Description:
My remote team is super talented, but we barely know each other outside of work chats. It’s hard to stay pumped when it feels so impersonal. How do you build connection and keep motivation up?
5 Answers
Ugh, remote teams can feel like ghosts in the machine. I’m on a team where nobody turns on their camera, so it’s like talking to profile pics. What helped was organizing a virtual game night—think trivia or Pictionary. Sounds cheesy, but it broke the ice. For motivation, I keep a sticky note with my “why” (aka paying my rent, lol) and check in with one teammate weekly for a quick chat. It’s not perfect, but it makes the void less… void-y
Building connection takes effort, no lie. I make a point to ask one personal question per meeting, like “whatis everyone eating for lunch?” Sounds dumb, but it humanizes people. Also, our team has a Slack channel for memes and pet pics, which helps. For motivation, I set mini-goals each week and reward myself with something small, like a coffee run. If your team’s not vibing, maybe suggest a quick daily check-in? Even 5 minutes can make y’all feel less like strangers.
Rotate pair work on real tasks for a week to force collaboration and accountability. Share small wins daily so rapport grows and you see real impact
- D. T.: Great tip! Have you noticed if this approach helps with long-term trust or just short bursts of motivation?
- Chase Myers: Thank! In my experience, it can spark long-term trust if you keep the rotation going consistently. It breaks down barriers and builds shared experience over time, not just quick bursts. The key is making it a regular habit, not a one-off.
I feel you:)) Remote work can be lonely. My team started doing virtual coffee chats—15 minutes, no work talk, just vibes. We share random stuff, like favorite shows or weekend plans. It’s awkward at first, but now I actually know who’s who. Also, I try to send quick Slack messages to teammates, like “nice job on that presentation!” It builds rapport. Motivation-wise, I focus on my own goals and treat team calls like a chance to show up, even if it’s just a tiny win. Small steps, ya know?
Honestly, I don’t bother too much with the warm fuzzies.... I stay motivated by focusing on my deliverables and keeping my manager happy. Teams don’t need to be BFFs to work well. That said, I do appreciate when someone cracks a joke in a meeting—it lightens the mood. If you want connection, maybe start a group chat for non-work stuff? But don’t expect everyone to join in, some folks just wanna clock in and out, and that’s fine too.
Join the conversation and help others by sharing your insights.
Log in to your account or create a new one — it only takes a minute and gives you the ability to post answers, vote, and build your expert profile.
Similar Questions
-
Is it just me or are online courses WAY harder to finish than in-person?
I’ve signed up for like 5 online courses in the past year (coding, marketing, etc.) and have finished exactly ZERO. 🤦♂️ With in-person classes, I always saw them through. What’s the secret to actually completing these things when you’re learning remotely? Discipline tips? Motivation hacks?
-
How to effectively manage a remote intern team?
Our company is launching its first fully remote internship program. How can we effectively manage a team of remote interns to ensure they get valuable experience, feel integrated into the company culture, and we can actually gauge their performance fairly?
-
Is it worth teaching digital body language at work?
Would formal training on ‘digital body language’—how to interpret written tone, use reactions and threads, manage response expectations, and present yourself on camera
-
How do you onboard new remote employees without overwhelming them?
I’m an HR manager, and our remote onboarding process feels like drinking from a firehose for new hires. Too many tools, meetings, and docs in the first week. What’s a better way to ease people in while still covering essentials? Any creative ideas or frameworks?
-
What are effective strategies for upskilling for a new remote career while working full-time?
I want to transition to a new remote career path (e.g., from admin to data analysis, or customer service to UX design) but I’m already working a demanding full-time job. What are some truly effective and manageable strategies for upskilling or reskilling without burning out or neglecting my current responsibilities?
-
What role does virtual reality (VR) or the metaverse realistically play in the future of remote work?
There’s a lot of hype around VR/metaverse for work. Beyond virtual meetings, what are the plausible, near-term applications that could actually improve remote collaboration, training, or team building? Or is it mostly hype?
-
Best online learning platforms for skill development in 2025?
Looking to upgrade my skills but overwhelmed by the number of online learning options. What platforms have you found genuinely useful for professional growth?
-
Why do employees quickly forget workplace training?
After investing time and budget in onboarding, compliance modules, or skills workshops, people often revert to old habits within weeks. What cognitive and workplace factors drive rapid forgetting and poor transfer of training into everyday work? Which evidence-based instructional design and communication strategies (for example, spaced repetition, retrieval practice, on-the-job coaching, manager reinforcement, job aids,...
-
What are some truly innovative uses of AR in remote education?
Beyond basic 3D models, what are some genuinely innovative and practical applications of augmented reality (AR) that could transform remote education and make learning more engaging for K-12 or university students? I’m looking for ideas that are feasible with current or near-future tech accessible to schools or individuals working from home.
-
How do you keep kids (and yourself!) motivated?
My two elementary schoolers are doing hybrid learning and the remote days are a STRUGGLE. They’re losing focus, I’m losing my sanity trying to juggle work and their ‘school’. Any creative ideas for keeping them engaged with online classes? And how do parents stay sane?! 🤯SOS!