Every business needs a strong team culture. Team culture affects everything, from the kind of customer service your business provides to how productive and happy your team is.

When the pandemic hit, many businesses moved their operations to a fully remote workforce for the first time. And while video conferencing, chat software, email and other technology make it possible to get the job done at home, there’s one challenge that’s a lot harder to overcome from home — building a strong team culture.

Here are 10 ways to build a strong team culture in a remote environment:

#1. Make communication your top priority

Communication is essential in any work environment, but it’s even more important in a remote work environment. When teammates communicate effectively and respectfully with each other, they’re not only more productive but also happier. Prioritizing communication when your team works remotely is a must for long-term success.

#2. Show your team that you value them

Make sure your employees feel appreciated. Remind them that what they’ve accomplished is significant. Demonstrate that you value their input by inviting them to participate in decision making, offering additional incentives beyond just financial ones and providing a route to professional development.

#3. Celebrate wins as a team

Celebrate wins across your business early and often. Celebrating successes is critical to developing and sustaining a strong team culture, and it makes everyone feel like they’re a part of building the business. It also generates momentum that helps your team stay strong during slow or difficult times.

#4. Set clear expectations

In most cases, people perform better when they know what’s expected of them. Be clear with your team about exactly what your expectations are and how their work will be measured. Setting clear expectations will help you guide conversations with your team, as well as motivate them.

#5. Revisit your story

Shared stories reunite people in a way that few other things do. Remind your team about where you’ve come from and what you’re working towards, as well as your values, mission and vision. Make it clear that everyone on your team has a unique and important role to play in your story.

#6. Make personal connections

It is up to you, as a leader, to connect with your team on a personal level as well as a professional level. You must make sure that everyone feels comfortable so they can perform at their best. Let them know you care about them and that you’re there if they need help.

#7. Build camaraderie

The strongest teams not only communicate effectively and work well together, but they actually like each other. Employees need to feel connected to one another and have a sense of camaraderie. Even in a remote location, there are fun virtual activities that can help to build camaraderie, like a virtual happy hour, talent showcase or game night.

#8. Create opportunities for interdepartmental interaction

Encourage people to interact with other departments. In a remote work environment, people tend to only interact with their immediate team, which can make it difficult for people to appreciate or even understand what other departments are doing. Brainstorm cross-department projects and encourage social interdepartmental interaction with fun virtual activities.

#9. Recognize individual success

When your team works from home, it’s critical that your employees feel appreciated and recognized. Dedicate time each week to employee appreciation. Having someone acknowledge the hard work they’re doing will help ensure that your employees feel valued and stay loyal to your business.

One great way to recognize achievements while also reinforcing your values, mission and vision is to give your employees a challenge coin. At Madwire®, we give every new member of our leadership team a challenge coin made by Challenge Coin Nation.

#10. Make yourself available

Make sure that you’re accessible to give assistance, provide solutions or talk about any idea your team has. Encourage and celebrate small wins and milestones in order to motivate your team. Be transparent with your team when you run into rough spots or losses.