Remote-first doesn’t mean culture second

In a world where your team might be spread across five time zones, how do you foster that sense of camaraderie you once found in the office? For People leaders, building a thriving remote-first culture requires strategy, creativity, and intention

Remote-first doesn’t mean culture is second. With the right intention, you can build a thriving, connected, and motivated team, no matter the distance. By prioritising communication, well being, and engagement, you’re not just supporting your team; you’re setting the stage for success.

So, how?

1. Define your core values

Every strong culture starts with clear values. These values guide how your team behaves, makes decisions, and interacts with one another. In a remote-first world, it's even more crucial to spell these out and weave them into the day-to-day.

Make sure everyone understands the company’s mission and what values drive the business. Whether it's innovation, collaboration, or transparency, your values should show up in everything from hiring to performance reviews. By anchoring your culture in shared values, you give your team a strong foundation, no matter where they’re working from.

2. Foster transparent communication

Communication is one of the biggest hurdles for remote teams. Without the luxury of quick chats in the office, communication needs to be more deliberate.

Encourage transparency with open channels. Regular check-ins, virtual meetings, and tools like Slack can keep everyone in the loop. Don’t forget to embrace asynchronous communication for teams in different time zones. Leaders should lead by example - be visible, share updates, and create an environment of trust and transparency.

??Idea - Host a regular, informal AMA (ask me anything) sessions with leadership. It can be a great way to build transparency and give employees a chance to connect with leaders in a more personal way.

3. Create virtual connection opportunities

Culture isn’t just about work; it’s about relationships. Building connections remotely takes more effort, but it's crucial for morale and engagement.

Create spaces for informal bonding, like virtual coffee chats, team building activities, or fun Slack channels. Celebrate wins, big or small - whether it's through virtual shout-outs or team meetings. Keeping the team spirit alive, even from a distance, makes a huge difference.

??Idea - Create a “Watercool-Chat” channel in Slack for non-work chatter. It’s a simple way to help remote teams bond over shared interests, fun gifs, or weekend plans.

4. Prioritise employee well being

A strong culture takes care of its people. In a remote world, where work and home life can blur, supporting your team’s well being is essential.

Encourage your employees to set boundaries and respect their work-life balance. Flexible hours can help reduce burnout. Offering mental health resources, wellness programs, or simply checking in regularly can go a long way in showing employees that you care about them, both personally and professionally.

Encourage your team to set ‘Do Not Disturb’ hours on Slack to protect personal time. Regular mental health days or wellness hours are great ways to show your employees you value their well-being.

5. Set clear expectations and accountability

In a remote-first company, clear expectations are non-negotiable. Employees need to know what’s expected of them - goals, roles (i.e. job description!), and performance metrics.

Define these objectives and make sure everyone knows how their work ties into the bigger picture. Regular feedback keeps everyone on track and moving forward. A culture of accountability and continuous improvement keeps your team motivated and focused.

6. Provide learning and development opportunities

In a traditional office, learning often happens on the fly - quick chats, shadowing, or simply observing. Remote teams miss out on that organic development, so it's important to be intentional about learning.

Invest in virtual training, webinars, and online resources that foster continuous growth. Consider mentorship programs or virtual coaching to help employees build skills and connections. Offering a dedicated budget for learning and certifications ensures that your team has equal opportunities for development, no matter where they are.

??Idea - set up a monthly “watch and learn” where each month, a member of your team get’s to pick the topic. It could be an inspiring Ted talk or YouTube series. Watch it together and save time at the end for discussion and debate.

7. Empower your team with the right tools

In a remote-first setup, the tools you choose can make or break the culture. The right tech can streamline communication and make collaboration easier.

Make sure your team has access to tools like Slack, Zoom, or Miro to stay connected and collaborate effectively. These platforms not only support productivity but also help build a sense of unity and shared purpose across distances.

When employees feel trusted, they’re more likely to take ownership of their work and go the extra mile. Autonomy breeds engagement and drives results, no matter where your team is based.

8. Build trust through autonomy

In a remote-first culture, trust is everything. Employees need to feel empowered to manage their own time and work independently, without micromanagement.

Focus on results, not hours worked. This encourages employees to take ownership of their roles and deliver their best work. A culture of trust leads to a more engaged and productive team.

10. Create rituals and traditions

Just because your team is remote doesn’t mean you can’t have traditions. Regular all-hands meetings, virtual lunches, or even annual retreats can reinforce a sense of community.

Celebrate personal and professional milestones - whether it’s a work anniversary, birthday, or project success. These rituals help remind everyone that they’re part of something bigger.

??Idea - Set up a weekly ritual where employees answer 10 fun, light-hearted questions. Think: “What’s your dream dinner guest?” or “What’s your favorite hobby?” It's a great way to get to know each other beyond job titles.

Other ideas for creating a positive remote culture

• Annual get-together Yes, it can be a bit of an investment, but the return from face-to-face conversations and the energy they create is massive. Even just one gathering a year can reinforce team culture in ways remote tools can't!
• "Shoutout" sessions in All-Hands meetings - Dedicate 5 minutes at the end of team meetings for shoutouts. Encourage employees to highlight a colleague’s work or help they received that week. It’s a quick morale booster and reinforces a culture of appreciation.
• Book or movie club - Create a monthly virtual book or movie club, where employees can gather to discuss something fun and non-work related. It gives people a break from daily tasks and fosters meaningful conversations.
• Employee-led workshops or skill shares - Let your team showcase their unique skills or hobbies by hosting mini workshops. Whether it's photography, coding tips, or cooking, this helps employees feel valued for their diverse talents and promotes learning from each other.