At Idwal, we have several members of staff working remotely from the UK office, as well as several satellite offices around the world. As the workplace continues to evolve, we are always looking to ensure that our core values and sense of community remain strong even as our way of work changes.
Listening
Listening to our team is key and we have an open-door policy to invite questions and feedback, ensuring that employees feel heard and valued. Our employee engagement surveys show that our team is eager to get involved and share their experiences. We feel that this feedback is vitally important to drive our initiatives and helps us focus on what matters most to our people.
Communication
We believe that communication is central to keeping everyone connected, so our regular internal newsletter updates following management meetings help keep all staff informed of ongoing developments. To bridge any gaps, we also host regular “Town Hall” sessions where our leadership shares the latest strategies and goals, with opportunities for employees to ask questions directly or anonymously. These are held in person and simultaneously online so that those working remotely also feel involved in the company’s direction. We also encourage teams to share wins and great news with all colleagues across email and in our Teams chats.
Digital Tools and Systems
To make remote work effective, it’s essential to have the right digital tools in place, and here, we rely on platforms like Teams for collaboration, allowing employees to stay connected through chats, video calls, and virtual meetings. Our internal wiki serves as a central repository of knowledge, ensuring that important information, project documentation, and company policies are accessible to everyone, regardless of location. These tools not only keep our workflows smooth but also help maintain a sense of unity across remote and in-office teams.
Office Space
We’re working on transforming our office space to better accommodate teamwork and collaboration, making it a place where people enjoy coming together. While remote work offers flexibility, there’s still something special about face-to-face interactions. By creating a more inviting and functional workspace, we want to encourage our remote teams to come in on specific days to collaborate in person. This blend of remote work flexibility and in-office time helps us strike a balance, ensuring that we remain connected both virtually and physically.
Social Connections
We also recognise the importance of social interaction in maintaining morale. Our social committee, with representatives from different departments, plays a crucial role in planning events that bring us together. This includes both virtual and in-person gatherings, ensuring that everyone can participate regardless of their work location. We celebrate key dates like Chinese New Year and, of course for Idwal, St David’s Day 😊. As an example, this year, all our remote workers were sent a pack of Welsh cakes in the post, which were rather too tasty! We have an Idwal fantasy football league and a DnD group, and, of course, we also have regular physical outings, such as days at the races, darts tournaments, and team dinners, all of which strengthen bonds and keep the team spirit alive.
Continuous Improvement
As remote work become more common, maintaining a strong company culture requires creativity, communication, and a commitment to staying connected. At Idwal, we’re proud of the steps we’re taking to adapt to this new reality while preserving the values that make our team special. By listening to our employees and staying true to our culture, we’re building a future of work that’s flexible, engaging, and inclusive for all.
