Informal socialization in virtual work environments: Creating a digital culture of connectivity

Virtual work environments are increasing and are part of the future of many organizations. While there are extensive advantages to virtual organizations, barriers to effective communication and collaboration build organizational reluctance to commit to this type of environment. The problem is little knowledge exists around how employees socialize informally in these organizations, including how they learn company culture, engage, and share knowledge using digital communication technology. This study presents an exploration of the experiences of participants working virtually in the insurance industry. The aim was to understand what it takes to increase informal socialization in virtual work settings. Data collection included interviews and diary entries from insurance employees. Five themes emerged: Employee's emotions vary based on their levels of connectivity, Staying connected enables employees to maintain bonds and unity, Multi-communicating is an effective technique to get work done, Digital communication technology makes connecting easy, and Creating an office-like atmosphere is possible by establishing a culture of connectivity. Creating a digital culture conducive to informal socialization between employees promotes positivity, bonds and unity, ease of connectivity and productivity, promotes culture, and can produce an office-like atmosphere. Recommendations produced from these themes may be used to guide leaders in the engagement of virtual workers and in tackling the challenges of managing effective virtual environments.