5 Strategies for Building Connection in Fully Remote Teams

Thriving in a fully remote workplace requires more than Zoom meetings and task trackers—it demands intention. From individual work preferences to team-wide connection, building a healthy remote culture takes thoughtful design.

In this conversation, let’s unpack five high-impact strategies that help remote teams connect, collaborate, and scale—all in under an hour.

Async vs Sync: Know the Difference

📅 Published June 17 – Watch the video (11 minutes)
The biggest decision in remote work isn’t where people work—it’s how. Do your team members thrive with heads-down async work or collaborative sync sessions?

Key Takeaways:

• Align work style with personality types for better performance
• Use the “could this be an email?” test to reduce unnecessary meetings
• Default to async for focused work; use sync time strategically

The 25% Connection Gap

📅 Published June 19 – Watch the video (16 minutes)
A Gallup study shows that 75% of remote workers feel connected—but that leaves 1 in 4 who don’t. Disconnection leads to disengagement unless addressed head-on.

Strategies to Close the Gap:

• Build intentional moments for team bonding
• Use chat tools for casual conversation—not just task updates
• Train managers to prioritize personal check-ins

Cameras On? Not Always

📅 Published June 24 – Watch the video (14 minutes)
The pressure to “keep cameras on” can harm more than help. While many value the face-to-face aspect, others find it draining or anxiety-inducing.

Better Practices Include:

• Make camera use optional based on context and comfort
• Acknowledge life behind the screen—kids, pets, clutter, and all
• Use virtual backgrounds and asynchronous video tools to support inclusion

Scaling with GitLab’s Model

📅 Published June 26 – Watch the video (11 minutes)
GitLab scaled from 7 to 2,100 remote employees across 60+ countries without sacrificing connection or productivity. Their secret? Systematized async work.

Key Learnings from GitLab:

• A 2,700-page internal handbook supports decision-making
• New hires schedule five “coffee chats” to build internal networks
• Async communication is the rule, not the exception

In-Person Events That Actually Matter

📅 Published July 1 – Watch the video (14 minutes)
Bringing a remote team together physically is expensive—so it needs to be meaningful.

Make It Count:

• Clarify goals: Is the focus bonding, visioning, or strategic planning?
• Skip the performance theater and prioritize real connection
• Plan for downtime and social time—not just sessions and slides