As the global workforce undergoes a profound transformation—marked by the rise of remote work and globalization—organizations are faced with the challenge of promoting a sense of unity within the company.
In truth, this isn’t always easy for a business, especially as it’s such uncharted waters.
Furthermore, the conventional office-centric model has given way to flexible arrangements, making remote team building strategies more crucial than ever.
In this article, we will explore the evolution of remote work and delve into the significance of cultivating a strong remote working culture.
We’ll also unravel the strategies and tactics to build effective remote teams, improve engagement in virtual environments, and explore the best practices in remote team building:
Why Has Remote Work Become Popular?
The beginning of advanced technology, connected with the global events that unfolded in the early 21st century, has propelled remote work into the mainstream.
In turn, the traditional boundaries of the office have dissolved, giving rise to a dispersed workforce where geographical constraints no longer dictate collaboration.
Although remote work brings unprecedented flexibility, it also poses unique challenges—particularly in promoting team cohesion and maintaining a shared organizational culture. Many companies, especially when the COVID-19 pandemic started, found remote work challenging to manage.
However, let’s look at the key strategies for succeeding with a remote team:
How Do Companies Build an Effective Remote Team?
Building effective remote team strategies requires a thoughtful approach that goes beyond geographical limitations; it needs a robust strategy that won’t fail to deliver results.
Here are essential strategies and tactics needed for remote teams:
1. Clear Communication Channels
Companies must create transparent and effective communication channels using tools like video conferencing, messaging platforms, and project management systems.
Moreover, they should confirm that team members are aligned on communication norms and expectations by setting weekly video calls and ensuring they download communication apps—such as Slack.
2. Define Roles and Expectations
Businesses must clearly define roles, responsibilities, and expectations for each team member. This clarity eliminates ambiguity and empowers individuals to contribute meaningfully to the team’s objectives.
When a company hasn’t clearly defined its roles and expectations, productivity will significantly decline.
3. Utilize Technology Effectively
Companies should also use collaboration tools and project management software to streamline workflows and enhance productivity. Familiarize the team with the technology stack to ensure seamless collaboration.
Not only will it improve communication between team members, but it will also help people get to know each other more.
4. Regular Check-Ins and Meetings
It’s also necessary to arrange regular check-ins and team meetings to maintain a sense of connection. These sessions provide opportunities for team members to share updates, discuss challenges, and promote a sense of camaraderie.
One of the best benefits of regular meetings is allowing team members to share worries. When working remotely, due to the lack of physical connection, employees can be wary of sharing their concerns.
5. Encourage Knowledge Sharing
Businesses must also build a culture of knowledge-sharing within the team. To achieve that, encourage team members to share insights, best practices, and lessons learned to promote continuous learning and development.
6. Virtual Team Building Activities
Incorporate virtual team-building activities into the routine to encourage team bonding. This could include virtual games, quizzes, or collaborative projects that allow team members to interact beyond work-related tasks.
Try to incorporate these virtual team-building events as much as possible; it can have significant impacts on a company’s morale.
How Do Companies Build Engagement in Remote Teams?
If a business wants to truly engage remote teams, they’ll need conscious efforts to overcome the physical distance and create a virtual environment that inspires collaboration and motivation.
It’s not easy, but it’s entirely possible with the right strategy.
Here are the best remote team building strategies to boost engagement:
1. Promote a Positive Work Culture
Companies must create a positive work culture that values teamwork, recognition, and well-being. Also, they should ensure leaders demonstrate positive behavior and create an inclusive environment where every team member feels valued.
A company can also achieve this by encouraging teamwork, recognizing and rewarding employees’ efforts, and promoting professional development opportunities.
Regular feedback—both from leadership to employees and vice versa—can also play a vital role in nurturing a positive and productive workplace
2. Recognition and Appreciation
It’s essential to implement recognition programs to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of remote team members. For instance, this can include virtual shout-outs, employee of the month recognition, or peer-to-peer acknowledgment.
3. Flexible Work Arrangements
Businesses should offer flexibility in work schedules to accommodate different time zones and personal preferences. Moreover, they should encourage team members to balance work and life commitments effectively.
4. Professional Development Opportunities
Invest in the professional development of remote team members by providing access to training programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities. This not only enhances skills but also demonstrates a commitment to individual growth.
Ideally, a company should provide resources—such as training programs, workshops, and educational materials to facilitate employee learning and career growth.
5. Virtual Team-building Retreats
A business should also offer virtual team-building retreats or offsite events to simulate the bonding experiences that typically occur in physical settings. These events can include team-building exercises, workshops, and social activities.
6. Well-Being Initiatives
Prioritize employee well-being by offering wellness initiatives, such as virtual fitness classes, mindfulness sessions, and mental health resources. A healthy and balanced workforce is more likely to be engaged and productive.
What are the Best Remote Team Building Strategies?
While numerous strategies contribute to effective remote team building, some stand out for their proven impact on team cohesion and collaboration.
Here are the best remote team-building strategies:
1. Virtual Coffee Breaks and Informal Chats
Companies should also ensure informal communication and team bonding by scheduling virtual coffee breaks or casual chats. These moments allow team members to connect on a personal level, building relationships beyond work tasks.
Start by scheduling a regular, perhaps weekly, time slot that suits everyone’s work schedule. Use video conferencing tools like Zoom or Microsoft Teams for these sessions, and encourage everyone to bring their beverage of choice and engage in non-work-related conversations.
