Hey there, fellow remote warriors! 🚀

Thing is, working from home can feel like you’re adrift in a sea of sweatpants and endless Zoom calls. But fear not! I’m here to toss you a lifeline to keep you connected to your company’s culture. Let’s dive into some strategies to stay engaged and productive while working remotely.

Create a Virtual Water Cooler

Remember those impromptu chats by the actual water cooler? Recreate that vibe virtually! I recently created a Slack channel called “Random Thoughts” for my team. It’s now our go-to place for everything from Netflix recommendations to debates about whether a hotdog is a sandwich (it’s not, fight me).

Pro tip: Don’t just lurk. Actively participate! Share that weird dream you had. Ask for podcast suggestions. Be the change you want to see in the virtual world.

Schedule Virtual Coffee Breaks

Regular 15-minute video calls with colleagues can build personal connections. Keep these chats agenda-free and focused on getting to know each other better. Last week, I learned that my usually serious project manager is secretly a competitive ballroom dancer. Who knew? Now I can’t stop imagining him cha-cha-ing through our next sprint planning.

Champion Company Culture

Organize virtual team-building activities like online escape rooms or trivia nights. I recently organized a virtual escape room for my team. It was chaos, hilarity, and teamwork all rolled into one. We may not have escaped, but we definitely bonded over our collective failure to understand basic puzzle logic.

Design a Culture-Conscious Workspace

Decorate your home office with company values, motivational posters, or branded merchandise. I’ve hung up our company values, displayed that cheesy motivational poster from the office, and proudly showcased my collection of company swag. My cat, Pixel, now thinks she works for the company too. She’s really embracing our “nap when you need it” policy.

Prioritize Communication

Reach out to colleagues regularly, not just for work-related matters. I’ve started a weekly “Good News Friday” email where I share positive stories from within the company and beyond. It’s become something people look forward to, a small bright spot in their inbox. Last week, I included a story about how I finally mastered the art of making dosa without burning it. Small victories, people!

Embrace Mentorship

Seek or provide mentorship opportunities. I recently started mentoring a junior designer. We have weekly video calls where we discuss everything from design challenges to career goals. It’s been incredibly rewarding, and I’ve learned just as much from her as she has from me. Plus, she’s teaching me all the cool TikTok dances. Win-win!

Share Your Achievements

We created a “Wins” channel where everyone can share their achievements. It’s like a virtual pat on the back, minus the awkward physical contact. I recently shared about finally figuring out how to use the mute button consistently on Zoom calls. Baby steps, folks.

Maintain Regular Check-ins

I have a bi-weekly one-on-one with my boss where we discuss my progress, challenges, and goals. It’s a great opportunity to be honest about the ups and downs of remote work. Last week, I confessed that I’d attended a meeting in my pajama pants. She laughed and admitted she was wearing slippers. Solidarity!

Embody Company Values

One of our core values is “innovation,” so I’ve challenged myself to come up with one new idea each week, no matter how small. Last week’s idea: a virtual meditation room. This week’s idea: a company-wide pet talent show. Hey, not all ideas can be winners.

Be the Positive Presence

I make an effort to reach out to at least one colleague daily, just to check in. Sometimes it’s a quick “How’s your day going?” message. Other times, it turns into a longer chat about life, the universe, and everything. Yesterday, I had an hour-long discussion about the merits of different types of cheese with our IT guy. Who says you can’t form deep connections virtually?

Create a “Fake Commute”

I’ve started taking a morning walk around my neighborhood. It helps me transition into work mode and gives me a chance to clear my head. Plus, I’ve become intimately familiar with all the neighborhood dogs. I may not remember my coworkers’ kids’ names, but I can tell you all about Fluffy’s new haircut.

Thing is, staying connected to your company culture while working from home is all about being proactive, creative, and a little bit shameless in your pursuit of connection. It’s not always easy, and there will be days when you feel like you’re shouting into the void. But keep at it. Every small interaction, every shared laugh, every virtual high-five adds up to create a sense of belonging, even when we’re physically apart.

Remember: We’re all in this together, even if “together” means we’re all sitting alone in our respective homes, trying to look professional from the waist up. So go forth, conquer that isolation, vanquish that disconnection, and maybe, just maybe, put on some real pants once in a while. Your company culture (and your colleagues) will thank you.

But seriously, is a hotdog a sandwich? 🌭