Covid-19 has fundamentally changed how we work together – a process that has been seamless for some but more challenging for others.

Besides the steep digital ramp-up to ensure business continuity for employees and adapting to work and home morphing into one space, many employees and business owners are starting to mourn the loss of their company culture. It is evident now just how important morning coffees, drinks with colleagues on a Friday or the occasional golf day really were. We are still doing all the hard work day in and day out but for many, this is in isolation without the benefits of that company community and support that the office structure has historically provided.

But as with everything else that diversity presents, come to another opportunity. For those businesses that have never had a company culture – either because it wasn’t deemed a priority or no one really made the time – there is an opportunity to create something special now. And for those who had enviable and a much-loved culture – comes an opportunity for it to evolve and adapt to our new way of work.

At SearchKings™ Africa we have always been proud of our company culture, it’s part of our DNA. From our in-house chef ensuring we would all eat together every day to foozball tournaments and quarterly team-building like whisky tastings or cooking courses – my team and I miss our office and miss each other. But as we pivot professionally so must we do so socially (like Tobi Lutke has done at @Shopify)

Our lockdown culture has evolved to couples quiz nights, virtual cooking classes, meeting new (baby) family members, a treasure hunt and even a virtual sunset game drive on a Friday. We are re-inventing our corporate culture online. Sure it takes a little getting used to but it also comes with great advantages. You don’t need a babysitter, you don’t have to worry about drinking and driving home and we still build on one of our core values which is “always have fun”…being fundamental for collaboration and personal well-being.

Give it a try – let me know how it goes! Feel free to reach out to me and share some ideas that have worked in your organisation in building culture remotely.