Mastering Team Building

Remote work is amazing - freedom, flexibility, and the ability to call anywhere in the world your “office”. But let’s be honest, when your team is spread across different time zones, staying connected can be a bit of a challenge. 

Here at Noma, our team is scattered across the globe, from Mexico and Costa Rica to Lisbon, Barcelona, London and California. We’re talking thousands of miles apart. Yet, we’ve found ways to stay aligned, engaged, and having fun while doing it. Here’s how you can keep your remote team connected and thriving.

Strategies for Staying Connected

Pick Up the Phone

It sounds obvious, but don’t underestimate the power of a phone or video call. We’ve all had those moments where a Slack message gets misinterpreted, or a text comes across in the wrong tone. That’s why when in doubt, just pick up the phone. A quick chat can make all the difference.

Catch-Ups are Key

Regular 1-to-1 meetings are your chance to check in on both professional and personal levels. These aren’t just about workloads and deadlines; they’re about building rapport and making sure everyone feels supported, wherever they are. 

Celebrate Wins - Big and Small

Create digital spaces where you can cheer each other on. Whether it’s someone’s birthday or a project milestone, make it a point to celebrate! A Slack shoutout or a quick GIF goes a long way in keeping the vibes high. 

Make Your Meetings Count 

No one loves a meeting that could’ve been an email, right? Make sure your meetings have a purpose - encourage people to come prepared with challenges they need help with or ideas they want feedback on.

Sprinkle of Fun

We all know what happens when it’s all work and no play.  Even if you’re all working remotely, it doesn’t mean you can’t have fun:

• Recipe Swap: Share your favorite recipes and all have a go at re-creating them!

• Guess Whose Workplace: Have everyone share a picture of their work setup, and guess who’s is who. It’s a fun way to find out who’s secretly very chaotic.

• Two Truths and a Lie: A classic icebreaker that’s always fun, even over Zoom.

• Remote Work Bingo: We all know the challenges and faux pas that come with remote work. Why not turn it into a game?

• Remote Book Club: Pick a book to read as a team and chat about it at the end of the month.

• Weekly Roundup: Take it in turns to share your favorite recommendations - a podcast, movie, song, or article. When every day is different, keeping a tight schedule can be a challenge. Using calendar apps to schedule tasks, set reminders, and stay in sync with your team is fundamental for managing your time efficiently.

Plan In-Person Meetups (When You Can):

The future of work is remote, but there’s something to be said about meeting face-to-face every once in a while. And if organizing a team retreat sounds overwhelming, let Noma take care of all the details for you - so all you have to do is show up and enjoy.

TEAM RETREATS

The digital nomad lifestyle is incredible, but just like any healthy relationship - communication is key! By integrating these strategies and activities, your team will stay connected, aligned, engaged, and thriving, no matter where in the world you all are.