by Gina Butchin
“Necessity is the mother of invention.”
This year has created an unprecedented opportunity for professional communicators to flex our creativity and adaptability. Seemingly, overnight face-to-face meetings and chats around the copy machine were replaced with video conference meetings and conversations over instant message. As we embraced the ever-changing environment around us, we were forced to develop inventive ways to keep employees in touch and engaged.
Striking a balance between appreciation of the fatigue caused by our circumstances with the need to stay connected, share information, and continue to work productively was paramount in developing a remote engagement plan at Nautilus Insurance Group. We created new methods of delivery that catered to the variety of preferences and styles, while providing easy-to-digest content and add a bit of fun where appropriate.
A View From the Top. We started with having each member of our senior staff write a personal email of a topic of their choosing. The idea was to share insight into who they are, what they do and how they are coping.
The Intranet Reimagined. A vital step in our plan was to adjust our intranet to provide for more interaction while we are distanced. The platform was transformed into an online place to grab a laugh, get current news, see company results and celebrate milestones.
Cooler Conversations. An interactive section of the intranet was launched to provide a mini-break from the day-to-day with the aim to infuse a bit of levity with questions like – what was your first job and tell us your favorite PG-rated joke. A new question is posted every other week. Participation is voluntary but the virtual touchpoints are priceless.
Pictures Say it All. In celebration of Nautilus’ 35th anniversary this year, employees were challenged to draw inspiration from hobbies, items at home or even family members to create a unique representation of the number 35 – with the Top Three vote earners receiving a prize. Employees also received novelty “Happy 35th” sunglasses and sent in photos of themselves (and their pets and children) donning their new shades.
This or That. This (or that!) is a quick and easy way to see how much we have in common as a company. All employees receive an email with three simple questions. For instance:
- Dog or Cat
- Coke or Pepsi
- Big Party or Small Gathering
Results were revealed the following week with the next round of This or That questions. More than any other employee-engagement activity, this one routinely had 50 percent participation!
Some Good News. Inspired by John Krasinski’s YouTube broadcast of the same name, employees were asked to submit their good-news stories to inspire and uplift our Nautilus community. These stories were also shared on the Nautilus LinkedIn page.
Conquer the Q. In this initiative, employees shared how they have conquered the quarantine. Responses were as varied as DIY bathroom remodels and backyard landscaping to a completing 2,000-piece puzzle and binge watching Netflix.
What Happens Next?
We are not done. While the engagement ideas have been effective, we have not exhausted our efforts to keep connected! Plans are underway to launch a place on our intranet for employees to:
- Post a life event – voluntarily – with Life At Its Fullest! As a community, we want to celebrate when employees have a baby, send a child to college or get an industry designation to name a few.
- Share personal bios in Bio Beware.
- AND … for new employees … introduce themselves in Getting To Know Me!
We are all fighting the choppy current and fierce undertow COVID-19 has brought in 2020. Staying connected and growing relationships can be difficult while separated, but Nautilus employees are up to the challenge. Nautilus Insurance Group is not just striving to do our best, we are thriving, and our endeavors to maintain our connectedness while working remotely are nowhere near complete.
Gina Butchin is the Sr. Communications Specialist at Nautilus Insurance Group, a Berkley Company. She is a communications professional with more than 25 years of experience, specializing in strategic planning, employee engagement and process improvement. Gina has a degree in Journalism and Telecommunications from Arizona State University. Gina is the author of The Mirror Lies and a respected speaker in the area of facial differences and self-acceptance.
