"Understanding that the work on the desk was important, but the person on the other side was paramount."
Company Culture Matters
We have all been thrown into the remote work universe due to COVID19. Regardless of the size of the company, many are navigating how to implement such a framework for their teams. And what most have realized is that going remote can be a tremendous boost to productivity as many reports suggest. Part of this is due to the blurring of the work day with the "home" life. During the past 4 months, how many of us have found ourselves actually working more? Personally, I often found myself in the early months of the pandemic working longer hours in addition to my newfound roles as the occasional "personal chef" and "school teacher".This is where the newfound productivity from remote work can potentially become short-lived, burn-out can creep in, and team members can begin to feel disconnected.
In this digitally remote world, there has to be a strong supportive culture that binds and connects the team together in order for the productivity to remain sustainable.
Relationships Matter
I recently had this realization that I have been trained in remote work for decades. During my years working with the KPMG Los Angeles office we were hardly ever in the office. Often we were traveling to and from various client offices and engagements. Further, as large and global of a firm KPMG stretches, I can attest to the fact that the KPMG LA leadership team has always cultivated a strong sense of belonging while stressing the fact that relationships matter.
I often find myself trying to recall or pinpoint specific examples of KPMG's culture as we continue to grow our Anchored Team. I remember countless team meals, long hours, and travel. There is definitely something tangibly binding that comes with sharing a meal or traveling with someone. Maybe it was the culture of family that was infused throughout the entire office via corny programs like "Espirit de Corp" or sending us Omaha Steaks to our homes like they were "college care-packages".
More importantly, I always felt a sense of focus on relationships between colleagues and with clients.
Understanding that the work on the desk was important, but the person on the other side was paramount.
These are lessons that we absolutely strive to emulate and build upon with our Anchored team members based in Los Angeles and in the Philippines. Our culture focuses on developing a unifying bond that fosters collaboration and the realization that we are all called to support each other in partnership. Further, being "Anchored" to these core values allows us to unleash the productivity gains that come from remote work for our clients in a sustainable way.
Lastly, I can also attest that our Anchored team members probably think I'm corny too.
Written By
MICHAEL SUDJATI
CEO & Managing Partner of Anchored Global Office. Co-Founder of Grace Living.
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