admin

Productivity is a tricky enough thing to foster in an office environment, so it is understandable that managing remote teams makes it significantly harder to achieve.

Thankfully, with the right tools and strategies in place, teams can be just as productive when working remotely as if they are on-premises, so here are just a few top tips for those in need of them.

1. Using a remote access server instead of a VPN

Employees will inevitably need to make use of files and data stored on business systems when working remotely, and for many organizations the default option is to give everyone a VPN account so they can use in-house systems remotely.

Read more – 10 tips to improve employee satisfaction

However, there are downsides to this, including the sluggish performance that use of a VPN will almost invariably introduce. Therefore it can be quicker and more productive to implement a remote access server from which mission-critical documents can be harnessed by individuals and teams. You can learn more here about remote file servers to understand why they have risen in popularity recently.

2. Avoiding an over-prescriptive approach to communications

With the rise in remote working, many businesses have got involved in a mad scramble to unify every aspect of their operations, including which platforms are used for employee communication.

While it may make sense in some areas to avoid fragmentation and to get everyone on the same page, this is not a workable solution in lots of organizations, in part because multigenerational teams are not at their most productive when everyone is being forced down the same narrow avenue.

Also Read – Virtual Water Cooler for remote teams in 2021 | Remote Working Made Fun

Instead, consider giving remote workers the freedom to pick and choose from the communications solutions with which they are most comfortable. That is not to say you should throw out the idea of having a centralized approach altogether, but rather that you should combine this with a willingness to allow a little leeway. So for those who prefer email to instant messaging, or phone calls to virtual meetings, you can be sensitive to their needs and also enhance their productivity as a result, rather than being draconian about the communications tools used.

3. Overcoming hardware bottlenecks

Expecting employees to work productively away from the office without equipping them with the gear that will let them do so is unfair in the modern era, so businesses should instead bear the responsibility of providing suitably powerful hardware for this purpose.

This will also allow you to overcome a few of the hiccups that are associated with BYOD culture, which is often adequate when it comes to personal smartphone use, but can be a sticking point in terms of worker-owned laptops and desktops.

In addition, by providing computer hardware to everyone in the team, you will be making it a level playing field, rather than leaving some members at a disadvantage simply because they have not upgraded their laptop in a while.

Suggested Read – Discover the hidden powers of flexible scheduling and its pros and cons in 2021

4. Setting targets

Improved productivity is often attainable only if you are willing to lay out a series of goals and also put in place a plan for how you and your team will go about achieving them.

This is especially true in a remote working context, where individuals may not have the same levels of motivation as they do in the office because they are isolated from their colleagues and potentially feel like they are under less scrutiny from their managers.

Break down goals on a daily level, as even having small but achievable milestones to hit when working remotely can be the difference between feeling disconnected from your role and actually becoming more engaged and interested.

admin

Employee resource groups are becoming a prevalent new age cultural initiative in many employee-friendly organizations. Want to know how to create one. Read on!

Employee resource groups

Companies have employee resource group programs to create support community groups within your firm. What is ERG? ERG or the employee support group is a group formed by employees who share some common characteristics.

ERGs offer support, boost career development, professional networking, and personality development in the organization. In this blog, we try to answer questions like the definition of erg, the purpose of an employee resource group.

Also Read: Distributed teams | A complete guide

What is an ERG?

Diverse and inclusion programs have become widespread are popular in the workplace. ERG has become more popular. What is an ERG? Employee resource groups are support-based groups that aim to help foster a diverse and inclusive workplace in the organization they serve. Employees who share traits like gender, ethnicity, religion, lifestyle, or interests.

What is an employee resource group?

The employee resource group is an employee identity or experience-based group in an organization that helps build community. Employee resource groups are also called affinity groups or diversity groups and offer professional and personal development.

Core organizers founded employees resources. The size of a group depends on the purpose of the group and the number of employees. Most ERGs are voluntary, but some companies offer paid time or other recognition like leadership opportunities.

What is a business resource group?

A business resource group or BRG is a voluntary, employee-based group that helps to encourage a diverse and inclusive workplace. These groups are formed based on interests, issues, and shared backgrounds.

You can form the group of employment around women, LGBTQ, people of color, people of disabilities, and veterans. Initially, employee resource groups form were an excellent forum for networking and support systems.

Currently, it is a group that supports brand image, improves productivity and retention. Experts believe employment resource groups will evolve into innovative groups to solve problems and present ideas.

Also Read: Virtual field trips | Critical items that you must know!

