New Year, New Initiative: How to Engage Your Remote Employees in 2025
As the new year begins, many businesses are focusing on goals—not just for growth, but for enhancing the experience of their remote teams. Remote work is here to stay, but it brings unique challenges that need to be addressed to keep employees engaged, appreciated, and motivated. Here are some strategies that can make a meaningful impact on employee satisfaction and productivity.
Engagement Surveys
Engagement surveys are a great way to check in with your remote team and see how everyone’s really doing. Without the usual in-person chats, it can be hard to know what’s working and what’s not. Surveys give employees a chance to share their thoughts and feel heard, while giving you the insights to make improvements where they’re needed. Whether it’s tackling challenges, celebrating wins, or figuring out how to keep everyone motivated, these surveys can make a big difference. Plus, they help you track progress over time to see how your efforts are paying off. Done right, they’re a simple way to build a happier, more connected team.
Set Up More Face-to-Face Check-Ins
In a remote setting, it’s easy for employees to feel like their hard work goes unnoticed. Regular one-on-one video check-ins can make a big difference. While they’re not the same as chatting in person, video calls offer a personal touch that’s hard to get through emails or messages. These check-ins help employees feel valued and listened to, strengthening trust and connection with their managers.
Recognize Wins Publicly
In remote or hybrid work, it’s easy for hard work to fly under the radar, especially with everyone spread out across time zones. That’s why giving shout-outs is so important! Taking a moment to recognize wins—big or small—can make your teammates feel appreciated and valued. It builds connections and keeps everyone motivated to bring their best. A simple way to start is by creating a space for praise, like a Slack channel dedicated to team kudos or set aside time in an All Hands meeting to highlight contributions and celebrate your team’s amazing work!
Foster a Culture of Flexibility and Understanding
Time zone differences can be challenging for remote teams, often leaving employees feeling disconnected or unmotivated when their schedules don’t align with the rest of the team. To bridge this gap, offering flexible work hours and embracing asynchronous communication can make a big difference. Flexible schedules give employees more control over their workday, while asynchronous tools allow team members to contribute and communicate on their own time. Tools like World Time Buddy simplify scheduling across time zones, and Loom offers an easy, affordable way to share updates and collaborate through video. These strategies help reduce isolation, foster better teamwork, and create a more inclusive and motivated remote environment.
Invest in Your Management Team
Remote employee engagement hinges on two key elements: a strong, connected team and effective remote management. Great remote managers take on the role of a coach, providing the support and guidance their teams need to succeed. Leading remote teams effectively requires a unique set of skills, including:
Clear and intentional communication designed for remote work.
Trust and delegation to ensure tasks are handled without micromanaging.
Empathy to understand and address the unique challenges team members face.
Empowerment by equipping employees with the tools they need to solve problems, rather than offering all the answers.
Adaptability to pivot strategies and approaches as situations evolve.
When managers master these skills, they create an environment where remote teams can stay engaged, motivated, and connected. Check out the courses offered by Canopy
Create Space for Casual Connections
One of the challenges of remote work is missing out on those casual, in-person moments. Without quick chats or spontaneous coffee breaks, it’s easy to feel a bit disconnected. This year, try creating ways to bring those moments back—like virtual coffee chats, online games, or fun non-work channels in your team’s messaging app. Tools like Gather let you set up a virtual office where you can "drop by" someone’s desk or even pet a cat that follows you around! For a simple way to boost team engagement, give Donut a try. Small steps like these can make a big difference in keeping everyone connected (and happy)!
Make 2025 the Year of the Happy Remote Employee
The start of a new year is a great chance to rethink how you’re connecting with your remote team. Focusing on regular check-ins, giving shout-outs for their hard work, offering flexibility, using great collaboration tools, and making space for casual hangouts can really boost morale. When your team feels valued and supported, they’re happier, more engaged, and ready to do their best!