7 ideas for building a productive remote team

Lack of peer-to-peer interaction. Without a physical office, it’s challenging to create an atmosphere that encourages open collaboration. Non-verbal cues, which often facilitate smoother communication and deeper understanding, are missed out in a virtual setting.

Trust and psychological safety. Building trust is a gradual process that is even more complex when people communicate only through screens. The absence of face-to-face contact can lead to a sense of insecurity among team members, making it harder to establish psychological safety and trust.

Cultural and time zone differences. When a team is spread across the globe, time zones and cultural differences can become barriers to smooth collaboration. This calls for additional efforts to keep a remote team aligned, both in terms of schedules and understanding cultural norms.

Building understanding and trust. One effective way to build trust is through regular video meetings. This face-to-face virtual interaction bridges the gap, providing a semblance of in-person interaction and reducing the sense of distance.

Increasing engagement. McKinsey review reports that companies with high employee engagement are 3.5 times more successful than their competitors, underlining the importance of engagement to business outcomes. Engagement can be boosted through periodic informal meetings, such as virtual coffee breaks, where team members can relax and connect on a more personal level.

Enhancing communication. Organizing shared projects and collaborative video meetings helps in faster problem-solving and facilitates an understanding of each other’s working styles, contributing to a more cohesive team. Start with tools like Discord or Orchestra, where communication runs smoothly.

Virtual games and competitions. Companies like HubSpot use gaming platforms like Jackbox and Kahoot for team-building activities. These can include trivia quizzes, virtual scavenger hunts, and mini-competitions, which help team members unwind and interact in a relaxed environment. Studies indicate that informal interactions through games can strengthen team bonding, making employees feel more connected.

Virtual coffee breaks. Companies such as Buffer have successfully implemented regular informal meetups, allowing team members to discuss shared interests, like hobbies, movies, and books. Research has shown that casual conversations in the workplace contribute to improved morale and collaboration.

Collaborative sessions. Research from Google shows that brainstorming sessions, especially when involving diverse groups, contribute to greater innovation and a sense of community within teams.

Training sessions and webinars. Conducting training sessions and webinars are a great way to unify team members around professional development goals. LinkedIn’s Workplace Learning Report found that 94% of employees say they would stay longer at a company that invested in their career development.

Physical activity and wellness initiatives. Virtual fitness sessions, like yoga classes or step challenges, can encourage employees to maintain their health while engaging in a fun, shared activity. Dropbox, for instance, encourages physical wellness through fitness challenges, which help team members stay active and feel supported in their well-being.

Establishing team traditions. Regular team rituals, such as Friday catch-ups or virtual holiday celebrations, create a sense of belonging. Companies like Microsoft and Slack organize recurring social events, which help employees relax, bond, and share experiences in a non-work setting.

Using technology for team building. Tools like Orchestra, Slack, or Zoom are essential for remote teams to organize and support collaboration. Platforms like Orchestra, for example, offer features for seamless task and project management, which simplifies team coordination and boosts productivity.