Is there a one-size-fits-all solution? Probably not. But there’s beauty in the in between – and healthy relationships both at work and at home.
In remote settings, we don’t have the luxury of passing by each other’s desks or stumbling into conversations by chance – communication is intentional and planned. Teams that maintain chemistry while remote make time for both structured, work-related communication and informal, personal interactions. Here are a few best practices for maintaining team chemistry:
- Daily or Weekly Team Meetings: Short, consistent check-ins help keep everyone aligned and accountable. Use the first and last 5-10 minutes for an ice breaker or casual catch-up – whether it’s weekend plans or a new favorite show.
- Video Calls Over Emails: When tone and nuance matter, opt for a video call. Seeing facial expressions and body language can help avoid misunderstandings and strengthen personal connection.
- Create space for informal interactions: Build in opportunities for non-work conversations like virtual team lunches where you can “hang out” and get to know each other better or use platforms like Slack or Google Chat for a #random or #watercooler channel where teammates can share weekend stories, share memes, or just check-in.
- Celebrate small wins: Recognition goes a long way in remote teams. Make a habit of celebrating team wins – no matter the size – and acknowledge personal milestones like birthdays, work anniversaries, or life updates. A quick shoutout in a team meeting, celebratory email or post in the team chat helps everyone feel seen and valued.
- When possible, schedule in-person time — like a coffee shop workday or a brainstorm session at the park. These don’t have to be frequent or formal, but planning ahead and keeping them voluntary makes them something your team can look forward to.
