REMOTE TEAM

How can managers integrate small talk in a

Team meeting

Informal channels

Managers can make it a habit to start or end every video meeting with some unstructured time where participants can check in, talk about their day, discuss fresh news, unwind, or talk about anything unrelated to work.

Create informal channels on your business messaging app. For example, you may create channels where employees can discuss their personal interests, such as movies, pets, podcasts, parenting, music, etc.

Social rituals

Buddy system

You can pair up your team and even rotate the buddies after some time so that everyone gets to know each other. Then, encourage the buddies to have a short but sweet video meeting or two per week where they can unwind and enjoy some small talk over coffee or tea.

Monday virtual coffee lounges, friday quizzes, or bi-weekly book club gatherings are just some ideas on the social rituals you can do with your team members that work from home.