8 Tips to Manage Remote Teams & Keep Them Engaged 

Managing a remote team comes with its own set of challenges. Without the natural buzz of an office, remote employees can start to feel isolated and disengaged.  

So, how do you bridge that gap? And how do you create a work environment where your remote team feels connected? 

Let’s talk about practical strategies to help you do just that! And stick to the end to find actionable ideas to keep your team engaged, no matter where they work. 

So, let’s get into it! 

5 Dos & don’ts for managing remote teams  

Do: Set clear communication rules 

When you’re working remotely, it can be daunting figuring out how to keep everyone in sync. Should you send a quick message or schedule a meeting? Is this best discussed over chat, or does it need an email? 

Without clear guidelines, teams can feel lost and frustrated. So, set simple, clear rules for how and when to use each tool. Decide on a system that works and make sure everyone knows where to find it. 

💡Bonus tip!  

Encourage intentional communication—or what some may call “overcommunication.” Sometimes, it’s safer to overcommunicate than leave your team doubting themselves or feeling lost. 

Ask questions when expectations aren’t clear, choose your words carefully when giving feedback, and spell out goals and priorities so there’s no room for confusion. When in doubt, clarify! 

Don’t overlook employee recognition 

It’s easy to feel invisible when working remotely. In an office, recognition happens naturally—a quick “great job” in passing, a spontaneous round of applause in a meeting. But in a remote setting, those moments don’t happen unless you make them happen. 

That’s why you need a recognition plan.  

• Celebrate milestones in the team chat,  

• give shoutouts in emails,  

• and schedule regular feedback sessions.  

Want to make it even more engaging? Use recognition tools that give virtual badges, awards, or fun incentives when employees hit their goals. A little playful motivation never hurts! 

Do: Have a Policy for Camera-On Calls 

Not every meeting needs to be a video call (let’s be honest, sometimes an email would do). But having regular camera-on check-ins—maybe once or twice a week—helps keep that human connection alive. 

Seeing each other’s expressions, sharing a laugh, and reading body language makes teamwork feel more natural. But here’s the key: be clear about when cameras are expected.  

Maybe they’re required for project updates or monthly townhalls but optional for daily stand-ups. Setting guidelines removes the awkward “Should I turn my camera on?” moment and helps everyone feel more comfortable. 

Don’t let technology get in the way 

The right tools can make remote work smooth. The wrong ones? They just make everything harder.  

So, here’s a reminder that your team doesn’t need five different apps to manage their work; they need a streamlined system that just works. Try: 

• Looking for tools that bring everything together, like attendance tracking, task management, goal setting in one place. This way, people can focus on work instead of juggling tabs. 

• Prioritizing intuitive, easy-to-use software that makes collaboration smooth (and maybe even enjoyable). If a tool feels frustrating or clunky, it’s not the right one. 

Do: Check in regularly 

When you’re in the office, you can pick up on subtle signs, like a teammate looking extra exhausted or seeming a bit down. But with remote teams, those little cues get lost in chat messages and emails. 

Here’s what you can do: 

• Regular one-on-ones and pulse surveys, not just to check on work, but to check on your people.  

• Asking employees how they’re doing. See if they need support. You’d be surprised how much a quick “How’s everything going?” can uncover. 

And don’t forget—when home doubles as the office, it’s easy for people to overwork. So, encourage your team to actually unplug. Make sure they use their vacation days, and if possible, offer perks that get them away from their screens, like gym memberships or wellness allowances.  

Fun ways to keep remote employees connected 

Make online meetings more human 

You know those first few minutes of an in-person meeting where people chat about their weekend, a new hobby, or a funny thing their pet did? That shouldn’t disappear just because we’re remote! 

Encourage your team to start meetings with a little casual conversation. Maybe someone finally finished that home renovation project, baked an incredible cake, or discovered a great new show.  

These small moments help people connect as humans, not just coworkers in different locations 

Keep team spirit alive beyond work 

Just because you’re working remotely doesn’t mean team building has to go out the window. You just need to get a little creative! 

Try hosting virtual activities that bring people together outside of work. Here are some ideas to get you started: 

• Game nights: A little friendly competition never hurts! 

• Book or movie Club: Pick a book or movie each month and have a casual discussion. 

• Trivia sessions: Test your team’s knowledge on everything from history to pop culture. 

You might discover that your quiet developer is actually a master chess player, or your project manager makes incredible sourdough bread! 

Let people lead & take turns 

One of the best ways to keep people engaged is to give them a chance to take the lead. It keeps things fresh, empowers your team, and encourages participation. 

Try rotating leadership roles for different activities: 

• Knowledge sharing sessions: Each month, a team member can share a skill or topic they’re passionate about. It could be something job-related or an entirely different expertise, like personal finance or photography. 

• Team-building activities: Switch things up by letting different employees organize a fun activity each time. That way, everyone gets a chance to bring something unique to the team.