Interesting piece from CNN.com about how IBM is handling the drastic increase in remote workers. IBM leadership has brought back the IBM Club, a work/social organization that used to be an integral part of the corporate culture:

The clubs, now active in several hundred cities in 30 countries, bring employees together for family events like trips to the zoo, as well as for work-related meetings like coaching and mentoring sessions with senior executives.

What we like about IBM’s approach is that they have made the social side of work purposeful. Too many organizations assume that as long as their people are in the same building at the same time then they are automatically creating meaningful social bonds.

As we touched on in our recent post about office gossip, a positive, supportive work environment is not a given. Gossip, office politics, and in the worst cases harassment can all be products of a work culture left unattended.

So our first point is that in some cases keeping people apart is a benefit. We’re sure that many of you who are suffering in a toxic work environment would rather skip the “face time” if it meant escaping the coworkers and/or bosses who are making your life miserable.

Secondly, positive or even neutral work environments don’t simply happen. Positive social bonds cannot be taken for granted and a good team culture must be treated like any other result.

In a traditional work environment, everyone is automatically available to stand around the big cookie during somebody’s birthday. What happens when you don’t have that expectation? And how do you create times to socialize when one of the most important Guideposts is Every Meeting is Optional.

First, it’s important for managers to understand that socializing can’t be made mandatory. Just as you don’t make shy Uncle Joe give the toast at holiday meal, you can’t force a more reserved employee to be the life of the team. Everyone should be allowed to find their own level.

Second, keep in mind that work is a form of socializing. If the team is getting the job done virtually, then chance are they have good enough social relationships. Don’t make the mistake of trying to layer on more social interactions when people may be content with the way things are.

Finally, a focus on results keeps personality conflicts in check. Another benefit of a ROWE is that people learn to set aside their personal differences in order to drive outcomes. In general if you’re talking about the task at hand you can’t talk about all the ways you don’t get along.

We’d love to hear from any freelancers, remote workers or other people whose situations require that they make socializing more intentional. Tell us how you’re connecting.