You’ve got people in San Francisco, Bangalore, and maybe even Bali (jealous). But now you’re wondering: how the heck do we keep our culture alive when half our team is in different time zones and nobody’s met in person? Let’s talk about it.
5 Ways to Keep Culture Alive (and Thriving)
- Keep the mission front and center
Make sure everyone understands the why behind what you’re building. When your offshore team connects with the mission, they’re more likely to feel ownership and purpose in their work. - Embrace async communication
Use tools like Loom and detailed updates to keep everyone in the loop, no matter the time zone. Done right, async work can bring both clarity and flexibility to your team. - Celebrate the small stuff
Whether it’s shipping a feature or sharing a new pet photo, take a moment to acknowledge it. Celebrating wins—big or small—helps people feel seen and appreciated. - Build simple rituals
Weekly coffee chats, shoutouts, meme threads—whatever fits your team vibe. These small, regular moments help build trust and a sense of community. - Prioritize face time when possible
If the budget allows, bring your team together in person once in a while. Even a short meetup can strengthen relationships and recharge collaboration.
One Final Thought
Culture isn’t about where people sit—it’s about how they connect. When everyone is treated with trust, openness, and respect, great culture can grow anywhere.
Because at the end of the day, the future of work isn’t about being remote or in-office.
It’s about being human.
Some leaders consider business and technology objectives interchangeable, allowing one to inform the other. Those that align their information technology systems with their overall business strategy have the best chances of achieving their short- and long-term objectives.