Beyond Beanbags: Creating Company Culture in a Remote World

In the not-so-distant past, company culture was often defined by physical spaces: the ping-pong table in the break room, free kombucha on tap, or those oh-so-trendy beanbag chairs. However,  the rise of remote work has shifted the landscape, forcing companies to rethink what it means to foster a vibrant and connected team culture.

So, how do you create a sense of belonging and shared purpose when your team is scattered across time zones? It starts by recognising that culture is not about perks;it’s about people and the experiences they share.

The challenges of remote culture building

Let’s be honest, building a strong culture remotely can be challenging. It’s harder to pick up on social cues over video calls, impromptu brainstorming sessions are less frequent, and it’s easy for team members to feel isolated. But these challenges shouldn’t deter us from creating meaningful connections.

The virtual assistant advantage

One often overlooked tool in the remote culture toolbox is the virtual assistant (VA). While traditionally associated with administrative tasks, VAs can play a pivotal role in fostering connection and community.

Here’s how:

• Event planning and facilitation: VAs can take the lead in organising virtual team-building events, from trivia nights to online cooking classes. They handle the logistics, ensuring everyone feels included and engaged.
• Communication coordination: VAs can help manage communication channels, ensuring important messages don’t get lost in the noise. This can include setting up regular check-ins, creating team newsletters, or even managing social media groups.
• Onboarding and training: A well-trained VA can streamline the onboarding process for new hires, making them feel welcome and connected from day one. They can also help organise training sessions and workshops to upskill existing team members.
• Morale boosting: VAs can inject a little fun and spontaneity into the remote work experience, from sending personalised birthday messages to coordinating surprise care packages.

More than just beanbags

Creating a thriving company culture in a remote world requires intentionality and creativity. It’s about finding ways to celebrate successes, encourage collaboration, and provide opportunities for personal and professional growth.

By leveraging the support of virtual assistants, companies can free up valuable time and resources, allowing them to focus on what truly matters: building a team that feels connected, supported, and empowered to do their best work, no matter where they happen to be.

Key takeaways:

• Remote culture is built on shared experiences, not physical perks.
• Virtual assistants can play a crucial role in facilitating connection and engagement.
• Building a strong remote culture requires a multi-faceted approach that prioritises people and purpose.
• VAs offer a scalable solution for companies looking to enhance their remote work experience.

Let’s move beyond the beanbags and embrace the possibilities of remote culture.