Picture this: It’s Monday morning, and you’re firing up your laptop for another week of remote work. You glance at your calendar - back-to-back Zoom calls, Slack messages piling up, and a to-do list that feels endless. But something’s missing. It’s not the tasks or the tools - it’s the connection. You can’t remember the last time you had a real, human moment with your team. Sound familiar?

Here’s the thing: remote work has skyrocketed - up 159% since 2009 - but it’s also made people feel more isolated than ever. 70% of remote workers say they feel left out, and 58% of U.S. adults report feeling lonely. That’s not just bad for morale - it’s bad for business. Teams with strong bonds are 21% more profitable and generate more innovative ideas. So, how do you build those bonds when your “water cooler chats” are now emojis in Slack?

In this article, I’ll share what we’ve learned at Pebb about creating real connections in remote teams. From onboarding strategies to virtual team-building ideas and even the right tech tools, I’ll break down exactly how to turn a group of remote coworkers into a team that truly cares about each other. Let’s dive in.

How To Bond With A Remote Team (4 Group Activities)

Setting Up Your Team for Connection

Before anyone even logs into their first video call, the groundwork for a connected remote team needs to be laid. At Pebb, we’ve learned that the secret isn’t about loading up on fancy tools - it’s about being intentional from the very beginning.

In a physical office, connections happen naturally. A quick chat by the coffee machine or a casual lunch with a colleague can do wonders for making someone feel part of the team. But in a remote setup, you have to be deliberate. The good news? When done right, the bonds formed remotely can be just as strong - if not stronger - than those made in person. Let me walk you through how we approach onboarding and communication to make those connections stick.

Onboarding Strategies That Build Relationships

Creating a sense of belonging starts the moment a new hire joins. Remote onboarding isn’t just about paperwork or tech setup - it’s about making someone feel like they’re part of the family right away. Here’s a stat that always sticks with me: 91% of employees with mentors report feeling satisfied with their jobs. That’s how important human connection is.

At Pebb, we’ve seen great success with what we call the "culture buddy" system. Here’s how it works: each new hire gets paired with two people. One is a mentor to guide them on job-specific tasks, and the other is a culture buddy who helps them navigate the company’s values, goals, and unwritten rules. This dual approach gives new team members multiple points of connection and support.

We also make virtual team orientations interactive and engaging. Instead of a dry HR presentation, we dive into our company’s culture, goals, and processes. These sessions encourage open discussions, giving new hires a chance to ask questions and share their thoughts. And to make them feel even more welcome, we send out personalized welcome packages and schedule regular video check-ins during their first few weeks.

It’s all about making new hires feel like they’re part of a community from day one.

Setting Communication Guidelines

One of the biggest pitfalls for remote teams is assuming that everyone knows how to communicate effectively. Spoiler alert: they don’t. That’s why we believe clear communication guidelines are non-negotiable.

At Pebb, we document everything - preferred tools, response times, meeting cadences, and even how to handle specific scenarios. But here’s the key: we don’t create these guidelines in a vacuum. We involve the team, gathering input to make sure the rules work for everyone.

Liz Guthridge from Connect Consulting Group said it best:

"Be kind to yourself and your in-office and remote team members (and everyone's brains), and agree on which communication channels to use for different purposes."

We’ve taken that advice to heart. For instance, we use group chats for quick updates, email for formal communications, and video calls for more complex discussions. It’s all about assigning the right tool for the right task. Predictability is also a game-changer. We’ve set weekly meeting times everyone can count on, defined working hours for different time zones, and use shared to-do lists to keep everyone on the same page.

Chris Aird of With Purpose also emphasizes:

"Leaders must document communication protocols and manage expectations."

But here’s the thing - guidelines aren’t set in stone. As our team grows and evolves, we revisit and tweak them regularly, always with team input. That way, our communication stays effective and adaptable to everyone’s needs.

Creating Spaces for Social Interaction

We’ve all heard it before: strong communication lays the foundation for team success. But here’s the next step - creating spaces where those lines of communication can spark genuine, human connections. Research backs this up, showing that shared humor and engagement can elevate feelings of belonging and motivation. At Pebb, we’ve found that weaving in moments of personal connection takes team camaraderie to a whole new level.

