How to Keep Your Remote Team Engaged
Working remotely has been an incredible shift in the way we collaborate, but keeping a team engaged when everyone is in different locations can be challenging. Over time, I’ve found a few strategies that have made a huge difference in keeping my remote team motivated, connected, and excited to work together. Here are my top three tips for keeping your remote team engaged.
Creating Interactive Meetings
Meetings don’t have to be boring! One of the biggest game-changers for my team has been making our virtual meetings more interactive. Instead of having long, passive video calls, I incorporate tools that make everyone feel involved.
Reaction buttons – Using emojis and reactions in Zoom or Teams helps with quick voting and multiple-choice questions. It keeps things light and interactive.
Drawing tools – Who says you can’t have a little fun? Whether it’s brainstorming on a virtual whiteboard or playing a quick game, using the drawing tool adds an element of creativity.
Breakout rooms – Small group discussions foster more meaningful conversations. Instead of talking at my team, I let them discuss topics in smaller groups before coming back to share insights.
By making meetings interactive, my team stays engaged and actually looks forward to our calls rather than dreading them!
Regular Check-Ins
One of the most important things I’ve learned about managing a remote team is that check-ins matter - A LOT. These check-ins don’t always have to be formal meetings. A quick Teams message, an email, or even a casual chat can go a long way in showing my team that I care.
1:1 meetings – I make time to check in with each team member individually. This isn’t just about work; it’s also about how they’re doing personally.
Quick messages – A simple “How’s your day going?” or “Hope you had a great weekend!” can brighten someone’s day and strengthen our team bond.
Thoughtful emails – Sometimes, I’ll send a thoughtful email to recognize someone’s efforts or just to check in on their well-being. A little effort goes a long way.
When my team knows that I genuinely value them as people, not just employees, we build a stronger and more collaborative environment.
Weekly Huddles for Connection and Celebration
Beyond work, creating space for personal connection is essential. That’s why the team implemented weekly huddles - short team meetings where we can share moments beyond deadlines and projects.
Sharing life updates – Team members share photos of their pets, vacations, hobbies, or anything that brings them joy. It humanizes our virtual workspace.
Giving kudos – Celebrating small wins and appreciating each other’s efforts fosters positivity and motivation.
Exciting updates – Whether it’s personal or work-related, we take a few minutes to share something we’re looking forward to.
Allowing each team member a chance to speak about something that makes them happy, even if just for two minutes, builds a strong team dynamic and a sense of belonging.
Moving Forward
Engagement isn’t just about productivity - it’s about fostering a remote culture where people feel valued, included, and excited to work together. By making meetings interactive, checking in regularly, and creating space for personal connection, I’ve seen a massive boost in my team’s morale and collaboration.
If you’re managing a remote team, give these tips a try! Small changes can make a big difference in how connected and engaged your team feels. Have any other engagement strategies that work for you? I’d love to hear about them!
