Like many people, the company I worked for in 2020 went completely virtual when the pandemic hit. We stayed in the “work from home” environment until I left nearly 14 months later. New people were hired during that time and when I eventually met them in person, it was a shock. Whoa! I had no idea you were so tall!

My next job was 100% remote with my team being spread throughout Colorado. Did you know it would take me 8 hours to drive from Denver to the SW corner of the state? And that is only if it isn’t snowing or during a peak ski day. Since the team of 7 had to figuratively work closely together, we needed ways to bond over the internet. Due to the advice below, I felt much closer to them than some of the co-workers I ended up working with only in person.

How we did it:

1. Use your camera

   I know we all hate the way we look or whatever but you know that people look at your face all the time in real life, right??? The only problem is that YOU can see your face so if it bothers you that much, hide your self view. Also, create a culture where it’s OK to have your camera off. We don’t usually like people watching us eat or some days you just don’t feel like washing your hair. Take a day off from the camera every once in a while but generally, keep the videos rolling to help everyone get to know mannerisms and personality better.

2. Be OK with sharing your space

   Talk about the painting behind you and put your cat in your lap. Little pieces of your home can create connection when you least expect it. Like, “Oh, I have a dog with just one eye, too!”

3. Start meetings with a quick ice breaker

   I can hear you groaning already. So many people despise these but they don’t have to be so vexing. Can’t come up with 2 truths and a lie easily? Just ask open ended questions that can generally apply to everyone. Examples include: What is your favorite food? What was summer like for you as a kid? What are you wearing on your feet right now?

4. Play a game

   Competition can be healthy and games are fun! Virtually Good Trivia is a short online event that all your employees can participate in. Split up into groups by departments or regions or favorite pizza topping! Create camaraderie by competing as a team. Find out who has all the football knowledge or who is the history buff. Holiday parties don’t have to be in person and they don’t have to be full of awkward small talk– focus on Virtually Good Trivia instead! Check out what's On Tap.