At WorkBetterNow (WBN), we know that creating solid teamwork and a strong culture in a fully remote environment requires more than just scheduled meetings and virtual check-ins. From getting together in person to hosting fun virtual activities, we’re always planning ways to stay connected and aligned even though we aren’t always in each other's physical presence. 

Here are some actionable, easy-to-implement, and budget-friendly ideas that really foster teamwork and connection, even in a remote setting:

1. The WBN My Story at Monday Meetings

At the heart of WBN’s effort to build connections is our weekly My Story segment during our Monday team meeting. Every new team member has the opportunity to share their story—a mix of personal and professional background. These presentations focus on who they are, their hobbies, upbringing, and even what their families look like. 

This tradition creates a space where we celebrate individuality and foster deeper connections across the team. It’s not just about learning what someone does at WBN—it’s about understanding who they are as a person. These moments of sharing help us cultivate a stronger, more empathetic team culture. 

2. WBN Events Calendar

Our diverse calendar of activities ensures there’s something for everyone. While these events are designed to foster community and create enjoyable moments outside of work, they also strengthen the sense of belonging among our team. Highlights include: 

• Pet Day: Team members shared adorable photos of their furry companions, sparking engagement and showcasing the perks of working from home. 

• Virtual Happy Hours: Interactive events like online bingo and virtual pub crawls brought everyone together for lighthearted fun. 

• Cook a Meal from Our Cookbook: A cross-cultural culinary experience where team members prepared dishes from other countries with a stipend for ingredients. 

• Talent Show: Employees showcased hidden talents in a live event, with prizes awarded to the crowd favorites. 

• Biweekly Meditation Sessions: These sessions provide a dedicated space to relax, recharge, and give a sense of calm amidst the demands of remote work. 

• Quarterly Surveys and Get-Togethers: Opportunities for feedback and connection, culminating in holiday celebrations either virtually or in person. 
  

3. Virtual Team Building: In It to Win It

One of our favorite virtual team bonding experiences was participating in In It to Win It, a fast-paced and fun activity that really sparked our creativity. Hosted by TeamBonding, this event challenged our team with a series of mini-games that required quick thinking, teamwork, and a bit of healthy competition. 

The event was a hit! Teams worked together to tackle challenges like trivia, puzzles, and physical tasks using items readily available at home. Not only did we laugh a lot, but we also discovered new strengths in each other and built stronger connections. It was a fantastic reminder that even in a remote setting, we can create shared memories and reinforce our culture of collaboration. 

4. Lessons from Donut Intros

As our team expanded rapidly, we recognized a growing challenge: maintaining the personal connections that foster collaboration and a sense of belonging. To address this, we introduced Donut Intros—a tool designed to randomly pair team members for informal chats. The goal was simple yet impactful: encourage cross-departmental connections and help new hires feel integrated into the team. While the concept initially received positive feedback, we encountered some challenges: 

• Scheduling Hiccups: Matches often stalled as team members waited for the other to schedule the meeting. 

• Technical Issues: Admin and shared accounts were mistakenly included in the pairing process, creating confusion. 

• Productivity Concerns: Leadership questioned the balance between fostering connection and maintaining focus on work tasks. 

Ultimately, we retired Donut Intros but walked away with valuable lessons about prioritizing accountability, piloting initiatives, and aligning team-building activities with productivity goals. These insights have shaped our current strategies, such as emphasizing clear roles and expectations in team bonding activities and choosing tools that align better with our workflow. As we plan future initiatives, we’re focusing on scalable solutions that create meaningful connections without compromising productivity.

5. Recognizing Excellence with the W Awards

Celebrating achievements and recognizing hard work is integral to our culture. Employee engagement is a key factor in any organization’s success, and we’ve made it a priority at WBN to show our team that their efforts matter. Research shows that 67% of employees don’t always feel appreciated for their contributions, and this gap can be even more pronounced in remote settings where isolation can creep in. 

To address this, we rolled out the W Awards in November 2022. It’s our formal recognition program for spotlighting team members who go the extra mile. Here’s how it works: 

• Any team member can nominate a colleague by completing a nomination form detailing how the nominee’s actions reflect WBN’s core values. 

• Approved nominees receive a certificate and $50 in their next paycheck, with announcements made during our Monday staff meetings to recognize and praise their achievements in front of the team. 

These awards go beyond simple recognition—they’re tied to performance evaluations and serve as a reminder of how our team exemplifies our values every day. 

Our team loves the W Awards. As Fernando, a WBN Project Coordinator, put it, “It’s not about the money; it’s about recognizing and appreciating other people’s efforts.” Alejandra, a WBN Trainer and two-time W Award recipient, shared how these acknowledgments motivate her to do her best: “They mean a lot to me. They’re a sign that I’m on the right path.” 

At WBN, building teamwork and culture in a remote environment is an ongoing journey. Whether it’s through in-person retreats, virtual events, or thoughtful recognition, we remain dedicated to creating a workplace where everyone feels connected, valued, and inspired. After all, our success isn’t just about what we achieve—it’s about how we achieve it, together. 

WorkBetterNow (WBN) provides outstanding remote talent to small and midsize businesses. WBN’s highly skilled and pre-vetted Latin American professionals are hand-matched for each client’s unique needs. Hundreds of growing businesses turn to WBN to unleash their potential through our exceptional talent, ease of hiring, and ongoing support.