Navigating the complexities of a distributed workforce requires more than good intentions, it demands concrete strategies honed by practice. This article distills the wisdom of seasoned experts, offering actionable advice for fostering meaningful connections within remote and hybrid teams. Discover how to keep your virtual workforce engaged, motivated, and united, regardless of distance.
- Share Snapshot Diaries Monthly
- Celebrate Team And Individual Achievements
- Organize Company Retreats
- Host Regular Video Meetups
- Implement Virtual Co-Working Sessions
- Conduct Biweekly Pulse Polls
- Host Regular Coffee Chat Sessions
- Hold Weekly Virtual All-Hands Meetings
- Rally Around Charitable Efforts
- Host Biannual Company-Wide Gatherings
- Organize Virtual Team-Building Activities
Share Snapshot Diaries Monthly
I’ve found that a monthly “snapshot diaries” tradition can really elevate team spirit. Here’s how it works: each remote or hybrid employee is asked to share a single photo or short video that captures something unique about their day—maybe it’s a scenic view from their home office window or a quick clip of their quirky pet. We then compile these snapshots into a digital collage or slideshow that’s showcased in our next team meeting.
Why it works:
- Personalization Without Forced Socializing: It’s a low-pressure way for people to share a slice of their lives. Instead of obligatory happy hours (which can get awkward), you’re creating micro-connections that spark natural conversations—”Oh, you have a hobby farm?” or “Your cat does that too?”
- Equal Spotlight: Because everyone submits the same format—a photo or short clip—no one dominates the conversation. It gives introverts and extroverts equal footing to connect.
- Digital “Water Cooler”: It’s the remote-friendly equivalent of office chit-chat. Even if you don’t comment right away, those images serve as conversation starters later on Slack or email.
- Scalable and Simple: It costs practically nothing to implement. A shared folder or company intranet site can host the collection, making it accessible for folks in all time zones.
It’s a subtle but powerful way to keep people engaged, as it blends the personal with the professional and fosters ongoing camaraderie—even when your team spans continents.
Derek Pankaew
CEO & Founder, Listening.com
Celebrate Team And Individual Achievements
Recognizing and celebrating team and individual achievements has been an incredible way to boost employee engagement for us. Dedicate regular moments in team meetings or all-hands sessions to celebrate milestones, project completions, and personal successes, ensuring everyone feels appreciated.
Introducing peer-to-peer recognition has been another game-changer that allows team members to build rapport and better working relationships. Tools like Bonusly or Slack channels can enable employees to publicly acknowledge and thank colleagues for their efforts, fostering a culture of appreciation and connection. This allows employees to recognize each other in real-time, making the process organic and inclusive.
Lastly, we try to make any rewards or perks we give to employees personal and meaningful. Try to keep individual preferences, such as gift cards, experiences, or time off in mind, and ensure that both major accomplishments and smaller efforts, like acts of collaboration or problem-solving, are celebrated.
Mathieu Sroussi
Co-Founder & CEO, SmartenUp
Organize Company Retreats
One of the most effective practices I’ve seen take off are company retreats. These are short trips, usually 1 to 5 days, that bring employees together in one physical location.
In an era where teams feel disconnected and managers are burning out, retreats seem to offer a solution to refresh engagement and in-person connection.
But why is this the case?
- Communication: No “you’re on mute.” Just open, meaningful conversations without time constraints. Retreats create space to solve conflicts, spark ideas, and deepen connection.
- Teamwork: Retreats foster collaboration in ways that aren’t possible behind a screen or even in the office. Think team-building games or cooking together; it’s about shared effort in new environments.
- Shared Values: Retreats give teams the chance to pause and reflect on their mission. Values aren’t just words on a wall; they come alive when you live them. A value-driven retreat lets people experience those values in action, creating a deeper connection to the “why” behind their work and ultimately, to each other.
On every retreat, I get to witness the power of togetherness. Technologies are great, and there are many out there for remote teams. But there is something about the physical world that they will never fully substitute.
We’re humans after all.
Lisa Lohmann
CEO of Láfora, La Fora
Host Regular Video Meetups
We’ve embraced a fully remote model, which has become a core part of our company culture and operations.
Here are some of the ways we keep employees connected and engaged:
- Regular Video Meetups: Each department holds weekly 30-minute video meetings to stay connected on both a professional and personal level. These touchpoints serve as checkpoints for deadlines but also as moments to share personal interests and plans.
- Sharing Wins and Feedback: We actively share company updates and client feedback with the entire team, whether it’s record-setting leads or glowing client reviews. Recognizing individual contributions keeps everyone aligned and motivated.
- Empowerment and Ownership: We encourage a flat structure where employees take ownership of their roles and collaborate to solve problems. This sense of autonomy naturally boosts engagement, even in a remote setting.
- Creative Virtual Connection: To add some levity, we host virtual “raves” on Zoom. One team member DJs while others work with cameras off, creating a fun, low-pressure way to stay connected throughout the day.
- Occasional In-Person Meetups: While we don’t have a central office, we organize periodic in-person gatherings at different locations in our service area. These events help solidify relationships across the team.
- Flexible Schedules: We allow employees to set their own work hours, letting them align their productivity with their personal rhythms. This flexibility ensures they can work during their most focused times, whether that’s a late night or a quiet weekend morning.
Our fully remote model has enhanced productivity, reduced overhead costs, and allowed us to recruit and retain top talent. By embracing flexibility and creative ways to foster connection, we’ve created a thriving remote work environment that aligns with our company values.
Whitney Hill
Co-Founder & Head of Business Development & Innovation, SnapADU
Implement Virtual Co-Working Sessions
To ensure that remote or hybrid employees feel connected and engaged, one of the most effective practices is fostering intentional, consistent communication that goes beyond transactional work discussions. A strong emphasis on creating opportunities for personal interaction and collaboration can significantly enhance engagement and a sense of belonging.