Purpose of employee resource groups

Every employee resource group is different. Smaller organizations may have an ERG, where colleagues interact socially. In larger organizations, employee resource groups have a more formal structure organizing regular events or providing support. ERGs can be beneficial, and the purposes of employee resource groups are,

1. Employees resource improves employee engagement

People crave connections. We find it tough to take out time for friends with our busy schedules. The problem has been compounded, by the rise of remote work. Employees resource groups help like-minded employees interact and bond. A social network at work where your employees have a purpose and goals improves employee engagement.

2. Employer resource management creates an inclusive environment

Having a diverse workforce is a goal of organizations. Employer resource management helps you achieve the goal by assisting in creating a safe and inclusive space. Your staff will get the opportunity to meet colleagues who have had similar experiences. It gives them a chance to highlight issues in your firm that can harm inclusivity.

3. Employee group helps professional development

Employee groups are a forum that allows your staff to develop skills. These can be leadership or mentorship opportunities or organize events. Employee resource groups encourage staff from different departments and various roles. They can get fresh perspectives and insights that can benefit the organization and their careers.

Also Read: Video conferencing etiquette | A how-to guide for everyone

How to set up employee resource groups?

Once you or your employees are convinced of the benefits of employee resource groups, your next question is how to set up an erg group. Where do I start? In the next section, we have outlined the steps you can take to begin a workplace resource group in your organization.

1. Align your workplace resource group to your company’s broader objectives

For ERGs to be successful, the aim of the group, ensure it is tied to the company’s overall goals. Does your company want to give back to the community? or Do you want to build a more diverse workforce?

Show how your workplace resource group will benefit your company. If you can demonstrate employee resource groups will benefit from your company, you will earn support from other departments.

2. Secure executive support for ERG resources

Executive support for your ERG is essential for continued success. To gain support you require the support of executives or sponsors who believe in diversity and inclusion. Top management officials are busy and result-oriented.

They may help you create metrics and present data to show the advantages of implementing ERG resources. Your HR department must back the ERG as they help explain the benefits of ERGs and share details of the ERGs with recruits during onboarding.

3. Build your Resource groups

Before building a resource group, draft a communication plan, goals, and potential. Identify and recruit colleagues with leadership roles who are willing to give time to the project. You need to identify other members who would like to be part of the group.

Clear communication is an integral part of employee resource group strategy. Start simple outlining goals, events, and ideas for participation. Involve marketing department to help. Equip the employee resource groups with material to generate buzz during company events.

Also Read: Online yoga classes | An ultimate read for best results

Top 5 employee resource groups best practices

Launching or building a program to capitalize on the values of a management employee group or affinity groups can be challenging. It takes organizational dedication, detailed planning, and strong-focused leadership to build successful employee resource groups within your company. Here are some of the top employee resource group best practices you can implement,

1. Create a mission statement for the group of employment

When people come together for any purpose, you need to create a mission statement and guidelines. The mission statement for a group of employment helps to align with the group purpose and the company’s business objectives.

After you define a mission statement, the employee resource group will be able to formulate a group. The goals are the foundations for the ERGs, business plan, and the guide the employee network groups. You can modify the goals periodically when required.

2. Establish guidelines for ERG employment

Establish guidelines for ERG employment based on the goals and mission statement. The employment resource groups should elaborate,

• The various chapters in the organization and how will they establish?
• Handling the finances and funding will be handled
• How will you hold the meetings?
• How will you select leaders?

3. Define leadership roles in employer resource council

Like any group, the employer resource council should select a capable leader who is driven and encourages members to participate in activities. To ensure top performs led your business networks to provide incentives or leadership roles in the employer resource council.

Organizations are recognizing the importance of employee resource groups, and they are appointing leaders based on capabilities.

4. Engage executive in ERG diversity program

Besides having strong leadership, ERG diversity programs need sponsors to define expectations from the program. Responsibilities of the sponsor include serving as a public advocacy group, influence other companies to lend their support, and exercise their influence as a catalyst for growth and as a connection to constant funding and impact. It is an opportunity to engage with the employees across the organization.

5. Track and measure the effectiveness of employee network groups

Like any other company initiative, you need to implement a matrix to measure and manage employee network groups. Your employee resource groups can have metrics like group membership, event attendance, participation, and budget. The HR department can formulate its metrics like recruiting event representation, retention rates, employee engagement levels, hiring rates, and promotion rates.

Also Read: How to work from home | A priceless list of tips to succeed

Top 10 types of employee resource groups

Employee resource groups have been around since the 1960s. Employee resource group company was started in Xerox by CEO Joseph Welson to create support groups for employees. Since then, the employment employer resource council has evolved with society, here are the top ten types of employee resource groups,

1. Professional development employee resource groups that drive business

Professional development employee resource groups allow employees from different departments and levels to meet to share knowledge. These networking sites provide mentorship to staff looking to improve their skills or expertise in a particular area. The group is excellent as employees learn new skills like leadership skills.

2. LGBT employee resource groups

LGBT employee resource groups are for employees who identify with the LGBT community. The group advocates equal rights for the LGBT community. They organize LGBT-recruiting events and awareness events and advocate equal employment opportunities along with sexual orientation and gender identity.

3. Employee groups for women

Employee groups for women provide support in the workplace, extra support. The group can help women find mentors to provide career guidance. The mentorship could be provided by an experienced employee or by a peer. The group helps to address gender-based concerns or any other concerns.

4. Diversity resources group

Diversity resource groups are employee resource groups for minorities in your organization. Minorities can be distinguished by race, religion, nationality, or any other characteristic that may make someone feel alienated. Diversity resource groups help employees from different backgrounds integrate and foster a greater sense of community.

5. Work resource for Veterans

Work resources for veterans are to provide support to employee veterans through shared experience, veteran recruitment, career development, outward engagement, professional growth, and retention. The objective of the employee resource group for veterans is that it works to harness the strengths of veterans and promote inclusion and diversity in the workforce.

Also Read: Trust remote teams | A comprehensive guide

6. ERG employee resource group for Affinity group

ERG employee resource group for affinity clubs is created for people with similar hobbies who want to socialize. Some common affinity clubs are trekking groups, book clubs, and wine clubs. Affinity groups help diverse groups with a common interest to meet and get to know each other.

7. Company employees as a group for people with disabilities

Company employees as a group for people with disabilities, aim to promote disability inclusion throughout the employment life cycle. Employee resource groups work with the HR department to improve recruitment, onboarding process, career development, and engagement opportunities, and post-employment activities if any.

8. Employment resources group for caregivers

Employment resource group for caregivers are for both men and women who are the primary caregivers for families whether they are children or parents or anyone else.

The ERGs often provide education and awareness to build understanding about becoming a caregiver. The group aims to function as a support group. The group also helps to educate the employee about various benefits that may be available to them.

9. Corporate resource group for remote workers

Corporate resource group for remote workers helps build a sense of connection, belonging, and community for remote employees. The group helps to protect the company culture when employees are not interacting daily and highlights the unique needs of employees. The group can provide employees with the much-needed social connection.

10. Groups in the workplace for volunteer groups

Groups in the workplace that meet for volunteer work are becoming common. These are employees who are keen to give back to the community and support causes.

To help volunteer groups succeed, employers often provide resources or donations required to organize events. Volunteer employee resource groups are forums for an employee to meet others with a shared passion and build a sense of community.

Also Read: Virtual ice breakers | Everything you must know

Case studies, ERGS examples, and various ERGS form in the US

Employee resource groups started as affinity groups more than 30 years ago. The groups today have become broader and more business-centric. A report in 2011 reported that ERGS forms are on the rise. Companies today are adding more employee resource groups to their business. We have discussed three case studies of three leading companies in the US.

1. Accenture employee resource groups

Accenture employee resource groups want to attract, develop, and retain top talent. Presently Accenture has 10 diversity resources groups in the US which include groups for African Americans, Indians, Asia Pacific Americans, LGBQ, people with disabilities, women, and so on.

There are over 6000 members in Employee resource groups in the US. The employee groups for women help career advancement, work/life balance, recruiting, external relations, and community access. The pride network has spread to over 45 countries.

2. AT&T employee resource groups

AT&T employee resource groups have around 37 employee groups and networks with over 145250 employees participating. In 2019 AT&T had one of the best employee resource groups in the US.

Employee resource groups help people with the employee life-cycle, understand both customer and business drivers better, and gain insight on business insight. The company hosts an annual conference for all its employee groups. Cash prizes are given at the event to help fund events. AT&T gives a high degree of autonomy to the ERGs.

3. Dell employee resource groups

Dell employee resource groups were started to create an inclusive environment. It has evolved into an award-winning employment resources group. Presently there are over 13 ERGS in 67 countries with 33% participation.

It focuses on five key principles community, business innovation, team member experience, and our unconscious bias foundational learning. The research found employees who participated in erg work think outside the box, use their unique expertise and perspectives to improve the work environment and improve business.

admin

Searching for some cool ideas for gifting? Here is an exclusive list of 30 employee gift ideas. Read on!

Employee Gift

Employee gift giving is a great way to show appreciation towards your employees. Managers do not necessarily have to present their employees with gifts but it is a nice gesture to keep them motivated. Employee gifts can be given on several occasions such as festivals, birthdays, employee appreciation days, etc.

Purpose of handing over gifts for employees?

Gifts are usually given by managers to show gratitude for their staff. Gifts for employees can be presented on several occasions to appreciate employees for putting hard work into their projects. Regular admiration helps in keeping the employees motivated to work better.

Also Read: Office management | A complete guide

Benefits of giving gifts to employees

Giving gifts to employees help in showing employees how much you care about them. By giving gifts to your employees, you can improve their attitude. Employee gift rituals can also affect employee retention as employees tend to stick around when they feel valued for their contributions.

1. Gifts for staff can boost morale

Giving gifts to employees shows that their efforts are being valued and hence helps in boosting employee morale. Employee productivity can be improved by motivating them regularly. Employee gift given by managers shows that they value their employee’s dedication, creativity, and hard work.

2. Honor work milestones by giving personalized gifts to employees

There are plenty of employee milestones to celebrate such as work anniversary, promotions, etc. Present gifts to employees to celebrate their success. You can even pick personal milestones to give employee gift and show that you value them as your family.

3. Staff gifts strengthen bonds across the workplace

Another major benefit of giving gifts to employees is to strengthen bonds. Presenting personalized employee gift items can help your employees know that you pay attention to who they are and what they like. This helps foster a feeling of trust amongst the staff.

Also Read: Cybersecutity during work from home | Critical items that you must know!

Top and exclusive 30 employee gift ideas

Now that we know how important it is to give gifts to your staff members, let us explore more about employee gift ideas. In the below section, we have listed down the different kinds of gifts that can be gifted based on the occasion and budget,

1. Gift ideas for employees

Thinking of gift ideas for employees can be a tiresome job for many. If you wish to show your appreciation towards your team without burning a hole in your pocket, wireless speakers are a perfect choice. These will keep your staff grooving while they sit back and relax.

2. Gift ideas for office staff

Trying to find that perfect gift for your staff that would bring a smile to their face? Finding gift ideas for office staff is not an easy task. Bluetooth earbuds are one of the great employee gift ideas that would get you all the appreciation from the team.

3. Gifts for people who work from home

Due to the current pandemic, a lot of people are working from home. Companies are ensuring that their employees adapt to the new work environment and stay productive. Employee gift ideas such as a home office chair would ensure your staff is well settled at home.

4. Gifts for office staff

Thinking of gifts for office staff is an essential activity as it shows how much you care about your employees. An activity tracker is a very thoughtful employee gift that not only shows your appreciation towards your staff members but also motivates them to stay fit.

5. Covid gift ideas

We have been forced to work from home due to the pandemic. Organizations are thinking of different ways in which they can keep the employees motivated and productive. Covid gift ideas ideas such as dinner or delivery coupons are bound to make your employees happy and thankful.

Also Read: How to measure productivity | A how-to guide for everyone

6. Group gift ideas

Looking for employee group gift ideas for the entire team in a budget. Why not gift them a fidget spinner to help combat the work stress. It is a fun and inexpensive gift that can easily be personalized with your organization’s name. An employee gift idea that everyone would love.

7. Gift ideas for staff

When there are thousands of gift options, picking one of them is not easy. A desk humidifier helps in retaining moisture in the air preventing dryness of the skin. Show your admiration for your staff by gifting them this creative and thoughtful gift.

8. Gifts ideas for office staff

If you are looking for gift ideas for office staff members, consider gifting them a chocolate gift box. Satisfy your employee’s sweet tooth and pamper them. These could be picked as perfect employee gifts for your staff members for celebrating festivals and birthdays.

9. Team gifts ideas

Employee gift options such as ceramic mugs are inexpensive, useful, and easily available. You can get them customized for specific occasions by getting the mugs printed with text saying “World’s best employee”, “Team Player”, “Congratulations”, etc. Companies can also customize them with their logo to enhance belongingness.

10. Gift for employees

How about gifting your employees something they can cherish for a long time? Employee gift ideas such as gifting a desk plant can keep your staff healthy and positive. Succulents and indoor plants are the perfect choices for employee gift ideas. They are low-maintenance purify the surrounding air.

Also Read: Time blocking | An ultimate read for best results

11. Gift ideas for employees on a budget

Being on a budget shouldn’t stop you from appreciating your staff for all the hard work they have been doing. Simple employee gift ideas like notepads are thoughtful enough for employees to know that you care about them and value their presence.

