Life at Athena
Virtual Connections, Real Impact
AUTHOR:
Athena Infonomics

Across a Global, Hybrid Team...

Meet Rajashree, our dynamic Associate Manager in the Human Resource team! She’s all about bringing people together—whether it’s through fun virtual events or creative team-building ideas. Rajashree keeps our global teams connected and engaged, making sure there’s never a dull moment at Athena! Read on to find out how she manages global teams in a remote setting:  

Q: What's your go-to strategy for keeping global teams connected and aligned, given that we work in a hybrid model and have different time zones?


Rajashree (R): We gave it a lot of thought, and it was admittedly challenging to connect the global team, especially working in a hybrid model with different time zones. To address this, we started organizing regular brown bag sessions, where teams can learn about each other's work. Additionally, during company-wide town halls, we incorporate activities that include breakout rooms to encourage interaction. When setting up these breakout rooms, we make a conscious effort to group people from different practices to foster cross-team collaboration and networking.  Additionally, we have started a cross-functional work buddy program for new joiners

Q: How do you create a sense of unity in a dynamic team/organisation?


R: As mentioned, during our organization-wide town halls, we incorporate fun activities along with team-building sessions that include breakout rooms. For example, we played a group version of "Never Have I Ever," where teams worked together to come up with common statements. We also organized a virtual scavenger hunt. Additionally, we try different icebreaker activities at the beginning, such as a gratitude board, to set a positive tone for the meeting and encourage engagement

O: What keeps you excited about creating new plans in our fast-paced environment?


R: Working with a bright and passionate group of professionals from diverse backgrounds, all united by a common goal of making a larger positive impact, excites me. The fast-paced environment fosters continuous learning and adaptation, enabling us to proactively design strategies that not only meet the evolving needs of the business but also enhance employee engagement, development, and well-being.

It's especially rewarding to know that our HR initiatives have directly or indirectly contributed to improving our colleagues' work experience, making their jobs more enjoyable. Receiving appreciation and recognition from the team for these efforts is incredibly fulfilling.

Q: What’s the most fun part of your job, if there is one?

R: The most fun part of my job is definitely the opportunity to connect with so many different people across the organization. Whether it's taking on new challenges, embracing steep learning opportunities, assisting others, or brainstorming ideas for townhalls, organizational development, and more, I find it all exciting and rewarding.