Mastering Team Building

Remote work can be amazing, from the freedom and flexibility to being able to call anywhere in the world your office. But, staying connected when your team is spread across different time zones can be tricky.

Team Noma is scattered across the globe, from Mexico and Costa Rica to Lisbon, Barcelona, London and California. We’re talking thousands of miles apart. We've developed ways to stay aligned, engaged, and of course, having fun. Here’s some tips for keeping your remote team connected!

Strategies for Staying Connected

Pick Up the Phone

Sounds obvious but never underestimate the power of a phone or video call. We’ve all had those moments where a Slack gets misinterpreted, or a text comes across wrong. 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. These shouldn't just be about workloads and deadlines; they’re about building relationships and making sure everyone feels supported.

Celebrate Wins - Big and Small

Create digital spaces where you can cheer each other on. Whether it’s someone’s birthday or you've had a company win, a Slack shoutout or quick message goes a long way in keeping the vibes high. 

Make Your Meetings Count 

Nobody loves a meeting that could’ve been an email. Encourage people to come to meetings with things they need help with or ideas they want to share with the team.

Sprinkle of Fun

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

• Recipe Swap: Share your favorite recipes and have the team re-create 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: Turn those classic Zoom fails 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):

Remote work is the future, but meeting face-to-face is still an invaluable part of being in a team. If organizing a team retreat sounds overwhelming, why not let us take care of all the details for you? All you have to do is show up and enjoy.

TEAM RETREATS

By using these strategies and activities, your team will stay connected, aligned, engaged, and thriving, no matter where in the world you are.