Introduction: Best Ways to Stay Connected With Your Remote Team

When Sarah’s marketing team transitioned to remote work in 2020, she noticed a shift. The spontaneous creativity that once sparked around the office coffee machine had vanished. Tasks were still getting done, but the sense of collaboration—the spark—had dimmed. Six months later, internal surveys showed something even more concerning: a 40% drop in team members’ sense of connection.

And Sarah’s experience isn’t unusual. According to Buffer’s 2023 State of Remote Work:

• 58% of remote workers report feelings of loneliness
• 42% feel disconnected from company culture
• 35% struggle to collaborate effectively

Here’s the good news: Remote teams that prioritize connection often emerge even stronger than their in-office counterparts. After working with over 75 distributed teams and analyzing practices from companies like GitLab, Zapier, and Automattic, we’ve pulled together the most powerful strategies to help your team thrive—together.

Rethinking Communication for Remote Success

New Rules for Remote Communication

The communication habits we relied on in offices don’t always translate to remote environments. Here’s how to reimagine them:

1. Recreate Informal Interactions

• Set up Slack channels like #watercooler or #random for casual chatter.
• Offer “open office hours” where teammates can drop by for quick chats.
• Try voice notes for a more human touch than plain text.

2. Get Comfortable with Asynchronous Communication

• Use written updates when real-time communication isn’t necessary.
• Record video messages with Loom or Vimeo for clarity and flexibility.
• Set clear expectations: A 24-hour response window beats chasing instant replies.

3. Fix Your Meetings

• Try “No Meeting Wednesdays” to give people focus time.
• Always ask: Could this be an email?
• Use agendas and time limits to make meetings more efficient.

At Doist, teams prepare briefs in advance—cutting meeting time by up to 30%.

Essential Tools That Make It Work

Purpose	Top Tools	Why They’re Great
Instant Messaging	Slack, Microsoft Teams	Fast, informal, and flexible
Video Calls	Zoom, Google Meet	Build rapport with face-to-face chats
Project Management	Trello, Asana	Keeps tasks transparent and trackable
Documentation	Notion, Confluence	A central place for important info
Visual Collaboration	Miro, FigJam	Perfect for brainstorming and whiteboarding

Building Real Relationships Without an Office

Create Moments of Serendipity

The best office bonds are often forged accidentally. Here’s how to recreate that magic remotely:

1. Random Coffee Chats

• Use tools like Donut to pair team members for casual, non-work conversations.
• 30-minute sessions every couple of weeks are plenty.

2. Shared Interest Channels

• Set up Slack groups like #bookclub, #travel, or #petparents.
• Teams that connect over shared hobbies often build stronger bonds.

One team discovered three amateur chefs—and now they swap recipes weekly.

3. Virtual Co-Working

• Host quiet, “body doubling” video sessions where teammates work side by side.
• Great for fighting loneliness during deep-focus tasks.

Build Meaningful Rituals

Rituals create rhythm and culture. Here are a few that work beautifully:

Weekly:

• Wins Wednesday – Share recent accomplishments.
• Thank You Thursday – Recognize and appreciate teammates.

Monthly:

• Host skill-sharing sessions (non-work skills welcome).
• Plan casual game nights (Among Us, Jackbox, or trivia).

Quarterly:

• Organize virtual retreats that blend strategy with fun.
• Host “Show and Tell” sessions to highlight personal or passion projects.

One HR team starts every Monday with a 15-minute “weekend highlight” chat—it’s now their most anticipated meeting.

Preventing the Pitfalls of Remote Work

Spotting Isolation and Burnout Early

Watch for warning signs:

• Working late consistently
• Turning cameras off in meetings
• Sending curt or unusually short messages

How to respond:

• Set “log off” reminders at day’s end.
• Make camera use optional—especially in back-to-back meetings.
• Offer dedicated mental health days outside standard PTO.

Navigating Time Zone Differences

For global teams, fairness is key:

• Rotate meeting times so the same team members aren’t always staying up late or waking up early.
• Record key meetings so everyone can catch up.
• Use tools like World Time Buddy to coordinate easily.

GitLab’s “asynchronous first” rule means most decisions are made through documentation, not meetings—giving everyone flexibility.

Measuring and Sustaining Connection

Know What to Track

Keep a pulse on team engagement by measuring:

• Results from employee surveys
• Attendance and enthusiasm at optional social events
• Punctuality and participation in meetings

One tech company increased team connection scores by 28% after launching quarterly “pulse checks.”

Keep Improving

Remote connection strategies shouldn’t be static. Try:

• Hosting quarterly retrospectives to evaluate what’s working.
• Dropping ideas that aren’t resonating.
• Encouraging continuous feedback from team members.

What’s Next in Remote Team Connection

Emerging Trends to Watch

VR Offices – Tools like Meta’s Horizon Workrooms make collaboration immersive.
AI Scheduling Assistants – Tools that manage meetings and take notes for you.
Digital Body Language Analysis – Insights into team engagement and morale.

Prediction: By 2025, top remote teams will have dedicated “connection budgets” to support virtual gatherings and occasional in-person meetups.

Your Action Plan: Build Connection, One Step at a Time

1. Audit Your Tools
   • List every tool your team uses to communicate.
   • Identify overlaps and gaps.
   • Consolidate to 4–5 essential platforms.
2. Schedule Connection Moments
   • Add regular social events to your team calendar.
   • Mix mandatory and optional formats.
   • Use a variety of styles (video chats, voice notes, Slack threads).
3. Establish Clear Norms
   • Document your team’s communication expectations.
   • Train managers in leading remote teams effectively.
   • Set clear boundaries to avoid burnout.
4. Measure, Review, Adjust
   • Run quarterly surveys to assess connection and engagement.
   • Track social participation and feedback.
   • Be open to pivoting when needed.

Conclusion: Connection Isn’t a Perk—It’s a Practice

Remote teams don’t build connection by accident. The most successful ones design it—through intentional communication, shared rituals, and a willingness to evolve.

Yes, remote work comes with its challenges. But it also offers something powerful: the chance to create flexible, inclusive, deeply human workplaces—where people feel valued, supported, and connected, no matter where they are.

Small actions—like a weekly gratitude post or a virtual pet parade—can make a massive difference. Because at the end of the day, people don’t just want to work together. They want to belong.