Remote teams are becoming increasingly popular as more businesses recognize the many benefits offered by a remote workforce. One drawback to working remotely, however, is the lack of in-person connection and camaraderie that traditional office settings provide. To help bridge this gap, remote team happy hours are a great way to foster team bonding and connection.
Set a Regular Time
Hosting a remote team happy hour on a regular basis is important to ensure that people don’t forget about it or miss out. Setting a consistent time for the happy hour will make it easier for everyone to remember and plan for it.
It can be helpful to select a time that works for the majority of the team. For example, if most of the team is located in the same time zone, then it’s easy to select a time that works for everyone. However, if the team is spread across multiple time zones, then a more flexible approach may be necessary.
For instance, the team could alternate between two different times each week, so that everyone gets an opportunity to attend at least one of the sessions. Or, the team could choose a time in the middle of the day that works for everyone.
Choose the Right Platform
The next step is to select the right platform for hosting the remote team happy hour. There are many options to choose from, and it’s important to select a platform that works for everyone.
For instance, if the team is primarily using Slack for communication, then it makes sense to use that platform for the happy hour as well. Or, if the team is using Zoom or Google Hangouts for video conferencing, then that could be a great option for hosting the happy hour.
It’s also important to make sure the platform supports the type of activities that the team wants to do. For example, if the team wants to play games together, then they need to make sure that the platform supports that.
Plan Fun Activities
Planning fun activities is an important part of making the remote team happy hour a success. Depending on the platform that is being used, there are many different options to choose from.
For example, if the team is using Zoom or Google Hangouts, then they could play virtual trivia games or watch movies together. Or, if the team is using Slack, then they could do a virtual scavenger hunt or a virtual escape room.
No matter what activities the team chooses, it’s important to make sure that everyone is comfortable participating. It can be helpful to provide instructions or a demo of the activity before starting, so that everyone knows what to expect.
Encourage Participation
Encouraging participation is essential for making sure that everyone feels included and valued. It’s important to create an environment where everyone feels comfortable speaking up and sharing their ideas.
It can be helpful to have a designated “host” to help guide the conversation and ensure that everyone is participating. The host can also help to make sure that the conversation stays on track and is focused on the team’s goals.
It’s also important to let everyone know that their ideas and opinions are valued. This will help to create a more inclusive atmosphere and encourage more participation.
Conclusion
Organizing a remote team happy hour can be an effective way to foster team connection and camaraderie. By setting a regular time, choosing the right platform, planning fun activities, and encouraging participation, teams can create a successful and enjoyable happy hour experience.