One approach I’ve found particularly impactful is implementing virtual coworking sessions. These are scheduled periods where team members come together on a video call, not necessarily to discuss specific work tasks but to simulate the experience of working alongside colleagues in a shared space. Participants can casually chat, share updates, or simply stay muted while working independently, providing a sense of presence and connection that combats isolation. This practice encourages spontaneous conversations and strengthens team bonds, much like the informal interactions that happen in a physical office.
Additionally, creating structured opportunities for social interaction, such as virtual coffee chats, team-building activities, or interest-based clubs, helps employees connect on a more personal level. Paired with regular check-ins and open forums where employees can voice concerns or share ideas, these initiatives foster trust and inclusivity.
The key to success is maintaining a balance between work-focused communication and informal engagement, ensuring remote or hybrid employees feel valued as part of the team, even when physically apart. This intentional effort not only boosts morale but also enhances productivity and loyalty.
Eugene Mischenko
President, E-Commerce & Digital Marketing Association
Conduct Biweekly Pulse Polls
We conduct “Pulse Polls” biweekly to gauge team sentiment and engagement levels. These anonymous, quick surveys uncover what’s working and where support is needed. Based on results, we implement immediate improvements, like introducing wellness breaks or celebrating wins. Employees see their feedback driving change, which strengthens trust and participation. The consistent loop of listening and acting keeps our culture dynamic and responsive.
We implemented a “Project Pairing” initiative to encourage cross-team collaborations on key goals. Employees from different departments partner to solve challenges or brainstorm ideas. These pairings build connections across the company while driving innovative solutions collaboratively. Employees not only feel engaged but also gain exposure to diverse perspectives and skills. This practice bridges silos and enhances teamwork in unexpected ways.
Alari Aho
CEO and Founder, Toggl Inc
Host Regular Coffee Chat Sessions
Building a connected team doesn’t happen by accident, especially when you have remote and hybrid employees. It’s about creating opportunities for real connections that go beyond work.
One of the most effective things we do is host regular “coffee chat” sessions. These informal, virtual meet-ups give everyone the chance to connect on a personal level, build stronger relationships, and create a true sense of community.
On top of that, we bring our remote team members together for in-office meetups. We take care of everything—accommodation, food, travel—to make sure they feel valued and included. These face-to-face interactions help us celebrate their contributions and create memories that go beyond screens and meetings.
We don’t stop there. We celebrate milestones, hold regular check-ins, and encourage cross-functional collaboration to ensure everyone remains engaged and aligned, regardless of location.
Abhishek Shah
Founder, Testlify
Hold Weekly Virtual All-Hands Meetings
In a remote work environment, we prioritize regular communication and team-building practices to ensure employees stay connected and engaged. One of the most effective strategies we use is hosting weekly virtual all-hands meetings. These sessions not only focus on company updates but also provide an opportunity to celebrate individual achievements and share personal milestones, creating a sense of community despite physical distance.
Additionally, we foster cross-departmental collaboration through virtual brainstorming sessions, ensuring that everyone feels involved and valued in the company’s growth. To further strengthen relationships, we organize offsite events where employees can meet in person, collaborate, and build stronger bonds. This approach bridges the gap between virtual interactions and real-world connections, ensuring employees feel more engaged and appreciated.
Vaibhav Namburi
Founder, Smartlead.ai
Rally Around Charitable Efforts
You know, they tell you to “never assume,” but on this topic the fact is that you actually have to assume that remote/hybrid employees DON’T feel connected and engaged. It’s better to then be surprised when they do…at least you haven’t risked keeping someone alienated that could have been helped.
As far as an effective practice itself, a common theme of success stories centers on rallying people around a cause. For example, charitable efforts that require some sort of action and, even better, collaboration, can serve to both unite, instill and maintain a sense of community. It’s that community feeling that many felt they lost in the move to remote work, even though they acknowledge they’ve gained a lot.
Jeremy Ames
Leader, Workplace Technology
Host Biannual Company-Wide Gatherings
To foster connection and engagement among remote employees, many of my clients host biannual, three-day company-wide gatherings. These events feature team-building activities, leadership updates, professional development sessions, group meals, and volunteer opportunities, creating a strong sense of community and alignment across the organization.
Lindsay Hoag
Founder & CEO, Totally Remote HR
Organize Virtual Team-Building Activities
Ensuring that remote or hybrid employees feel connected and engaged is crucial for fostering a cohesive work environment. At our company, we prioritize creating a sense of belonging and maintaining clear communication, regardless of where employees are located.
One highly effective practice we’ve implemented is virtual team-building activities. These go beyond typical meetings and focus on fostering genuine connections. For example, we host bi-weekly virtual coffee chats where team members are randomly paired to discuss non-work-related topics. This informal interaction helps break silos and strengthens relationships across departments.
Additionally, we leverage tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams not just for work discussions but also for casual conversations. Dedicated channels for hobbies, wellness tips, and sharing achievements create a sense of community and provide employees with a space to connect over shared interests.
We also ensure inclusivity in decision-making by involving remote team members in brainstorming sessions and offering hybrid options for all events, whether they are training programs or celebrations. This ensures no one feels left out, fostering a sense of equality and engagement.
Finally, regular feedback sessions and pulse surveys allow employees to voice concerns and share ideas. Acting on this feedback shows that their opinions matter, boosting morale and trust. By combining consistent communication, inclusive activities, and opportunities for collaboration, we’ve created a remote-friendly culture where employees feel valued and engaged, no matter where they work.
Vishal Shah
Sr. Technical Consultant, WPWeb Infotech