Last updated on Jul 2, 2024

Here's how you can nurture strong relationships with colleagues while working remotely.

In the realm of information technology, remote work has become a staple, but it can pose challenges for maintaining strong relationships with colleagues. Without the incidental conversations that occur in an office, you need to be more deliberate in your interactions. Establishing and nurturing connections when you're not sharing a physical workspace takes a blend of communication, technology, and empathy. Here's how you can cultivate those vital professional relationships from afar.

1 Virtual Coffee

Regular, informal check-ins can simulate the watercooler chats that are missed in remote settings. Schedule a virtual coffee break with colleagues to catch up on non-work-related topics. This can help build rapport and create a sense of camaraderie. Video calls are preferable as they add a personal touch, allowing you to see expressions and react more naturally. Remember, these breaks are not meetings; keep them casual and friendly.

Add your perspective

Nat McLaren

Director - End User Support & Infrastructure Services at Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP
Report contribution
One thing I've always enjoyed is the ability to have humour in group IM chats. GIFs while fun and silly, give you the chance to see someone's humourous and personal side that you might otherwise miss out on.

Like

Unhelpful
Dmitry B.

Cloud Solutions | HealthCare data engineering
Report contribution
Another interesting way to strengthen team spirit and improve communication in remote teams is to organise virtual events such as online games, quizzes or cooking workshops. Such activities will not only diversify communication, but also help you get to know each other better in an informal setting. This is especially important for new employees who may find it difficult to integrate into the team. By supporting such initiatives, you will create a friendlier and more cohesive team, ready to support each other not only in work but also in personal matters.

Like

Unhelpful
MD ARSH

Aspiring IT Professional | BCA Student at JIMS Vasant Kunj, IP University | B.Com(BPM) Foundation Achieved
Report contribution
- Schedule virtual coffee breaks for informal check-ins. - Use video calls to add a personal touch and see expressions. - Focus on non-work-related topics to build rapport and camaraderie. - Keep these breaks casual and friendly, not formal meetings.

Like

Unhelpful

2 Clear Communication

Clarity in communication is paramount when working remotely. Always articulate your thoughts and instructions clearly to avoid misunderstandings. Use collaboration tools to keep conversations organized and accessible. Be proactive in reaching out if you sense someone is confused or disconnected. Encouraging open dialogue ensures that everyone feels heard and valued, which is critical for a healthy remote work environment.

Add your perspective

Austin Schwalbe

Cybersecurity Student • Aspiring SOC Analyst • SIEM • Splunk • Penetration Testing • Networking • Cisco • GRC
Report contribution
The easiest way to communicate remotely is through written communication--texting, email, etc. The biggest challenge with this is the lack of nonverbal communication that you get from face-to-face interactions. This form of communication carries a huge amount of context in our daily interactions. Even though we have emojis, everybody's body movements and facial expressions are completely unique, which can make expressing ideas in your own way more difficult. It is important to pretend that you are the person on the other end. How would you receive this message if you were the recipient? This ensures that your message is properly understood and reduces the chances of it being taken out of context.

Like

Unhelpful
Nat McLaren

Director - End User Support & Infrastructure Services at Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP
Report contribution
Reach out, have calls/video chats and get to know individuals when they join a team. It's very quick to become a keyboard warrior if you don't really know the person. Your text can be easily be taken out of context. Knowing who you are messaging is key, if you have a relationship with someone, they'll 9/10 times know how to take your comment or perceived humour. Someone who is new may totally misread it.

Like

Unhelpful

3 Shared Goals

Fostering a team spirit remotely can be achieved by focusing on shared goals. When everyone understands their role in the bigger picture, it fosters a sense of unity. Celebrate milestones and acknowledge individual contributions to keep morale high. This collective sense of purpose can bridge the physical gap between remote team members and strengthen professional bonds.

Add your perspective

Nat McLaren

Director - End User Support & Infrastructure Services at Davies Ward Phillips & Vineberg LLP
Report contribution
When working apart, whether that be home, remote or just two different physical offices, it's key to know what you are working towards. Understand how individuals as well as small teams play their part in this. Then track progress and share successes together. Also share the small/personal stuff. That might be a birthday, a wedding, birth of a grand child, buying a house - anything, just something away from the professional goals.

Like

Unhelpful

4 Respect Boundaries

Respecting personal boundaries is crucial in a remote work setting. Be mindful of time zones and personal schedules when setting up meetings or sending messages. Avoid encroaching on colleagues' personal time unless it's an emergency. Showing respect for their time and work-life balance can build trust and appreciation, which are key ingredients for strong relationships.

Add your perspective

5 Feedback Loops

Constructive feedback is a powerful tool for building relationships. It shows that you value your colleagues' work and are invested in their growth. Establish regular feedback loops where you can give and receive suggestions in a supportive manner. This not only helps improve work quality but also demonstrates that you're engaged and committed to mutual success.

Add your perspective

6 Tech Etiquette

Good technology etiquette is essential for remote collaboration. Use communication tools effectively—mute yourself when not speaking during calls, respond promptly to messages, and be concise in emails. Understand that written text can sometimes be misinterpreted, so be thoughtful in how you convey tone. Adhering to tech etiquette minimizes frustrations and helps maintain professional respect among remote colleagues.

Add your perspective

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Here's how you can nurture strong relationships with colleagues while working remotely.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Virtual Coffee

2 Clear Communication

3 Shared Goals

4 Respect Boundaries

5 Feedback Loops

6 Tech Etiquette

7 Here’s what else to consider

Information Technology

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Information Technology

More relevant reading

Here's how you can nurture strong relationships with colleagues while working remotely.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Virtual Coffee

2 Clear Communication

3 Shared Goals

4 Respect Boundaries

5 Feedback Loops

6 Tech Etiquette

7 Here’s what else to consider

Information Technology

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills