{"679052":{"#nid":"679052","#data":{"type":"news","title":"Fostering Meaningful Connections in a Global Workplace","body":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003Eccording to the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/www.uscareerinstitute.edu\/blog\/50-eye-opening-remote-work-statistics-for-2024\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener noreferrer\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EU.S. Career Institute\u003C\/a\u003E, about 26% of U.S. households currently include one person who \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/pe.gatech.edu\/blog\/working-learning\/transition-to-remote-work\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener noreferrer\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Eworks remotely\u003C\/a\u003E at least one day a week. This method of working offers employees several benefits \u2014 from saving time and money to allowing flexibility in working hours \u2014 but also presents challenges for organizations\u0027 abilities to ensure employee engagement and equal opportunities.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003ESeveral Georgia Tech experts note that despite geographic distance or varying time zones, there are ways employers and managers can help create access and community for their employees \u2014 both in-person and virtually.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/oue.gatech.edu\/index.php\/node\/1845\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener noreferrer\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EJoyelle \u0022Joy\u0022 Harris\u003C\/a\u003E, the director of undergraduate transformative learning initiatives at Georgia Tech, says that helping employees feel connected to their workplace can positively influence their organization\u0027s success.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022It\u0027s important for the bottom line,\u0022 she says. \u0022All the research shows that the companies with a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/pe.gatech.edu\/blog\/future-work\/diversity-inclusion-workplace\u0022\u003Emore diverse workforce\u003C\/a\u003E produce a better product, and ultimately, they lead to more profitable companies.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEnhancing Collaboration in Meetings\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOne of the main ways organizations keep their employees connected is through meetings, which now can be delivered virtually, in person \u2014 \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/pe.gatech.edu\/blog\/working-learning\/hybrid-meeting-best-practices\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener noreferrer\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Eor a combination of both\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u201cOne\u202f[idea is]\u202fto have an \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/pe.gatech.edu\/blog\/future-work\/virtual-meetings\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener noreferrer\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Eall-virtual meeting\u003C\/a\u003E so that even if some people are physically on a campus and other people are physically away from a campus, everyone is on a level playing field in a virtual space,\u201d Harris, who instructs the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/pe.gatech.edu\/inclusive-excellence-through-diversity-and-inclusion\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener noreferrer\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EInclusive Excellence through Diversity and Inclusion\u003C\/a\u003E certificate, suggests that holding in-person meetings or \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/pe.gatech.edu\/courses\/facilitating-effective-employee-training\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener noreferrer\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Ecompany retreats\u003C\/a\u003E, when financially viable, can also help build relationships among workers.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EIt\u0027s important to recognize that a global workplace may consist of individuals with different linguistic abilities. Ensuring everyone understands company news or expectations is crucial to its overall success.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/esl.gatech.edu\/instructor\/r-katherine-samford\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener noreferrer\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EKatherine Samford\u003C\/a\u003E, director of the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/esl.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener noreferrer\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EGeorgia Tech Language Institute\u003C\/a\u003E, highlights the importance of noting the many different voices that make up your workplace.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Treat every team as a culturally or \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/pe.gatech.edu\/courses\/esl-interpersonal-communication-skills\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener noreferrer\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Elinguistically diverse\u003C\/a\u003E team. We don\u2019t always know what backgrounds, experience, or expertise our team members bring. Our world is so increasingly global that diversity has fast become the default rather than the exception,\u0022 she says. \u0022Approaching every team as a diverse team will bring a \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/pe.gatech.edu\/blog\/future-of-work\/inclusive-virtual-leadership\u0022\u003Econsciousness of inclusivity\u003C\/a\u003E to your attention, interaction, and communication.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EDuring meetings, Samford suggests proactively seeking immediate feedback to clarify oral communication with questions like, \u201cDoes that make sense?\u201d or \u201cIs that clear?\u201d or simply, \u201cDo you have any questions (so far)?\u201d\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EShe also suggests immediately using synonyms for words that might be more technical or complex. \u0022For example, \u0027Today we\u0027re going to discuss how to scaffold \u2014 or increasingly support \u2014 our students in the classroom.\u0027 This is an effective yet subtle way to ensure that your communication reaches all members,\u0022 she says.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003EEngaging the Power of the Written Word\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EOrganizations can also benefit by disseminating information in multiple ways. Creating a consistent and clear way of messaging with your team, especially in written form, is a valuable way to keep people abreast of your company\u0027s activities and updates, and it doesn\u0027t have to be a huge lift \u2014 even a biweekly newsletter can be helpful.\u0026nbsp;\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022A biweekly newsletter is such an easy way to keep people in the loop,\u0022 Harris suggests, \u0022because you read it when you have time. You know you can always go back to it, so if you missed [information] in a webinar or conference call, it\u0027s there.