How can you help remote team members feel included in company culture?

1 Communicate regularly and clearly

Communication is key for any team, but especially for remote ones. You need to ensure that your remote team members have access to the same information, feedback, and support as their on-site colleagues. Use a variety of communication tools, such as email, chat, video conferencing, and phone calls, to keep in touch with your remote team members. Establish clear and consistent expectations, goals, and deadlines for each project and task. Provide regular and constructive feedback and recognition for their work. Encourage questions, suggestions, and input from your remote team members and listen to their concerns and challenges.

2 Create a sense of belonging and community

One of the drawbacks of remote work is the potential loss of social interaction and connection with your coworkers. You can help your remote team members feel more connected and engaged by creating a sense of belonging and community among your team. Organize virtual team-building activities, such as games, quizzes, icebreakers, or happy hours, to have some fun and informal conversations with your remote team members. Celebrate achievements, milestones, birthdays, and anniversaries with your remote team members and send them personalized cards, gifts, or messages. Invite your remote team members to share their hobbies, interests, or personal stories with the rest of the team and show genuine interest and appreciation for their lives outside of work.

5 Solicit feedback and improve

Finally, you can help your remote team members feel included in your company culture by soliciting their feedback and improving your remote work practices. Ask your remote team members for their opinions, suggestions, and feedback on how to improve your communication, collaboration, and support. Conduct surveys, polls, or interviews to gather data and insights on your remote team members' satisfaction, engagement, and performance. Implement the changes and improvements that your remote team members propose and communicate them clearly and transparently. Recognize and reward your remote team members for their contributions and involvement in your company culture.