Back to Guides

Building Remote Company Culture

Create a strong, inclusive culture that connects distributed teams across the globe.

EmployersCultureRemote Work

Creating a Thriving Remote Company Culture

Company culture doesn't happen by accident in remote teams. It requires intentional design, consistent effort, and clear values. Here's how to build a culture that attracts and retains top talent.

1. Define and Communicate Core Values

Clear values guide decision-making and behavior when team members are distributed.

✅ Value Examples:

  • Transparency: Share information openly and honestly
  • Autonomy: Trust team members to do their best work
  • Work-Life Balance: Respect boundaries and personal time
  • Inclusivity: Welcome diverse perspectives and backgrounds
  • Continuous Learning: Encourage growth and development
  • Async-First: Default to async communication

💡 How to Live Values:

  • Reference values in decision-making
  • Recognize team members who exemplify values
  • Include values in hiring and reviews
  • Make values visible (website, handbook, Slack)
  • Hold leadership accountable to values

2. Document Everything

In remote teams, documentation replaces hallway conversations. Make information accessible to everyone.

What to Document:

  • Company Handbook: Values, policies, processes, benefits
  • Team Wiki: Team structure, roles, responsibilities
  • Decision Logs: Document important decisions and rationale
  • Meeting Notes: Share notes from all meetings
  • Onboarding Docs: Help new hires get up to speed
  • Process Documentation: How things work in your company
  • Knowledge Base: Answers to common questions

3. Establish Communication Norms

Clear communication norms reduce confusion and ensure everyone knows how to interact.

Communication Guidelines:

  • Default to async communication
  • Use public channels for transparency
  • Document decisions in writing
  • Set response time expectations
  • Respect time zones and boundaries
  • Use video for complex discussions

Cultural Practices:

  • Celebrate wins publicly
  • Share failures and learnings
  • Encourage questions and feedback
  • Use emojis and GIFs (appropriately)
  • Create water cooler channels
  • Share personal updates

4. Foster Inclusivity and Diversity

Remote work can make inclusion harder. Be intentional about creating an inclusive environment.

Inclusivity Practices:

  • Rotate meeting times: Don't always favor one time zone
  • Record meetings: For those who can't attend
  • Use inclusive language: Avoid jargon and acronyms
  • Celebrate diverse holidays: Acknowledge different cultures
  • Create affinity groups: Support underrepresented groups
  • Hire globally: Build diverse teams from the start
  • Provide translation support: For non-native speakers

5. Create Opportunities for Social Connection

Remote teams need intentional opportunities to build relationships and connect socially.

Connection Ideas:

  • Virtual Coffee Chats: Random pairings for informal chats
  • Team Events: Monthly virtual social events (games, trivia, cooking)
  • Interest Groups: Book clubs, fitness challenges, hobby groups
  • Show & Tell: Team members share personal projects or interests
  • Annual Retreats: In-person meetups when possible
  • Birthday Celebrations: Virtual birthday parties
  • Water Cooler Channels: Non-work Slack channels for casual chat

6. Recognize and Celebrate Achievements

Recognition is crucial in remote teams where achievements might go unnoticed.

Recognition Practices:

  • Public Recognition: Celebrate wins in team channels
  • Peer Recognition: Encourage team members to recognize each other
  • Regular Shoutouts: In team meetings and newsletters
  • Milestone Celebrations: Work anniversaries, project completions
  • Rewards Program: Points, gift cards, or other incentives
  • Career Growth: Recognize promotions and new roles

Build Your Remote Team Culture

Start building your remote company culture today. Post a job and attract talent who shares your values.

Post a Remote Job