Purpose
The goal of this exercise is to define clear, actionable expectations for what "being engaged" means for our team, considering our unique work styles and flexibility. This charter will serve as our team's guiding document to ensure mutual respect, accountability, and productivity in both remote and in-person environments.
Exercise Instructions
Step 1
Define Engagement as a Team
Objective: Understand what "being engaged" means for your team and identify shared values.
- Gather your team together, either in person or via video conference.
- Discuss as a group what "being engaged" looks like during work hours. Consider aspects like participation in meetings, responsiveness to emails, and overall presence in daily tasks.
- Capture everyone's input and identify common themes.
Step 2
Set Clear Expectations for Engagement
Objective: Create specific, actionable expectations that your team can refer to and hold each other accountable for.
- Review the collaborative list created in Step 1.
- For each engagement theme, define what it looks like in practice.
- Write down specific expectations — ensure these are measurable and realistic.
Examples of Expectations:
- Limit social media distractions to no more than three short sessions per day.
- Be present in meetings — engage actively, avoid excessive phone/computer use, and come prepared.
- Clarify meeting expectations ahead of time if no agenda is provided.
Step 3
Discuss Ways to Stay Engaged and Productive
Objective: Identify strategies and practices that help your team stay focused and productive throughout the workday.
- Brainstorm as a team some specific methods or tips for staying engaged.
- For each idea, discuss how it can be practically applied within the context of your team's workload and flexibility.
- Prioritize the strategies that best suit your team's needs.
Examples of Ideas:
- Set daily schedules with task-switching to stay focused.
- When you don't have enough to do, reach out to a lead for additional work.
- Use remote work time for tasks requiring deep focus like training or writing reports.
Step 4
Define Boundaries and Communication Protocols
Objective: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life, especially in a hybrid/remote setting.
- Discuss with your team what boundaries are important for maintaining work-life balance, especially in remote work environments.
- Address how your team will handle situations where work and personal life overlap, ensuring grace and understanding while maintaining professionalism.
- Develop protocols for communicating expectations when boundaries need to be respected.
Examples of Boundaries:
- Define specific "off-hours" to avoid unnecessary work communication outside of working hours.
- Be mindful of sharing personal information on work channels or social media.
Final Output: Team Engagement Charter
Once you've completed the exercise, compile the following into a Team Engagement Charter that your team agrees to uphold:
1. Team Values & Definition of Engagement
A list of values and expectations for team engagement.
2. Clear Expectations for Engagement
A written list of actionable behaviors and practices for maintaining engagement.
3. Strategies for Staying Engaged and Productive
Practical strategies and methods for staying focused and productive.
4. Boundaries and Communication Protocols
Guidelines for managing work-life boundaries and appropriate communication.
By completing this exercise and creating the Team Engagement Charter, you are committing to fostering a supportive, accountable, and productive work environment. This charter is a living document — revisit it periodically and adjust as needed to reflect the evolving needs and priorities of your team.
Want the fillable template? See the Team Engagement Charter Template →
Originally developed in a government management context (2020).