Remote work is here to stay, and while it comes with perks like working in sweatpants or skipping a grueling commute, it also brings a unique challenge: keeping the team vibe alive when everyone’s scattered across the world. How do you foster a sense of culture when your closest coworker is 3,000 miles away…and in a different time zone?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how to build and maintain team cohesion that feels as warm and fuzzy as an office pizza party, regardless of the distance.
1. Make Virtual Team-Building a Thing (That Doesn’t Make People Cringe)
Team-building activities don’t need to be awkward. Done right, they can help bring your remote crew closer together—even if you’re bonding over a computer screen.
- Host fun virtual events: Think trivia nights, cooking classes, or even a “desk makeover” competition where everyone shows off their workspace personality. Offer bonus points to team members that include pets in the fun!
- Play games together: Online games like Skribbl.io or Jackbox Games can inject some much-needed laughter into your day. Nothing bonds a team like trying to guess someone’s terrible attempt at drawing “spaghetti.”
Want to take team bonding to the next level? Suggest meeting IRL (in real life) at a Sydney coworking space to mix in some face-to-face time to break up the virtual routine.
2. Keep Communication Open, Fun, and Regular
The glue that holds remote teams together is communication—but it is important that communication can take on a more personal dimension.
- Have daily or weekly check-ins: Short video calls or virtual stand-ups help everyone stay on the same page. Keep it lighthearted by starting with a fun icebreaker question like, “What’s the weirdest thing in your fridge right now?”
- Celebrate milestones: Did someone crush a deadline or land a big client? Shout it out in a group chat! Recognizing wins, big or small, keeps morale high and builds a culture of cohesiveness and appreciation.
- Create watercooler moments: Set up casual Slack channels for non-work banter (think #petsofZoom or #whatImwatching). It’s a great way for team members to connect on a personal level.
3. Foster an Inclusive and Supportive Environment
Remote work can sometimes feel isolating, so it’s necessary to ensure everyone feels supported and included, regardless of location.
- Be mindful of time zones: Rotate meeting times to accommodate multiple regions, so no one feels left out or stuck with 3 a.m. calls.
- Encourage feedback: Open the door for suggestions and problem solving. When employees feel heard, they’re more likely to stay invested in the team.
- Promote mental health: Encourage flexibility in schedules, offer mental health resources, or organize mindfulness meditation sessions. A mentally healthy team is a happy team!
For teams needing a productivity boost or a change of scenery, exploring options on Coworker that can help remote workers find shared spaces to inspire creativity and collaboration and ultimately allow workers to feel less alone.
4. Make Your Remote Culture Your Superpower
Ultimately, building team cohesion remotely boils down to creating a culture that feels safe and inclusive for everyone. Embrace the quirks of remote work—whether that’s hilarious Zoom fails or team members chiming in from all over the world—and turn them into strengths.
With a little creativity and effort, you can build a remote work culture that feels cohesive, productive, and—dare we say it—fun!
Stay Connected
Got a remote team? Start fostering that team spirit today, whether through virtual events, personalized communication, or the occasional coworking day in Sydney. Who says distance has to dampen the vibe?
