What makes a remote team thrive?

It’s more than just meeting deadlines or hopping onto video calls; it’s about creating a culture where everyone feels connected, valued, and motivated, no matter where they work.

A strong remote team culture is the glue that holds distributed teams together, fostering collaboration, trust, and engagement.

In fact, companies with engaged employees experience 21% higher profitability compared to teams where engagement is lacking.

For remote teams, where isolation can be a real challenge, building a positive culture is key to maintaining that engagement and boosting productivity.

So, what does it take to create a positive and lasting culture? Here’s what you need to know.

What Is Remote Team Culture?

Remote team culture is the shared values, attitudes, and practices that define how team members interact, collaborate, and support one another in a virtual work environment. It’s what turns a group of people working apart into a cohesive, motivated team.

But why should remote culture be a priority for your organization?

• Drives engagement - Employees who feel connected to their team are more likely to stay motivated and productive.

• Builds trust - A positive culture fosters openness and respect, encouraging better collaboration.

• Reduces isolation - Remote work can sometimes feel lonely; a strong culture helps create a sense of belonging.

• Boosts retention - Teams with a positive culture are more likely to retain top talent.

Challenges of Building Remote Team Culture

Creating a strong remote team culture isn’t always easy. Without the daily interactions of an office, teams can feel disconnected, leading to communication gaps, misunderstandings, and even burnout.

Here are some of the most common challenges remote teams face:

• Limited face-to-face interaction - Building trust and connection takes more effort without in-person meetings.

• Communication barriers - Misunderstandings can arise when teams rely solely on written messages or virtual calls.

• Feelings of isolation - Team members may struggle to feel included, especially if they’re new or working across time zones.

• Cultural differences - Remote teams often include people from diverse backgrounds, making alignment on work styles and expectations more complex.

Overcoming these challenges requires intention and the right strategies, which we’ll explore in the next section.

Tips for Building a Positive Remote Team Culture That Lasts

Creating a positive remote workplace is about making connection and collaboration easy. Use these tips to build a great company culture that keeps everyone engaged and motivated:

1. Host Regular Team-Building Activities

Building connections in remote teams doesn’t need to feel awkward. Regular team-building activities create a sense of belonging and make work more enjoyable. In fact, companies that promote collaborative working are five times more likely to perform at a high level.

Braid makes bringing your team together easily with fun, engaging games—all within Slack.

• Bring the team together - Use Braid’s Trivia to test everyone’s knowledge on fun topics or challenge your group with Wordsmith, where creativity and quick thinking shine. These games take just minutes but create moments your team will enjoy and remember.

• Encourage collaboration - Games like Word Link or Picture Puzzle require teamwork to solve challenges, making them perfect for boosting camaraderie and problem-solving skills.

• Fit games into the schedule - Braid's games fit into any routine, whether it’s a Friday afternoon wind-down or a quick energizer during a meeting. They’re simple to set up, fun to play, and flexible for teams of all sizes.

• Build a playful culture - When games become a regular part of your team’s schedule, they naturally create a culture where collaboration and connection come easily.

With Braid, you don’t need extra tools or complex setups. Everything happens in Slack, so your team can jump into a game without skipping a beat.

Want to make team bonding easier? Schedule a demo with Braid today!

2. Communicate Effectively

Effective communication is the foundation of a connected remote team. Companies that communicate well are 4.5 times more likely to retain their best employees, highlighting the importance of clear and open interactions.

Start by setting clear guidelines for how your team communicates. Use Slack for quick updates, Zoom meetings, and email for detailed discussions. Defining when and how to respond helps everyone stay aligned and reduces misunderstandings.

Share updates openly to maintain transparency. Use team channels to communicate progress, goals, and feedback. When everyone knows what’s happening, collaboration feels easier and more inclusive.

Support flexible communication by allowing team members to contribute to their schedules. Asynchronous tools like Slack enable managing ongoing discussions without time zone conflicts. Provide meeting recordings or notes to make sure no one misses out.

Finally, make communication personal. Check in with your team, ask about their day, or share something lighthearted. These small interactions help strengthen team bonds and make communication more enjoyable.

3. Encourage Inclusivity

Inclusivity is essential for remote teams to feel connected and supported. Studies show that inclusive teams are 35% more productive, proving the value of making everyone feel like they belong.

Start by recognizing individual contributions. A simple “great job” in a team chat or during a meeting can make people feel appreciated. When employees feel valued, they’re more motivated and engaged.

Celebrate your team’s diversity with virtual activities highlighting different cultures and traditions. Hosting events like cultural spotlights or international trivia helps your team learn about each other and fosters deeper connections.

Provide every team member with the tools and resources they need to succeed. Equal access to support makes sure everyone can thrive, regardless of location or role. When opportunities feel fair, engagement and trust naturally grow.

4. Build Trust and Foster Independence

Teams that feel trusted are 50% more productive than those that don’t. Trust gives employees the confidence to take the initiative and work independently, important for remote employees.

