In an era where remote work has become the new norm, building and maintaining a robust team culture presents unique challenges. According to a Buffer survey, while 99% of employees would like to work remotely at least some of the time, fostering a sense of belonging and cohesion in a virtual environment is a significant concern for many leaders.
As an executive leadership coach, I’ve worked with numerous teams transitioning to remote work, helping them create a culture that not only survives but thrives in a virtual setting. Here’s how you can build and sustain a remote team culture that truly works.
Establish Virtual Communication Norms: Clear communication is the lifeblood of remote work. Set standards for how and when your team communicates to ensure consistency and clarity.
Embrace Digital Collaboration Tools: Leverage the power of technology. Utilize collaborative tools that facilitate teamwork and keep everyone connected, regardless of their location.
Prioritize Regular Check-ins: Frequent check-ins maintain connection. Regular virtual meetings or one-on-ones help in addressing issues promptly and keeping the team aligned.
Foster a Sense of Belonging: Create virtual spaces for informal interactions. Encourage social engagement through digital coffee breaks or casual chat rooms to nurture a sense of community.
Celebrate Milestones and Achievements Virtually: Recognition matters, even more, when remote. Celebrate milestones and accomplishments in creative, virtual ways to maintain morale and motivation.
Encourage Work-Life Balance: Remote work can blur boundaries. Advocate for a healthy work-life balance by setting clear expectations about working hours and availability.
Offer Opportunities for Professional Development: Growth shouldn’t halt remotely. Provide access to online learning and development resources to support your team’s career progression.
Lead with Empathy and Understanding: Finally, lead with empathy. Recognize that remote work can bring unique personal challenges and show understanding and flexibility.
Building a strong remote team culture is an ongoing process that requires intention, innovation, and constant nurturing. By implementing these strategies, you can create a vibrant, productive, and cohesive remote work environment.
Lead From Within: In remote leadership, the key is not just managing work; it’s about cultivating connections, culture, and a shared vision, no matter the distance.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
- 12 Successful Leadership Principles That Never Grow Old
- A Leadership Manifesto: A Guide To Greatness
- How to Succeed as A New Leader
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- 4 Proven Reasons Why Intuitive Leaders Make Great Leaders
- The One Quality Every Leader Needs To Succeed
- The Deception Trap of Leadership
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.