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAcademic Program Director for \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/pe.gatech.edu\/certificates\/project-management-certificate\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener noreferrer\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EProject Management\u003C\/a\u003E and Professor of the Practice \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/pe.gatech.edu\/instructors\/chris-carter\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener noreferrer\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EChris Carter\u003C\/a\u003E agrees with Harris on the importance of written messaging.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022It is key in high-pressure scenarios to ensure clarity of goals, purpose, and intent. Communicate with simple, direct, and neutral objective written formal or informal communication modes,\u0022 says Carter. \u0022If it is a serious matter, then it deserves to be documented so there is an accurate record and to ensure a common ground is established. The key point is not to rely only on verbal communication. Especially for global teams, we must consider language and cultural barriers that potentially exist.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen focusing on written communication, it is important to remember that the acceleration of AI has made creating and sharing written updates and meeting recaps more efficient and impactful than ever.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Tools like AI-driven meeting recap generators and translation services ensure team members across the globe receive consistent, accessible, and culturally sensitive updates,\u0022 says \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ai.gatech.edu\/node\/21326\u0022\u003ETim Brown\u003C\/a\u003E, director of professional education for \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/ai.gatech.edu\/\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener noreferrer\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAI\u003C\/a\u003E. \u0022By leveraging these technologies, organizations can enhance clarity, foster inclusivity, and ensure alignment, even in the most complex global workplaces.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Ch2\u003E\u003Cstrong\u003ERemember Communication Goes Two Ways\u003C\/strong\u003E\u003C\/h2\u003E\u003Cp\u003EWhen communicating with a global team \u2014 something seen in the financial sector regularly \u2014 Academic Program Director of \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/pe.gatech.edu\/programs\/FinancialTechnology\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener noreferrer\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EFinTech\u003C\/a\u003E \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/pe.gatech.edu\/instructors\/amy-corn\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener noreferrer\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003EAmy Corn\u003C\/a\u003E says leaders should remember that everyone has \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/pe.gatech.edu\/blog\/working-learning\/remote-teams-communication\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener noreferrer\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Edifferent communication preferences\u003C\/a\u003E.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Culturally, communication happens in various ways, so it\u0027s important to have that sensitivity and understanding of how each individual, regardless of where they are in this world, prefers to be \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/pe.gatech.edu\/courses\/information-and-communication-technology-ict-accessibility\u0022 rel=\u0022noopener noreferrer\u0022 target=\u0022_blank\u0022\u003Ecommunicated with\u003C\/a\u003E,\u0022 she says. \u0022And I say, \u0027communicated with,\u0027 I didn\u0027t say, \u0027communicated to\u0027 because it\u0027s a two-way street.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EAdditionally, when meeting with employees \u2014 regardless of format \u2014 she notes the importance of listening and staying engaged, especially in a field that is evolving rapidly, like the financial sector.\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003E\u0022Listen to employees,\u0022 Corn says. \u0022Their perspectives are important in building products and services that address everyone along the \u003Ca href=\u0022https:\/\/pe.gatech.edu\/blog\/industry-trends\/diversity-and-inclusion-finance\u0022\u003Efinancial spectrum\u003C\/a\u003E and provide access.\u0022\u003C\/p\u003E\u003Cp\u003EEncouraging clear communication and fostering an inclusive environment is vital in today\u2019s global workspace. By engaging employees through thoughtful strategies, leaders can build community across virtual and in-person spaces, and organizations can drive connection, innovation, and productivity \u2014 ensuring their relevance in a constantly changing world.\u003C\/p\u003E","summary":"","format":"limited_html"}],"field_subtitle":[{"value":"Leaders can create access and community for their employees through thoughtful communication"}],"field_summary":[{"value":"\u003Cp\u003ELeaders can create access and community for their employees through thoughtful communication.\u003C\/p\u003E","format":"limited_html"}],"field_summary_sentence":[{"value":"Leaders can create access and community for their employees through thoughtful communication."}],"uid":"36348","created_gmt":"2025-01-01 21:21:23","changed_gmt":"2025-01-01 21:22:15","author":"Breon Martin","boilerplate_text":"","field_publication":"","field_article_url":"","location":"Atlanta, GA","dateline":{"date":"2024-12-12T00:00:00-05:00","iso_date":"2024-12-12T00:00:00-05:00","tz":"America\/New_York"},"extras":[],"hg_media":{"675920":{"id":"675920","type":"image","title":"By GTPE Communications","body":null,"created":"1735766495","gmt_created":"2025-01-01 21:21:35","changed":"1735766495","gmt_changed":"2025-01-01 21:21:35","alt":"By GTPE Communications","file":{"fid":"259599","name":"Dec2024-1900x930-2065627469.jpg","image_path":"\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/01\/01\/Dec2024-1900x930-2065627469.jpg","image_full_path":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/\/sites\/default\/files\/2025\/01\/01\/Dec2024-1900x930-2065627469.jpg","mime":"image\/jpeg","size":55602,"path_740":"http:\/\/hg.gatech.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/styles\/740xx_scale\/public\/2025\/01\/01\/Dec2024-1900x930-2065627469.jpg?itok=PJZb5oOr"}}},"media_ids":["675920"],"groups":[{"id":"1214","name":"News Room"},{"id":"1188","name":"Research Horizons"},{"id":"660368","name":"Tech AI (Artificial Intelligence)"}],"categories":[],"keywords":[],"core_research_areas":[{"id":"193655","name":"Artificial Intelligence at Georgia Tech"}],"news_room_topics":[],"event_categories":[],"invited_audience":[],"affiliations":[],"classification":[],"areas_of_expertise":[],"news_and_recent_appearances":[],"phone":[],"contact":[],"email":[],"slides":[],"orientation":[],"userdata":""}}}