Virtual Team-Building Activities

Let’s talk about virtual team-building. When done well, these activities don’t feel forced - they feel fun. At Pebb, we’ve seen the magic of simple ideas like picture-sharing. Team members post snapshots of their coffee setups, quirky pet antics, or even the view from their home office windows. It’s amazing how these small glimpses into someone’s life can spark conversations and build rapport.

We’ve also tried “show-and-tell” sessions where employees share a personal achievement or a prized possession. It’s a great way to learn more about one another in a relaxed setting. And if you want to mix it up, there are endless options: trivia games, virtual cooking classes, or even talent shows. One company, Help Scout, took it a step further with a fun MTV Cribs–inspired series where employees showcased their homes and personalities. Another example? Memory hosted virtual fitness challenges where team members set goals and competed for prizes. These activities aren’t just fun - they’re memorable.

And let’s not forget the power of unstructured moments.

Hosting Casual Virtual Gatherings

Sometimes, the best connections happen when there’s no agenda. Casual virtual gatherings give employees the chance to chat about non-work topics - weekend plans, funny pet stories, or even that new show everyone’s binge-watching. At Pebb, we’ve found that starting team meetings with a few minutes of casual conversation can completely change the tone of the call.

VentureSails took this idea to another level in February 2023 by hosting networking events on Kumospace. This platform let professionals mingle and collaborate in virtual spaces designed for connection. Offering a mix of gathering formats ensures everyone can find a way to engage in a way that feels natural for them.

Supporting Shared Interest Groups

Here’s where things get even more personal: shared interest groups. These spaces let employees bond over hobbies and passions. Virtual book clubs are a great example. When team members pick books they’re genuinely excited about, discussions become lively and revealing - you learn so much about your colleagues. Another idea? Create a team playlist where everyone adds songs that reflect their mood or personality. It’s a simple way to spark conversations that go beyond work.

At Pebb, we’ve made it easy to create these connections with our private clubs feature. Whether it’s a fitness group, a cooking club, or a photography circle, these spaces give employees a chance to connect over shared interests. Deel has taken a different approach with their Connections tool, which pairs random teammates for short chats. It’s a creative way to encourage spontaneous interactions.

The bottom line? Whether it’s structured team-building, casual hangouts, or interest-based groups, creating spaces for social interaction can transform the way your team connects - no matter where they’re working from.

Using Technology to Strengthen Bonds

Let’s face it - staying connected as a remote team can be tricky. But here’s where technology steps in, not just to bridge the gap but to actually make those bonds stronger. The right tools can turn "just another workday" into something more meaningful. Instead of bouncing between a dozen apps, imagine having everything you need in one place, making it easy to stay connected without the hassle. That’s exactly what we’re aiming for.

Using Pebb for Social Connection

When we built Pebb, we had one mission: to cut through the noise of scattered communication tools. Too often, fragmented platforms get in the way of genuine connection. With Pebb, we’ve flipped the script. Our group chats aren’t just for project updates - they’re where casual conversations about weekend plans or funny memes naturally happen. These little interactions? They’re the glue that keeps teams feeling like, well, teams.

One of my favorite features is our private clubs. Unlike tools that make you jump through hoops to create a new channel, Pebb lets anyone set up focused discussion spaces instantly. Whether it’s a group for coffee enthusiasts or a team brainstorming session, it’s all just a click away. And our live news feed? It’s the modern-day water cooler. It’s where we celebrate wins, share milestones, or drop a timely meme to lighten the mood. Loren Johnson, who works with a restaurant group, summed it up best:

"Pebb has transformed our communication. It feels like Facebook, but for work".

Here’s the beauty of Pebb: everything works together seamlessly. You can chat about a project, share a win on the news feed, organize a virtual book club in a private club, and store resources in the knowledge library - all without hopping between apps. And our integrated events feature? It’s like the cherry on top, making it easy to keep everyone engaged without needing extra tools.

But hey, I get it - different teams have different setups. Some might still be using other tools to connect remotely.

Other Tools for Remote Team Engagement

If your team isn’t on Pebb yet, you might be juggling platforms like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Workvivo, or Staffbase. The thing is, these tools often come with extra costs or require piecing together multiple apps. That’s where Pebb stands out. Our Standard plan is completely free for teams of up to 1,000 employees. Yep, free. It includes work chat with unlimited history, a live news feed, a knowledge library, tasks, a calendar, and unlimited clubs - all at no cost. And when you’re ready to level up, our Premium plan is just $4 per user per month. Compare that to the cost of managing multiple tools, and it’s clear we’re offering something special.

