4 Fresh Ideas to Start Engaging a Remote Team

Working from home is all the rage, and it’s easy to see why: workers enjoy increased autonomy, flexibility, and time with family. “Morning commute” means shifting from the bed to the couch. What’s not to love? 

While remote and hybrid work models have revamped the way we connect, collaborate, and get $h*t done, there’s only one little thing missing: a sense of meaningful connection. Video conferencing platforms like Zoom and Teams are great, but when your employees start to feel disengaged and disconnected from each other, productivity drops, satisfaction decreases, and that much-needed team camaraderie takes a big hit. 

So, what can you do? A lot! We dive into four fun ideas to start engaging a remote team so your staff is inspired to show up for you and for each other every day.  

Idea #1. Prioritize Communication

Whether you and your employees are introverts, extroverts, or somewhere in between, we all need some form of consistent communication with other people. Prioritizing communication is one of the first and most effective steps you can take to start engaging a remote team. 

For people in leadership positions, this is especially important. When all of your work is done virtually, it’s impossible to have those sidebar conversations in the hallway or over a coffee in the break room. Be sure to regularly let your team know that you’re available to talk and that you have an open door policy (or open Zoom policy, whichever makes more sense!). 

For employees, it’s critical to let people build friendships and network. Solid team cohesion and the ability to collaborate is most likely when a team actually likes each other and they have the opportunity to connect.

It’s easy to feel isolated in the remote work world, so daily check-ins and regular updates will serve as a great way to keep your people on track.

Idea #2. Book a Retreat

Having a remote work team doesn’t mean you’re completely banished to the land of the internet and Zoom rooms. Booking a retreat is a great way for teammates to connect face-to-face and develop a strong bond. It could be a good idea to book a retreat in a central location that is equidistant from your team, if they’re spread out. Or book a retreat to a vacation destination that everyone will enjoy.

The team-building experts behind The Triangle Sessions can dream up a relaxing retreat and cater to your requests. For example, we organized a retreat for a national law firm in Nashville, TN which involved plenty of heart-healthy walking, mind-expanding museums, and time to chill with bourbon, yoga, and more. Something for everyone! When you gather your staff for a fun-filled few days, you’ll start engaging a remote team in no time. 

Idea #3. Celebrate A Job Well Done

Your office is not a military boot camp. It’s okay and should be encouraged to make sure employees feel seen, recognized, and appreciated for their hard work. Your talent strives to impress, and even before a project is completed, they should be recognized for the time and effort they’re putting in. 

Here are some great ways to boost morale and recognize a job well done:

1. Create a social media shoutout. Include a snap of the employee, if they’re fine with it, and share a few lines about what makes them stand out.

2. Have a one-on-one with a team member. When you show employees that you’re taking time out of your schedule to express gratitude, they’ll know that you really mean it.

3. Food! Whether it’s salad or sushi delivery for lunch, a nutritious meal is one of the best ways to bring people together and show group appreciation. 

When team members know their leadership will recognize them for their hard work, it will start engaging a remote team quickly and effectively. 

Idea #4. Inspire Wellness

Let’s face it, there are plenty of business owners out there who think overworking their employees is acceptable. Of course, it’s okay to have high standards. But there must be a balance between wellness and work ethic. 

Promoting personal wellbeing and health is just as important as promoting workplace efficiency. Here are some workplace wellness ideas to keep your team mentally and physically sharp, as well as generally happy:

1. Yoga and gym passes: Physical health is a key to promoting mental health, too.

2. Mental health days: Sometimes people just need a break. Allow your team members to take a mental health day, no questions asked.

3. Wellness Workshop: A workshop that helps your team learn the importance of wellness and self-care can help boost productivity and engagement. 

4. Lead by example: If you want your employees to take care of their physical and mental health, set a strong example as their leader.

5. Ask people how they’re doing. This goes beyond just their workload. Team members will feel grateful that you asked about their family, pets, or hobbies. As we’ve already described, remote work can feel isolating, and this is one small way to mitigate that. 

Feeling Connected Starts with Feeling Good

Remote work can be isolating, but with some good leadership, a plan, and a willingness to collaborate, you can reconnect with your staff. There are many steps you can take to start engaging your remote team, and The Triangle Sessions can help you get there. If you’re looking for a consultation to plan a retreat or team-building exercises that can be enjoyed in-person or virtually, our experts can’t wait to work with your team.