Command and control. That was my introduction into the workplace back in the 1990s. It was a place with little flexibility and rigid managers. Working from home - are you kidding? It was the company way or the highway.

When I dreamed of starting my own company, I wanted something different. My ideal workplace is a team atmosphere that allows each person to get their job done without being micromanaged and I want it to feel like a family. If a team member has an emergency or an unforeseen situation to deal with, the team is there to help and support each other.

In 2003, I launched my company as a virtual organization before working from home was accepted in the insurance industry. My company is built on the belief that self-motivated people can be highly productive and deliver amazing results. That belief has held up and proven strong over the years.

Now, having moved through COVID and the new work world we live in, so many companies are trying to figure it out. It’s something we mastered years ago. Sure, we eventually established a corporate office, but our core foundation is based on a virtual team.

Today, I get a lot of people asking me for tips on how to create a great company culture while having a workforce scattered throughout the country. So, here it goes, I’m happy to share.

First off, I want to make something crystal clear – this model does NOT work for every employee. Initially, I naively believed my entire team would embrace working remotely but some simply operate better in an office. They prefer face-to-face interaction and feed off the energy of other people. There’s nothing wrong with that but any company contemplating a virtual team needs to understand that not everyone will fit the model or appreciate it.

Those who can embrace it are good at self-management. The key is finding the right team members who excel in this environment.

Here are a few key points that will make the difference in building a fantastic culture.

Focus on creating a culture of connectedness. Find ways your team can grow roots together. It sounds so simple but it’s not easy. So, what leads to connectedness? It’s the feeling of being part of a team that cares and wants to help each other. A team that’s focused on being the best. And that comes from communication, which leads to my next tip.
Communication is key. Implement a platform that allows for communication in multiple ways, such as internal chat, voice, alerts, company news, and team groups. There are some excellent core platform solutions that can forge collaboration and camaraderie amongst your team. For our company this is our nerve center. Through ours we inspire, motivate, celebrate, cry, and support each other. Having the right platform promotes that unity you want to feel every day.
Have regularly scheduled company-wide meetings. Hold monthly or quarterly via video. Arrange lunch for everyone and mix fun with company updates. Give everyone a chance to be heard and recognize team and individual accomplishments. Also make it entertaining with a contest, scavenger hunt or seasonal trivia. I find having a quarterly meeting keeps us engaged and on the same page in terms of company goals. We power ahead together!
Encourage your team to have smaller break out meetings to drill down within their respective areas. See what’s working well, what isn’t and where we need to pivot. Many times, it’s in these smaller groups that some of the best ideas are born. I’ve found that ideas can be implemented quicker this way than in a traditional office environment.
Commit to an annual (or semi-annual) in-person gathering. If you can, fly your team out to your main location or convenient location for a few days. Over the years, we’ve had summer picnics and winter holiday parties. By having fun with your team outside of work, you build morale and people to get to know each other better.

Let’s not forget that while we spend a large amount of time working and doing our jobs, we can work hard, deliver great results and have fun doing it. Building a positive virtual company culture starts with connectedness, communication, and a commitment to teamwork.

As you grow, your company and its culture will be a work in progress, and you’ll have your ups and downs. But always focus on being genuine and caring about your team and I think you’ll find success will follow.