Building Trust with Remote Teams: My Top 3 Strategies

Gaining trust with remote teams presents its own unique set of challenges. Without the ability to pop into someone’s workspace or casually chat at the water cooler, it can sometimes feel like building those personal connections is harder than ever. Add to that the lack of in-person team-building activities or spontaneous conversations that naturally happen in an office setting, and it’s easy to feel disconnected.

But building trust with a remote team is possible—and, in fact, it’s essential for long-term success. Over time, I’ve developed a few strategies that help me foster trust and maintain strong relationships with my remote team. Here are the top three things I do to ensure my team feels supported and connected:

1. Consistent and Transparent Communication

Clear, consistent communication is the foundation of any trust-based relationship, especially when working remotely. Without the face-to-face interactions that typically reinforce transparency, it's easy for misunderstandings or assumptions to creep in. To combat this, I make it a priority to communicate regularly - whether that’s through daily check-ins, weekly team meetings, or impromptu video calls.

In these communications, I’m not just checking off tasks; I actively listen to team members, share updates on company goals, and provide context for decisions. I encourage everyone to ask questions and voice their opinions openly. I ensure the team knows that I am a safe space. By being transparent about both challenges and wins, I help build an environment where everyone feels informed and valued.

2. Fostering Personal Connections

Without the chance to chat around the coffee machine or hang out after work, it's easy to miss out on the little conversations that help create personal bonds. That’s why I make a conscious effort to integrate personal touchpoints into our daily work life. I create space for informal chats during team meetings or even set up virtual "coffee and breakfast" where we can talk about anything but work.

I also encourage my team to share their interests and hobbies, and I actively engage with them on a personal level. Whether it's sending a quick message to check in on a team member’s pet or celebrating a birthday remotely, these little gestures go a long way in building trust. The more we understand each other beyond our work roles, the more connected and supportive we become.

3. Empowering Autonomy with Accountability

Remote work often means more independence, but it also means there’s a risk of feeling disconnected from the bigger picture. To build trust, I focus on empowering my team members with autonomy while also holding them accountable. I set clear expectations around tasks, goals, and deadlines, but I avoid micromanaging. Instead, I trust my team to manage their time and deliver results.

I’ve found that when people feel trusted to take ownership of their work, they’re more invested in the outcome and more likely to follow through. To support them, I make myself available for guidance when needed, but I also give them the space to problem-solve and make decisions on their own. This balance of autonomy and accountability fosters a culture of trust and mutual respect.

All in all…

Building trust with a remote team is certainly a challenge, but it’s one I’ve come to embrace. Trust doesn’t happen overnight, but with these at the top of my mind, I’ve been able to create a foundation that supports collaboration, engagement, and success - even from afar.

What about you? What strategies have you found effective in building trust with your remote team? I’d love to hear your thoughts and any tips you might have!