12. Team gift ideas for work

Are you a manager handling a huge team? Exploring different employee gift ideas in the hopes of finding the right one? Why not gift your staff a desk calendar that helps them stay on schedule and organized. This inexpensive gift will be well received by your staff.

13. Innovative gift

For those who like to keep their workstations sparkly clean, a desktop vacuum cleaner is a perfect gift. This innovative employee gift idea would immediately be a hit amongst the team members. It helps employees have a decluttered desk. Employee gift ideas can be innovative, useful, and fun.

14. Working gifts

Another great option amongst the employee gift ideas is a portable charger that would allow your staff to stay connected from anywhere. Giving useful employee gifts would make your staff appreciate you more. A portable charger is an affordable option that can be presented for any occasion.

15. Gifts for management

Planners are a great way to keep the tasks organized and manage day-to-day activities at the office as well as at home. This employee gift will promote staff members to effectively manage time and stay productive. Pick a business planner based on your budget and your personal preference.

Also Read: Inbox zero | A priceless list of tips to succeed

16. Gift for managers

Managers tend to travel a lot due to business meetings across cities, hence gifting a travel-sized pillow would be a thoughtful gift idea. Employee gift ideas must showcase that you keep the comfort of your staff in mind. They will thank you every time they set out to travel.

17. Professional gifts

An insulated tumbler will maintain the temperature of the liquid inside it and are convenient to sip from. Gift this to your favorite staff member and watch them appreciate you. Employee gift ideas like this are also a great way to remind your staff members to stay hydrated.

18. Unique gifts for employees

Looking for a unique employee gift for your staff and stand out from the crowd. Consider gifting a bunch of luxurious and scented candles that will keep them warm and cozy.  Scented candles can uplift the mood immediately and help in combating stress by spreading positivity.

19. Gifts ideas for staff

A duffel bag is very popular amongst employee gift ideas. This useful gift can be used by your employees outside the office as well. Employee gift helps in keeping staff members motivated and feel appreciated. Show how much you admire your employees through these gift ideas.

20. Employee gifts during covid

Covid has changed the way we usually work. With employees working from home, the employee gift ideas should also be different. A lightweight portable keyboard would help your staff to work more conveniently. Best gifts during covid assist employees in adapting to the new work environment.

Also Read: Remote working tools | A comprehensive guide

21. Safety gifts for employees

Want to find an employee gift that not only ensures that your employees are motivated but also keeps them safe? Employee gift ideas such as pepper spray are perfect to gift to your staff members. Especially for women, this can be an extremely essential gift.

22. Best gifts for employees

Looking for some of the best gifts for employees that everyone would love equally? Consider gifting eGift cards of some of the famous eCommerce websites such as Amazon, that allow employees to redeem the coupons as per their needs. The amount of the gift card can be picked based on the budget.

23. Wellness gifts for employees

If your focus is the mental as well as physical wellbeing of your employees, gifting them a member of their favorite gym could be an option. Employee gift ideas such as gym memberships, yoga membership, mediation classes, etc are very much appreciated by the employees.

24. Bulk gifts for coworkers

If there is an occasion where you have to give bulk gift items to all the employees, it should be something useful and inexpensive. Gifting a water bottle is a great employee gift option as it shows that the employer cares about the employee’s well-being.

25. Employee gift ideas under 10

A fridge magnet is a much cheaper option that makes up for a wonderful employee gift. The price of the magnet may vary based on their size and their material. Employee gift ideas can be cheap and don’t cost much to make your employees feel valued and seen.

Also Read: Home office set up | Everything you must know

26. Fun gift 

Gifting a snack box is a fun option. Look for assorted packs and ensure that your employees have something to munch on while they work. To make it more effective look for healthier alternatives in a snack box that would fuel up their energy without making them gain weight.

27. Unique gifts by mail

What to do when your employees are working remotely and you wish to send them a gift? Parcel a chocolate gift box that makes them feel special and cared for. If an employee has put in extra effort and you appreciate them, show it with chocolates.

28. Gifts for office workers

Backpacks can be another great employee gift idea that is easily available and customizable. They are extremely useful for the employees both inside and outside of the office. Gifting them a backpack with a laptop compartment would be an amazing employee gift choice.

29. Inexpensive gift for employees

We don’t always have to go big to show our admiration towards our employees. Employee gift ideas such as coffee mugs are extremely popular and loved by all. It helps your employees to always have a coffee mug in handy at the office.

30. Gifts for remote employees

Many managers are handling teams who work remotely all across the world. Gifting something common and usual is not a feasible option. One of the best employee gift ideas is giving a hydroponic self-watering Planter that would not only uplift their moods but also combat stress.

admin