Many of us have had to adjust to remote work since the beginning of the pandemic. This can be particularly difficult for those of us who are more extroverted. But even the most introverted and experienced remote worker can struggle with creating and keeping work relationships.
That’s because maintaining fulfilling professional relationships at a distance can be a challenge. There are a few things you can do to create a solid foundation for your work relationships. You can use these tips to build up your team’s connection or just to improve your personal connection with your co-workers. 
6 Ways to Stay Close to the Coworkers You Enjoy
Meeting online is a wonderful way to stay connected to remote co-workers. Feel like you’ve become a bit of a Zoom wiz in the past two years? Give these 6 tips a try:
1. Company Contests
These are ways you can create conversation in the workplace. Some of them are costume contests or ugly sweater contests. If you want to get even more creative, see who has the whackiest coffee mug. Want to lean into meme culture? Ask everyone to submit a funny pet video and choose a winner from the submissions.
2. Monthly Challenges
Challenges are a nice way to encourage friendly competition. Some companies have simple challenges like journaling. Other companies have tried exercise challenges and even Lego building challenges. Think creatively about what your co-workers would enjoy getting involved in for just a few minutes.
3. Virtual Lunches
We no longer have the classic sitcom break room. That’s okay, though. Because we can bring that same idea into the current day. Create a virtual space where you and others can meet up and hang out on a video chat while you eat lunch. This could be a more intimate one-on-one affair. Or you could see if you can get the entire office to show up.
4. On-screen Coffee Breaks
The same goes for coffee breaks. You don’t need to do anything fancy for this. Go into your company Slack, forum, or chat system, and if all else fails, send an email! Let everyone know when you plan to take a coffee break and send a link. It might surprise you who shows up to chat over a hot mug.
5. Ask a Question of the Week
Building relationships is all about communication. What better way to stimulate conversation than to ask a random question? Ask your co-workers what their favorite fantasy creature is. Other questions might be:
- What’s your favorite 90s film?
- What’s your favorite season, and why?
- Would you rather have a dragon or a unicorn as a pet?
- Who makes a better office mate: your spouse or your pet?
It’s all about finding topics that people feel comfortable sharing about themselves. You’re likely to get some very interesting answers. You might even find out that you have very similar interests with someone who works remotely from across the country!
6. Pen Pals and Gift Exchanges
We’ve all gotten used to getting packages in the mail. Regardless of whether it’s because we’re ordering office supplies or groceries. But aren’t care packages so nice? When’s the last time you received a hand-written letter in the mail? Small gestures like this make a big difference in a world that can often feel isolating.
If you’re lonely or struggling to find ways to connect with your co-workers, connect with a therapist. They can help you brainstorm ways you can change your work environment to feel more included. Your business might even have a mental health professional on staff who can help facilitate more company-wide engagement. I’m here in person and online as well. Please reach out, I can help.
