As a remote team manager, you might think that the most important factor in team management is productivity. But, did you know that culture is just as important, if not more so? Here’s why building a strong remote team culture is essential, and how you can accomplish it from the ground up.

What is Culture and Why does it Matter?

Culture is more than just a fancy catchphrase thrown around in business meetings. It refers to the essence of a company that includes values, practices, and behaviors, as well as the work environment and interpersonal relationships between team members. In essence, culture is the driving force behind how your team interacts with each other and how they work collaboratively.

However, when it comes to building remote teams, culture can be a bit trickier to establish. Unlike traditional brick-and-mortar offices, remote teams rely on virtual communications to connect. This disconnect can cause misunderstandings and create a sense of isolation.

Why Culture Matters in Remote Teams 🌍

Building and maintaining a strong remote team culture is paramount in creating a productive and cohesive team. Here are a few reasons why culture matters in remote teams:

Trust and Accountability

In remote teams, trust is the lifeline that keeps everything together. Team members need to trust one another to be accountable and carry out their tasks effectively. A strong team culture fosters that trust in an environment where team members feel safe, respected, and valued.

A picture of two hands forming a bond, likely in a virtual environment

Motivation and Collaboration

Remote teams that have a vibrant culture also have higher levels of motivation and collaboration. A positive team culture creates an environment where team members want to excel and work together to achieve common goals, despite being miles away from one another.

People sitting around a table with laptops and notepads as they collaborate

Reduced Turnover and Increased Retention

Building a strong company culture leads to happier employees, as they are more likely to feel invested in the company and its success. In turn, they tend to stay with the company longer, reducing turnover rates, saving you time and money on recruitment costs, and improving your company’s overall performance.

A person holding a medal, symbolizing an achievement of working for the company for a long time

How to Build a Strong Remote Team Culture 🏆

Building a strong remote team culture takes more than just providing tools and tech to keep the team connected. Here are a few tips to help you build a strong team culture:

Hire for Culture Fit

When building a remote team, it’s essential to hire people who align with your company values. Hire people who share the same values, vision, and work ethics as your company. It’s the key to creating a cohesive team that works well together, despite being hundreds or thousands of miles apart.

A group photo of happy people raising their hands up with excitement

Encourage Communication and Collaboration

Communication is the glue that keeps remote teams together, so it’s important to encourage and facilitate it. Encourage your team to have regular virtual meetings, have an open-door policy that encourages feedback and questions, and have team members work on projects and challenges together.

A speech bubble representing communication

Create a Sense of Belonging

Remote teams can sometimes feel disconnected, so it’s important to create a sense of belonging. Celebrate special events together, create a team website, or have team members share their personal interests and hobbies on a shared platform. Anything that humanizes the team experience can help create a cohesive unit.

A team sitting around a cake celebrating a special event together

Be a Positive Role Model

As a team leader, you set the standard for team culture. If you exhibit positive behavior and practices, your team will follow suit. Take the time to understand your team’s needs and motivations. Recognize and celebrate their accomplishments, and create opportunities for team members to grow and advance.

A positive role model leading a group of happy people

Conclusion

Building a strong remote team culture takes time, effort, and patience, but it can be accomplished. It’s an investment in your team members and sets the foundation for a strong and productive team that will deliver high-quality results. So, commit to building a team culture that fosters trust, respect, and collaboration, and watch your remote team flourish.

A group of people standing together representing a strong team culture