. With the Coronavirus, candidates have been given a whole new arsenal of inquiry that is founded in safety and concern, yet reveals much more in terms of company culture and priorities surrounding employees in a workplace. Interviewers will unintentionally tell you a lot more there is to know about a company and a role than intended if you know what to look out for. Use this to your advantage! Find a company that fulfills all that you require from an employer - from protective safety measures to ethics and values that are on par with your needs. 

Interviews can feel like a very strategic song and dance. And in a way, they are! There is a certain etiquette that needs to be maintained to give off your best impression, but that doesn’t mean you can’t gain beneficial insight from them to help your decision-making before accepting a role. Use these tips and questions carefully, and they will help you uncover some truths about a company and how they will take care of you as an employee. For more tips and tricks on getting the most out of your interviews, download our comprehensive guide.