You’ve just set up your Katmai virtual office. What’s the first thing you do? Start by identifying a few core users – maybe the group you have a standup with on Tuesday – and add them to your space. Then have that standup in your new office on Tuesday!
But when the meeting wraps, don’t exit as you would from a video call. Instead, have everyone disperse into the office and stay for an hour. Take note of the conversations that occur when you’re walking out of that standup. Keep an eye out for the effect of being together in a place, again.
Try that for your next few standups and see how it evolves. That’s how we started at Katmai, and how many of our users started. Ultimately, it led to the establishment of what we call “Office Hours.”
OFFICE HOURS 101
Office hours are designated times during which all team members are encouraged to be present in the virtual office. Similar to traditional office settings, these hours offer a structured opportunity for spontaneous conversations, brainstorming sessions, and social interactions that are integral to a thriving workplace. This initiative aims to bridge the gaps that can arise between team members working remotely, ensuring that everyone is accessible and engaged.
Office Hours are important because they:
Encourage real-time collaboration. Our virtual office mimics real-life interactions, allowing team members to collaborate instantly. Setting office hours means that when someone has a question or a new idea, they can easily find others to discuss it without the need for pre-scheduled meetings or asynchronous communication delays.
Foster social connections. In a remote environment, it can be challenging to form and maintain relationships with colleagues. Office hours create a dedicated time for casual conversations, coffee breaks, and reflection, similar to what might occur in a physical office. These interactions enhance camaraderie.
Increase availability. During these designated hours, everyone can focus on being available for their colleagues. This structured approach reduces the chaotic nature of trying to connect with colleagues at varying times throughout the day, creating a dependable routine of interaction.
Boost motivation and morale. Regular office hours instill a sense of normalcy and togetherness within the team. When employees know that their colleagues are present and available at specific times, it can elevate motivation, accountability, and overall morale.
HOW TO IMPLEMENT OFFICE HOURS IN KATMAI
1. Set a schedule. We recommend that office hours be established at regular times each for consistency. This could be a couple of hours at the beginning of each day or a specific afternoon each week, depending on team preferences.
2. Communicate clearly. Use the virtual office to broadcast the office hours schedule. Short announcements, calendar blocks, etc. - whatever works to keep everyone informed and aligned.
3. Encourage participation. While the office hours are open to all, it's essential to highlight the importance of attendance. Creating a culture where everyone values these hours will help in achieving the desired connectivity.
4. Create social activities. To make office hours more engaging, consider incorporating light activities or games that promote interaction. This could range from quick team-building exercises to virtual 'water cooler' chats.
5. Solicit feedback. After a few weeks of implementing office hours, gather feedback from team members. This will help in refining the approach and making any necessary adjustments to improve effectiveness.
In a Katmai virtual office, office hours are not just a formality; they are a vital part of building a cohesive and productive team. By setting aside time for spontaneous interactions and social connectivity, we enhance our culture of collaboration and make every team member feel included and engaged.
See you during office hours! (Except for those of you who want to learn more about Katmai – you folks should keep reading!)
A PLACE FOR REMOTE TEAMS
Remote work is our new normal. A fantastic reality for most of us as it has removed expensive office real estate – and exhausting, time-consuming commutes – from our lives. There is a problem that comes with this newfound freedom, however: Because we’re not together in a shared space, true team collaboration and interpersonal connectivity are significantly harder marks to hit.
We built the virtual office to solve this very problem. The VO is not a traditional video conferencing platform. It is not a flat grid of video feeds. Katmai’s VO is a place.
Until we created it, a place like Katmai did not exist, so it needs to be explained. The best way to understand its power is to experience it first hand: Get yourself a virtual space, invite friends or team members to join you there, and have at it. CLICK HERE, it’s FREE to try for you and your entire crew.
What you will see and feel will be much more powerful than any verbal or written description can provide. And you will have fun! But if you are a fan of words, here are several more: Katmai provides a 3D metaverse-like experience that simulates the feel of a traditional office while offering the flexibility of remote work.