2. Online Team-building Games
Integrate online team-building games and activities into regular schedules. From virtual escape rooms to collaborative online games, these activities provide a fun and interactive way for team members to engage and bond.
The choice of game should encourage interaction and healthy competition—such as trivia, scavenger hunts, or problem-solving challenges.
The key is to guarantee these games are inclusive, engaging, and capable of breaking the tedium of regular work
3. Peer Recognition Programs
Implement peer recognition programs where team members can acknowledge and celebrate each other’s achievements. This not only boosts morale but also creates a positive and supportive team culture.
For example, encourage team members to acknowledge their peers’ hard work, innovative ideas, or helpful assistance. It could be as simple as a public thank you or virtual high-five.
Furthermore, a business can introduce a monthly ‘Star Performer’ or ‘Top Contributor’ award based on peer votes to promote healthy competition.
4. Digital Watercooler Platforms
Create virtual water cooler spaces using dedicated platforms where team members can engage in casual conversations, share interests, and build relationships outside of formal work discussions.
Programs like Slack’s random coffee trial or Donut’s watercooler can be set up to randomly pair team members for a virtual coffee chat, permitting them to interact on a personal level that goes beyond work-related discussions.
Similarly, virtual hangout spaces—such as those provided by platforms like Tandem or Branch—can be used to create dedicated virtual lounges or break rooms. These are some of the most effective remote team building activities.
5. Cross-functional Collaboration Initiatives
Companies should also encourage cross-functional collaboration by organizing projects or initiatives that involve team members from different departments. As a result, this promotes an understanding of the organization and strengthens interdepartmental relationships.
6. Virtual Learning Circles
Virtual learning circles, where team members can explore and discuss topics of interest, are also essential. In turn, this collaborative learning environment fosters knowledge sharing and strengthens the intellectual fabric of the team.
These circles can be promoted through platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams—which enables participants to engage in collaborative learning, share insights, and support each other’s learning journey.
For example, Google Classroom or Moodle can be used to create dedicated learning circles for various topics or courses
7. Interactive Team-building Workshops
A business should conduct interactive team-building workshops facilitated by professionals. These workshops can cover various aspects—from communication skills to conflict resolution—providing valuable insights and tools for team members.
8. Employee-led Initiatives
Empower employees to initiate and lead team-building activities. This not only builds a sense of ownership and engagement but also allows for diverse perspectives and creativity in the approach to remote team building activities.
9. Team Challenges and Competitions
Introduce team challenges and competitions that require collaboration and problem-solving. For example, this could include virtual escape challenges, coding competitions, or creative projects that bring team members together in a shared pursuit.
10. Remote Social Events
Organize remote social events—such as virtual happy hours, themed parties, or team celebrations. These events provide an opportunity for team members to unwind, connect on a personal level, and celebrate shared successes.
Biggest Mistakes Companies Make With Remote Workers
With the sudden evolution of remote work, companies still make continual errors that hold their businesses back when working outside traditional office environments.
Here are the biggest blunders they make:
1. Poor Communication
One of the most significant mistakes companies make is a lack of clear communication when working remotely.
Remote work relies heavily on effective communication channels—such as Zoom—and when companies fail to establish transparent communication practices, it can lead to confusion, misunderstandings, and decreased productivity.
Worse still, it also drives away the best talent.
To reduce this, companies should invest in robust communication tools, set clear expectations for communication frequency and methods, and foster a culture of openness where employees feel comfortable expressing concerns or seeking clarification.
2. Zero Social Interactions
Another critical error is the neglect of team building and social interactions. In traditional office settings, spontaneous interactions and team-building activities occur naturally because everyone is in the same room.
Nonetheless, in a remote environment, replicating these experiences requires intentional effort. Companies that overlook team-building initiatives may find their remote teams struggling with a lack of connection—which can impact collaboration and overall morale. All remote team building games and remote team building activities should include social elements.
3. No Work-Life Balance
Failure to prioritize work-life balance is also a common pitfall for companies working outside traditional offices. For instance, remote work can blur the boundaries between professional and personal life—leading to burnout if not managed effectively.
Likewise, some companies make the mistake of expecting employees to be constantly available or measure productivity solely based on hours worked rather than outcomes achieved.
To manage this, organizations should establish clear expectations around working hours, encourage breaks, and discourage a constant “always-on” mentality.
Remember, promoting a healthy work-life balance contributes to employee well-being and sustained productivity, and companies should never forget this.
4. Limited Technology
Inadequate technology and security measures represent another significant misstep for teams with remote workers. For example, remote work relies heavily on technology, and companies that do not invest in reliable tools may experience disruptions and inefficiencies.
When companies outsource their employment to places like Nigeria or the Philippines, it can be hard to gauge whether their staff has the right technology.
Additionally, neglecting cybersecurity measures can expose the organization to data breaches and other security threats.
Companies should provide employees with the necessary technology, offer training on cybersecurity best practices, and implement robust security protocols to safeguard sensitive information to avoid these common—yet costly—mistakes.
Final Thoughts
In the evolving landscape of remote work, the importance of intentional team building cannot be overstated. Effective remote team building strategies are not just a series of activities but a strategic approach to fostering collaboration, engagement, and positive work culture in virtual environments.
It’s unlikely that the world will return to its former office life. Employees are now demanding hybrid or remote work contracts as part of their employment.
However, that’s why companies must ensure their remote worker strategy is on-point and get the best from the talent they hire.
