The human touch: Building relationships with your remote Colombian workforce

This article is a submission by Deducto. Deducto is your one-stop shop for connecting top Colombian job seekers with U.S. companies.

The digital age has opened doors to a globalized workforce, allowing companies to tap into talent pools across continents. Colombia has emerged as a prime location for building remote teams, boasting a growing pool of skilled professionals in a favorable time zone for many international markets.

However, while remote work offers numerous benefits, it also presents a distinct challenge of fostering a sense of connection and belonging amongst geographically dispersed employees.

This article delves into the importance of the human touch in building relationships with your remote Colombian workforce, exploring the potential difficulties and offering strategies to cultivate a thriving and engaged team.

Why the human touch matters more than ever

Simply having skilled professionals isn’t enough. Building a successful remote team hinges on nurturing strong relationships. Here’s why the human touch is crucial:

Engagement and motivation

Strong relationships are foundational to employee engagement and motivation. When remote workers feel valued and connected, they’re more likely to go the extra mile, resulting in higher productivity and reduced turnover.

A sense of belonging can transform a group of isolated workers into a cohesive team dedicated to mutual success. Studies have shown that employees who feel connected to their organization are more likely to stay longer and be more productive.

Communication and collaboration

Effective communication and collaboration are essential for any team, regardless of location.

Building trust and rapport with your Colombian team fosters an environment where open communication flourishes and collaboration becomes effortless. Trust is the bedrock of effective teamwork, and in a remote setting, it must be intentionally cultivated.

Misunderstandings can easily arise in virtual communications, making it even more important to have strong, trust-based relationships.

Understanding cultural nuances

Colombian culture is known for its warmth, its emphasis on personal connection, and its strong sense of community. Embracing the human touch helps bridge cultural gaps and create a more inclusive environment where your Colombian staff feel valued and understood.

Understanding and respecting cultural differences can significantly enhance team cohesion and performance. When employees feel that their cultural identity is acknowledged and appreciated, they are more likely to contribute fully and authentically.

Challenges of building relationships across the distance

The physical separation inherent in remote work presents some unique challenges in building strong relationships:

Physical distance

Lack of face-to-face interactions can make it difficult to build rapport and get to know team members on a personal level.

Non-verbal cues that often facilitate communication in a physical office setting are missing in a remote environment. This can lead to feelings of isolation and detachment, which can negatively impact team dynamics and productivity.

Time zone differences

Colombia sits in the Eastern Time zone, which offers some overlap with North American business hours. However, scheduling meetings that work for everyone can be a juggling act.

Time zone differences can lead to delayed communication, misaligned schedules, and reduced opportunities for spontaneous interactions. These challenges require careful planning and flexibility to ensure that all team members feel included and engaged.

Communication barriers

While English proficiency is rising in Colombia, there might be language barriers to navigate.

Additionally, text-based communication can easily misinterpret non-verbal cues, leading to misunderstandings. The nuances of tone, body language, and immediate feedback, which are present in face-to-face interactions, are often lost in virtual communication.

This can lead to miscommunications and a lack of clarity in instructions and feedback.

Strategies to cultivate a connected Colombian remote team

The key to overcoming these challenges lies in cultivating a deliberate approach that prioritizes the human touch:

Regular virtual meetings

Move beyond project-related discussions and schedule regular team meetings focused on social interaction and team building. Use video conferencing to add a personal touch and encourage participation.

Regular video meetings can help bridge the gap created by physical distance, allowing your remote employees to see each other, share experiences, and build stronger connections.

Create communication channels

Foster a vibrant online environment by utilizing a variety of communication tools. Having diverse communication channels can cater to different communication styles and preferences, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and included.

In addition, encourage team members to share personal updates and celebrate milestones virtually.

Invest in onboarding and training

Go beyond technical training and incorporate elements that introduce company culture, regulations, and expectations. Use interactive activities like online quizzes or collaborative tools to encourage participation and break the ice.

A comprehensive onboarding process can help new team members feel welcomed and integrated into the team, setting the stage for strong, lasting relationships.

Recognize and celebrate achievements

Publicly acknowledge individual and team accomplishments. Consider hosting virtual team-building activities, giving out online gift cards, or sending personalized gifts to celebrate milestones.

These gestures demonstrate that contributions are valued. Recognition and celebration can significantly boost morale and reinforce a sense of belonging and purpose within the team.

Embrace the Colombian culture

Acknowledging Colombian holidays and traditions and taking an interest in their culture demonstrates respect and fosters inclusion.

Cultural appreciation can deepen relationships and create a more inclusive and harmonious team environment. Celebrating local traditions and customs can also provide opportunities for team bonding and shared experiences.

Emphasize empathy and understanding

Acknowledge the challenges of remote work and be flexible with schedules. Regularly check in with team members and address any concerns they might have and offering support where needed.

Showing empathy and understanding can build trust and loyalty, encouraging the team to communicate openly and honestly about their needs and challenges.

Lead by example

As a leader, fostering a culture of open communication and setting the tone for a collaborative environment is crucial. Be approachable, actively participate in team discussions, and encourage open communication among your Colombian employees.

Leading by example can inspire your team to adopt the same values and behaviors, creating a positive and productive work environment.

Building a strong foundation

By prioritizing the human touch in your remote team management strategy, you can overcome the challenges of distance and build strong relationships with your Colombian workforce.

A team that feels valued, connected, and understood is more likely to be engaged, productive, and successful in achieving your company’s goals.

Remote work doesn’t have to mean isolation. By fostering a sense of community and belonging, you can cultivate a thriving remote Colombian team that thrives on collaboration and delivers exceptional results.