Cohesion from Afar: Upholding Company Culture in a Remote Setting

September 2, 2023 - Tareef Jafferi

The sprawling digital landscape has allowed companies to tap into global talent, but how do organizations ensure that dispersed teams share a unified culture? This comprehensive guide unveils the intricacies of nurturing company culture in remote work settings.

1. The Essence of Culture in a Digital Workspace

Culture isn't confined to office walls or team lunches. In a remote setting, it becomes the invisible thread that binds teams, motivating them, fostering collaboration, and driving collective goals. As companies shift to remote models, reimagining culture for the digital age becomes paramount.

2. Digital Rituals: The New Norm

Establish routines that foster connections:

Virtual Coffee Breaks: Set aside time where teams can chat informally, mimicking water cooler conversations.
Example: Tech giant, Buffer, has regular 'pair calls', where team members chat about non-work topics, fostering deeper bonds.
Weekly Roundups: A collective email or video message summarizing wins, challenges, and shout-outs can uplift spirits and instill a sense of accomplishment.

3. Cultivate a Shared Sense of Purpose

Despite geographical distances, a shared mission can unify teams:

Monthly Vision Refreshers: Host sessions reiterating the company’s mission, goals, and values.
Employee Spotlights: Celebrate members who've exemplified company values, sharing their stories in newsletters or virtual meets.

4. Comprehensive Digital Onboarding

A remote employee's initiation shapes their perception of company culture:

Buddy Systems: Pair new hires with seasoned employees to help them navigate their initial days.
Virtual Office Tours: Use videos or augmented reality to give them a sense of the physical workspace, its vibe, and ethos.

5. Celebrate Virtually

Mark milestones, birthdays, or anniversaries virtually:

Digital Parties: Host virtual parties using tools like Zoom or Gather. Play games, have themed events, or simply chat.
Example: Zapier, an online automation tool, sends snack boxes to its employees before virtual parties to add a tangible touch to celebrations.
Send Surprise Packages: From company merchandise to books or gourmet treats, surprise your employees occasionally.

6. Encourage Open Communication

Make feedback, concerns, and suggestions flow seamlessly:

Open Forums: Host monthly or bi-monthly open forums where teams can voice opinions, concerns, or share personal updates.
Anonymous Suggestion Boxes: Use digital tools to let employees share feedback anonymously.

7. Leverage Digital Tools to Measure Cultural Alignment

Regular check-ins on cultural alignment can prevent drifts:

Platforms like MyCulture.ai offer insights into how well a remote employee aligns with the company's culture, allowing timely interventions if discrepancies arise.

8. Constant Learning and Development

Culture is dynamic. Ensure teams evolve with it:

Webinars and Workshops: Regular sessions on company values, expected behavioral shifts, or simply industry trends can keep the team updated and aligned.
External Speakers: Occasionally, bring in external speakers to offer fresh perspectives on culture, teamwork, or industry insights.

Conclusion

In the vast world of remote work, ensuring a cohesive company culture might seem daunting. However, with deliberate efforts, the right tools, and a sprinkle of creativity, it's possible to cultivate a vibrant, unified, and motivated remote team.

Eager to dive deeper into cultural alignment? Try MyCulture.ai for free today and embark on a transformative journey of cultural cohesion.