Feeling bored, alone, with no one to talk to? Don’t be, your teammate is just a screen away!
Most of us love working remotely (94% to be exact). It’s flexible, close to the kitchen, and best of all, it’s at home.
Staying connected with your team takes effort and responsibility.
You can’t just sit at your computer all day and expect to feel connected to your coworkers.
Here are some easy ways to build and maintain connections while working remotely.
1. Get Involved In Virtual Activities
It might seem obvious, but virtual team-building activities often end up at the bottom of the to-do list.
We get it—sometimes they overlap with meetings or take place after work hours. But joining these activities can help you feel more connected with your coworkers. After all, the goal is to bring everyone together and build that team spirit.
Even if you’re not in the same room, you can still connect and have fun virtually!
2. Embrace The Meeting Small Talk
We all know how awkward small talk can feel when you’re working from home, especially if you are new to the team. Instead of being shy, try making an effort to start the conversation and help everyone feel that you want to connect and be friends with them.
- How was your weekend?
- I noticed you’ve been working on X project. How’s it coming along?
- I saw the cute photo of your pet on the team channel! What’s their name and how old are they?
- How’s your day going so far?
- Got any plans for the weekend?
- Have you been watching any good shows lately? I just watched X and would definitely recommend/not recommend it!
3. Participate In A Virtual Coffee Break
We all miss our mid-morning coffee breaks from office life, but there’s no reason you can’t keep that tradition going remotely. If you have a coffee buddy on the team, set aside at least 10 minutes every couple of weeks for a virtual coffee break and enjoy some meaningful chats over a freshly brewed cup.
Don’t have a coffee buddy? No problem! Reach out to your team about setting up these breaks.
4. Actively Reward And Recognize Your Teammates
There’s nothing better than being recognized and appreciated by your team. In a remote work setting, even the smallest gestures can make a big difference.
Shouting out a teammate for their great work in a meeting can set a positive tone and help build stronger work relationships.
You can also say thanks in your team’s chat to spread good vibes, and it might encourage others to do the same when you do something great.
5. Be Mindful Of Having Your Camera Turned On
While turning on your camera during your shift might feel like a hassle, it can actually help you feel more connected to your remote team.
If you tend to multitask during calls, keeping your camera on can help you stay focused and reduce the temptation to wander off to the fridge, the bedroom, or even take a nap!
6. Be Prepared
There are two types of remote workers: The early birds wake up early, exercise, grab a coffee, eat, take a bath and start the day feeling ready.
Then, there are the not-so-early birds who wake up 15 minutes before their shift, grab a coffee, eat, take a bath and start the shift from there.
You don’t have to be an early riser, but waking up 30 minutes earlier to freshen up and prepare for the daily shift will make you more approachable and might even give you time for small talk.
7. Open And Read Those Team Updates
Team updates and emails might not seem exciting, but it’s important to read them. Staying informed about what’s happening in your team helps you feel more supported in your role.
It’s also a good way to raise any concerns or suggest improvements. Imagine missing out on team events or celebrations just because you didn’t read the email and chat notifications on time.
8. ‘Dress Up’ Team Or Client Meetings
Dressing up during holidays and special events while working from home creates a fun, engaging atmosphere. It breaks up the routine and brings a sense of connection and excitement to virtual meetings. For example, dressing up for Halloween encourages creativity and team bonding. It helps everyone feel more engaged and makes the work environment more enjoyable.
9. Daily Virtual Chit-Chats
Daily chit-chat in remote work is important for maintaining team connections and building relationships. It helps break the isolation of working from home and fosters a sense of togetherness. Casual conversations can boost morale, improve communication, and create a more relaxed, positive work environment. These interactions can also lead to better collaboration and make team members feel supported and valued.
10. Cutest Pet Photo Competitions
Sharing cute pet photos can be a great way to foster a connection with the team. It creates a relaxed environment where teammates can bond over shared interests, making remote work feel more personal and less isolated. It’s a simple way to encourage conversation, lighten the mood, and strengthen relationships—building a positive, inclusive work culture.
11. Introduce Your Family, Close Friends, And/Or Partner To The Team
Trust and collaboration thrive when people feel personally connected—even in a virtual workplace. That’s why at Virtual Professionals, we prioritize getting to know each other beyond work. With “Family Day” and team events where plus ones are welcome to be part of the activity, either online or in person, we create opportunities to share our lives and strengthen bonds. These meaningful interactions build a sense of connection and community, making remote work feel more inclusive and personal. It helps team members relate to one another on a deeper level, improving communication and trust.
12. Invite Your Teammate Over To Your Home
Even in a virtual setting, inviting a teammate into your home—whether through a video call from your kitchen table or by sharing a glimpse of your favorite corner—helps build trust and connection, making the interaction feel more personal and grounded.
This act of openness can foster trust, creating opportunities for deeper connections where you see not just the teammate, but the person behind the screen. As these small moments accumulate, they can lead to stronger team bonds and a more collaborative atmosphere, built on shared understanding and mutual respect.
13. Hosting A Movie Night
It’s a fun way to stay updated with the latest movies and shows while bringing some excitement to your weekend. For example a Netflix streaming party, you can invite participants and chat together about what’s happening on screen.
14. Workspace Goals Competition
As everyone settles into the rhythm of working from home, and with the expectation that this arrangement will continue for a while, why not encourage your the team to share their workspaces?
It’s a wonderful way to inspire one another and can motivate teammates to stay focused in an environment they enjoy. It can also help reduce stress and boost productivity.
15. Exchange Cooking Recipes
Sharing cooking recipes can be a fun and engaging way to connect with your team while working remotely. Since many people are spending more time at home, swapping favorite recipes can spark creativity, promote wellness, and even provide a break from the usual work routine.
Every small conversation contributes to a greater goal. Let’s inspire each other to stay connected, motivated, and productive!
Virtual Professionals 