Start your day with a team meeting! Daily 30-minute catch-ups are essential for keeping everyone on the same page and driving results. These meetings not only help align workflows, but also foster interaction, creating a sense of belonging within the team. A solid remote work culture is key! It’s important that people feel trusted and not overly monitored, while still remaining responsive within reasonable time frames. Teams should be empowered to engage when needed or when they feel inspired. Remote work shouldn’t be seen as an escape from oversight—it’s a way to be more productive, save time and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

To reconnect and foster collaboration in a remote work environment, start by implementing regular virtual team meetings to maintain open communication and ensure everyone feels included. Encourage the use of collaboration tools like video conferencing, chat platforms, and project management software to facilitate teamwork. Organize virtual team-building activities to strengthen relationships and build trust. Promote a culture of transparency and openness by encouraging team members to share their thoughts and ideas. Recognize and celebrate achievements to boost morale and create a sense of belonging. Regularly check in with team members individually to address any concerns and provide support.

Personal catchups during 1-on-1s. Random "donut" meetings with those not in your team. Welcome lunches where new team members introduce themselves to the whole company. During larger meetings at the beginning and end of every week, we typically start with how was your weekend? or what are you doing this weekend? respectively. Social events at the company or team level where we can talk more at length about topics not related to work.

You’re not going to have happy hours or team lunches in a remote setting. You MUST find alternative ways for people to meet their social needs at work. I do this by consolidating relationship building into our work. In every one on one we use some time watering the relationship. Whenever someone joins the team I welcome them and introduce them to 3-4 more team members. Doing this sets the tone that we are a team of friendlies: people they can trust, who are sources of support when necessary (and that includes emotional support).

To reconnect a remote team and foster collaboration, prioritize regular check-ins through video calls to maintain personal connections. Organize virtual team-building activities and encourage informal interactions, like coffee chats. Utilize collaborative tools for shared projects, ensuring everyone feels involved. Establish a culture of recognition by celebrating achievements and encouraging peer feedback. Create dedicated channels for casual conversations to mimic an office environment, helping team members build relationships and feel more connected.