You’re struggling to keep your remote team engaged. How can you build trust and collaboration?

1 Choose the right tools

Not all video conferencing tools are created equal. You need to choose the ones that suit your team's needs, preferences, and budget. Some factors to consider are the quality of audio and video, the ease of use, the security and privacy features, the integration with other platforms, and the availability of technical support. You may also want to explore the options for screen sharing, chat, polls, breakout rooms, and recording to enhance your communication and collaboration.

2 Set clear expectations

One of the keys to successful remote work is to have clear and consistent expectations for your team. You need to communicate your goals, deadlines, roles, and responsibilities clearly and regularly. You also need to establish the norms and etiquette for video conferencing, such as when to turn on your camera, how to mute yourself, how to ask questions, and how to give feedback. You should also agree on the frequency, duration, and agenda of your video meetings and stick to them.

3 Build rapport and trust

Video conferencing can be a great way to build rapport and trust among your remote team members, but it requires some effort and intention. You should make time for casual and personal conversations, such as icebreakers, check-ins, or fun activities, to help your team get to know each other and bond. You should also show empathy, appreciation, and recognition for your team's work and achievements, and encourage them to do the same for each other. You should also be transparent, honest, and respectful in your communication and address any issues or conflicts promptly and constructively.

4 Encourage participation and feedback

Another way to keep your remote team engaged and collaborative is to encourage participation and feedback during video conferencing. You should invite your team members to share their opinions, ideas, questions, and concerns, and listen actively and attentively. You should also use interactive features, such as polls, quizzes, or games, to keep your team interested and involved. You should also solicit and provide feedback regularly, both during and after video meetings, and use it to improve your processes and performance.

5 Foster learning and innovation

Finally, you can use video conferencing to foster learning and innovation among your remote team members. You can use video conferencing to provide training, coaching, mentoring, or peer learning opportunities for your team, and help them develop their skills and knowledge. You can also use video conferencing to brainstorm, problem-solve, or co-create solutions with your team, and tap into their creativity and diversity. You can also use video conferencing to showcase your team's work, celebrate your successes, or learn from your failures.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?