Start by defining roles and goals clearly. When expectations are easy to understand, it’s simpler for your team to stay on track.

Give your team space to manage their tasks without micromanaging. Focus on results instead of time spent working—this shows you trust their abilities and keeps them motivated.

Encourage ownership by allowing team members to make decisions. When people feel in control of their work, they’re more engaged and ready to deliver.

A culture of trust and independence helps remote teams thrive, boosting productivity and confidence.

5. Support Employee Well-Being

Well-being is essential for keeping your team happy and productive. When employees feel supported, they’re more focused, engaged, and ready to give their best.

Encourage regular breaks and flexible schedules. Letting your team step away from their screens or adjust their hours can reduce stress and help them recharge.

Provide access to resources like wellness programs, meditation apps, or even simple tips for managing stress. Showing you care about their mental health makes a big difference.

Check in with your team regularly. One-on-one conversations can help you understand their challenges and offer support. Sometimes, just listening is enough to make someone feel valued.

6. Use Tools That Strengthen Collaboration

The right tools can make collaboration seamless for remote teams. In fact, teams that use collaboration software are 85% more likely to feel engaged and connected to their work.

Start with communication tools like Slack, where quick updates and team-wide announcements keep everyone aligned. Pair it with Braid’s games to bring fun and connection into your team’s daily interactions.

For managing tasks and projects, platforms like Trello or Asana help organize workflows and ensure nothing gets missed. These tools let everyone see progress in real time, making teamwork more transparent and efficient.

Gather feedback and measure engagement with tools like Officevibe or Culture Amp. Regular check-ins with these platforms help you identify what’s working and what needs improvement.

7. Celebrate Wins and Recognize Contributions

Celebrating successes is a simple way to keep your team motivated and engaged. Recognition boosts morale and encourages everyone to bring their best to the table.

Acknowledge individual and team achievements regularly. Whether it’s a public shoutout in Slack or a quick mention during a meeting, small gestures can greatly impact motivation.

Mark milestones like project completions, anniversaries, or personal achievements with virtual celebrations. These moments help the team feel appreciated and connected, even when working remotely.

Offer meaningful rewards to show appreciation. A small gift card, an extra day off, or a personalized thank-you message can greatly make team members feel valued.

8. Gather Feedback and Adapt

Listening to your team is one of the best ways to create a culture that works for everyone. Feedback helps identify what’s going well and what needs improvement, keeping your team engaged and productive.

Use surveys or Slack polls to gather input on team dynamics, tools, and processes. These quick check-ins allow everyone to share their thoughts and feel heard.

Follow up on feedback with meaningful action. Whether it’s tweaking workflows or addressing a common concern, showing you’ve listened builds trust and encourages ongoing participation.

Keep the process ongoing. Feedback isn’t a one-time task—it’s an opportunity to improve continuously. Schedule regular check-ins to make sure your team feels supported and valued.

Building a Thriving Remote Team Culture

Creating a positive remote team culture takes intention and the right strategies. When your team feels connected, valued, and supported, they’re more engaged and productive, no matter where they work.

Start with simple steps like hosting regular team-building activities, encouraging open communication, and fostering inclusivity. Tools like Braid make it easy to bring your team together with fun games directly in Slack, helping you build trust and boost morale effortlessly.

Remember, a thriving culture isn’t built overnight. It’s about consistently creating moments that remind your team they’re part of something meaningful. Small changes, like recognizing achievements or gathering feedback, can make a big difference over time.

Ready to strengthen your team culture? Schedule a demo with Braid today and start building stronger connections that last.

FAQs About Remote Team Culture

How do you build a team culture remotely?

Building a good workplace culture starts with fostering connection and communication. Use tools like Slack for consistent communication, host regular team-building activities to strengthen relationships, and create spaces for casual conversations. Recognize achievements, gather feedback, and prioritize inclusivity to make sure everyone feels valued and engaged.

What are the four types of team culture?

The four types of team culture are:

1. Clan Culture - Focused on collaboration, teamwork, and a family-like environment.

2. Adhocracy Culture - Encourages innovation, creativity, and risk-taking.

3. Market Culture - Prioritizes results, competition, and achieving goals.

4. Hierarchy Culture - Structured and process-driven, emphasizing stability and efficiency.

Remote-first companies often benefit from blending these styles to create a culture that effectively aligns with their unique needs and supports remote workers.

How can remote company culture be adapted for remote work?

Adapting a strong remote work culture involves using tools and strategies that fit virtual environments. Promote open communication with team-wide channels, focus on outcomes rather than hours worked, and ensure everyone can access the necessary resources. Team managers should prioritize regular team-building activities and flexible policies to support work-life balance and employee well-being.

How do you maintain strong communication in a remote-first company?

Strong communication in a remote-first company starts with clear expectations and the right tools. Team leaders are key in ensuring communication stays consistent, transparent, and inclusive. By using team-wide channels, regular check-ins, and providing feedback opportunities, leaders can guarantee that the culture's effectiveness revolves around open and meaningful interactions that keep everyone aligned and engaged.