But it’s not just about saving money - it’s about simplicity. With Pebb, everything is in one place. No more wasting time switching between apps or training team members on multiple platforms. From remote office workers to frontline employees, everyone can jump in and start building connections right away.

We didn’t just build Pebb to solve a tech problem; we built it to solve a people problem. Every feature is designed to create those natural, effortless moments of connection that keep teams thriving. And the best part? It’s easier and more affordable than ever to invest in your team’s social culture.

Recognizing and Supporting Team Members

Let me tell you, recognition in remote teams isn’t just a “nice-to-have” - it’s the glue that holds everything together. When your team is scattered across time zones and there’s no chance for a quick pat on the back in the hallway, intentional recognition becomes the heartbeat of connection and morale.

The numbers back this up: 69% of employees say they’d stick around longer if they felt recognized. Even more telling, 37% are more engaged when their managers acknowledge their efforts, and 64% of remote workers value appreciation even more than their in-office counterparts. That’s a lot of people craving a simple “thank you” that actually feels meaningful.

How to Make Recognition Count

Here’s what I’ve learned: recognition only works when it’s personal, timely, and specific. A generic “good job” might as well be a sticky note lost in the wind. But a shout-out that ties directly to someone’s actions and their impact? That sticks.

One approach we swear by is the SAIL framework - Situation, Action, Impact, Link. It’s a game-changer. Let me give you an example:

"During yesterday’s client meeting (Situation), you tackled that tough pricing question with such clarity (Action), which helped us close the deal (Impact). It’s a great reminder of how well you understand our value proposition (Link)."

See the difference? It’s clear, it’s specific, and it shows the person exactly why their work matters.

We’ve also found that public recognition amplifies the effect. Whether it’s during a weekly team call, a post on our company news feed, or even a celebratory tweet, making wins visible to the whole team creates a ripple effect. At Pebb, we’ve taken this to heart by using our news feed to highlight achievements. It’s not just about the recognition itself - it’s about creating a space where everyone can chime in with custom reactions or comments. A simple thumbs-up or a party emoji can go a long way in making someone feel appreciated.

And here’s the kicker: peer-to-peer recognition can be even more powerful than managerial praise. When team members cheer each other on, it builds a culture of mutual respect and appreciation. In fact, employees who feel appreciated are 78% more motivated. That energy is contagious, and it transforms the entire team dynamic.

Sometimes, it’s the small, unexpected gestures that leave the biggest mark. A surprise afternoon off, a handwritten note, or even including someone’s family in a recognition moment can create a lasting emotional connection.

"At the very core of our humanity is our care for one another. Heartfelt appreciation provides sustenance for another day."

• Dana Ullom-Vucelich

Supporting Wellness: The Other Half of the Equation

Recognition is only one side of the coin. The other? Supporting your team’s well-being. Remote work has its perks, but let’s not sugarcoat it - it can also be isolating. Fully remote workers are 40% more likely to experience anxiety and depression and 98% more likely to feel lonely compared to those on-site. But here’s the good news: when employees feel supported, they’re 71% less likely to experience burnout.

So, how do we make wellness a priority? Start with mental health. This might mean offering subscriptions to mental health apps, hosting virtual mindfulness sessions, or simply opening up space for honest conversations about stress and workload. The goal is to show that mental health isn’t just something we tolerate - it’s something we care about deeply.

Physical wellness matters too. Virtual fitness challenges, online yoga classes, or even walking meetings can get people moving and help them feel connected. One of my favorite team initiatives was a “couch to 5K” challenge. Everyone tracked their progress, shared updates, and cheered each other on. It was a small thing, but it brought us closer together.

And let’s not forget work-life balance. Encourage your team to set boundaries - log off at a reasonable hour, take breaks, and actually use their vacation days. Lead by example here. Skip the late-night emails and show your team that it’s okay to unplug.

Sometimes, it’s the simplest gestures that make the biggest difference. Start meetings by asking, “How are you really doing?” - and then listen. If someone’s struggling, don’t just nod and move on. Adjust deadlines, redistribute workloads, or just be there for them. That kind of support builds trust, and trust is the foundation of any strong team.

When people feel valued and supported, something magical happens. They pay it forward. Teams with high-trust cultures see 50% higher productivity, 76% more engagement, and 74% less stress. It’s the kind of environment where people genuinely care about each other, even when they’re working from different corners of the world.

Building a Connected Remote Team with Pebb

Let me tell you something I’ve learned from working with remote teams: connection isn’t just a nice-to-have - it’s the glue that holds everything together. After diving into onboarding strategies and recognition programs, one fact keeps coming up: high-performing teams are 20% more productive and profitable, with 10% higher customer satisfaction. The common thread? Connection. Without it, even the best strategies fall flat.

That’s where Pebb comes in. We designed Pebb to tackle the connectivity challenges remote teams face every day. It’s not just another communication app - it’s a modern intranet meets real-time collaboration. Think of it as your team’s digital HQ, a space where work gets done and relationships thrive. From work chat to news feeds, knowledge libraries, people directories, and even voice and video calls, it’s all in one place, accessible on any device.

Our customers feel the difference:

"It combines everything - chat, tasks, news feed, knowledge, library - into one place, and it's incredibly affordable."

• Christina Matthews, Construction Company

And affordability? We’ve got that covered too. Our premium plan is just $4 per user - far less than Slack Pro’s $7.25 - yet it includes video conferencing, a 15GB knowledge library, and unlimited history. Plus, our free plan supports up to 1,000 employees.

But here’s what makes Pebb stand out: it breaks down silos and fosters a connected culture. With everything centralized, social connections happen naturally. The team news feed becomes a hub for celebrating wins and sharing updates. Private clubs give people a way to bond over shared interests. And the people directory? It’s not just a list of names - it’s a way to connect with the faces and personalities behind the job titles.

Our 5.0 rating on Gartner Peer Insights speaks for itself. Users consistently praise how easy Pebb is to set up and use - no complicated training or long implementations needed.

At the end of the day, building a connected remote team is about creating an environment where relationships can grow. That’s exactly what Pebb is here to deliver, every single day.

FAQs

How can remote teams communicate effectively without relying on too many tools?

Simplifying Communication for Remote Teams

Let me share something we’ve learned at Pebb.io: juggling too many apps can turn communication into chaos. That’s why we built Pebb as an all-in-one platform. With features like chat, news feeds, groups, and video calls all in one place, it’s like having your entire communication toolkit in a single app. No more hopping between tools or dealing with “tool fatigue” (yes, it’s a thing).

But here’s the real game-changer - streamlining how we communicate. We’ve made it a priority to focus on sharing only what’s truly necessary. By cutting out the noise of excessive notifications and encouraging messages that are concise and to the point, we’ve seen a huge difference. It keeps everyone productive, avoids burnout, and makes the team feel more connected.

Trust me, when communication flows smoothly, remote work becomes a whole lot easier.

What are some fun and effective ways to build connections among remote team members?

Building meaningful connections in remote teams doesn’t have to feel like a chore - it can actually be a lot of fun. Picture this: your team cracking codes in a virtual escape room, battling it out in an online trivia game, or brainstorming like pros in a collaborative whiteboard session. These activities go beyond just teamwork; they spark engagement and camaraderie. And for something more laid-back, try virtual coffee chats, a meme-sharing challenge, or a good old-fashioned game night. These moments of laughter and connection can transform a group of coworkers into a tight-knit community.

Now, here’s where Pebb steps in to make it all ridiculously easy. Our all-in-one platform has everything you need - group chats, video calls, private clubs - you name it. And the best part? It’s budget-friendly at just $4 per user, giving remote teams an effortless way to stay connected and engaged.

How does Pebb help remote teams build stronger social connections and stay engaged?

Pebb is here to make remote work feel a whole lot more connected. We’ve created an all-in-one communication and engagement platform that helps teams not just work together but actually connect. Whether it’s through group chats, video and voice calls, news feeds, private clubs, or even our employee directory, Pebb gives teams a virtual space where collaboration and connection happen naturally.

Here’s what makes Pebb stand out: we offer a free plan that covers all the basics you need for communication. And for teams looking for even more, our premium plan is just $4 per user - a price point that works for businesses big and small. We’ve designed our platform to support everyone, from frontline workers to office teams, creating a real sense of community and keeping everyone on the same page, no matter where they’re dialing in from.

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