How to Build Trust and Connection in Remote Teams
Christopher Rainey
Follow for posts about HR, AI & the future of work. Host HR Leaders Podcast (10M+ Downloads) Founder, HR Leaders/atlas Copilot
🎧 Listen to the full episode on YouTube | Apple | Spotify
In today’s episode of the HR Leaders Podcast, we welcome Josh Levine ⚡️, author of Great Mondays and culture consultant. Josh shares his journey from brand strategy to company culture, revealing why culture isn’t about perks but about purpose and connection.
He discusses the challenges of building a strong culture in a remote world, the critical role of rituals in fostering trust, and why “on-site is the new off-site.” Josh also provides actionable strategies for leaders to make remote work engaging and collaborative.
Watch the full episode by clicking below ⬇️
In this episode, Josh discusses:
📍 On-Site Is the New Off-Site
→ Josh explains why simply bringing employees back to the office isn’t the solution. Instead, leaders must create meaningful, purpose-driven in-person gatherings that truly add value.
🤝 The Power of Rituals in Remote Teams
→ Discover how establishing rituals can strengthen team relationships and keep your culture thriving, even in a distributed setting.
🌟 Building Trust Through Connection
→ We discussed the critical role of trust in innovation and collaboration, and why leaders need to be intentional about fostering authentic connections.
💡 Moving Beyond Outdated Practices
→ Josh challenges the traditional approach to office work, offering new strategies to create a culture that adapts to today’s digital-first world.
🔮 What advice Josh had for future HR leaders:
“Be intentional with your culture. Define the ‘how’ of your work before worrying about ‘where’ and ‘when.’ It’s all about creating genuine connections and purpose, whether you’re remote or in the office.”
“Focus on rituals that bring your team together. These shared experiences are the glue that holds your culture together, especially in a remote or hybrid environment.”
📚 Additional Insights: Redefining Culture and Connection in the Hybrid Workplace
In today's dynamic work environment, embracing authenticity and building resilience are crucial for effective leadership. Here are key strategies supported by recent research:
1. Prioritize Self-Worth and Resilience
Burnout often stems from feelings of inadequacy or the constant pursuit of external validation. Engaging in self-worth affirmation exercises can significantly reduce burnout symptoms. A study found that self-affirmation practices help individuals manage stress and improve overall well-being.
2. The Impact of Self-Affirmation on Confidence
Self-affirmation practices can enhance problem-solving abilities, especially under pressure. Such exercises can improve cognitive performance by reducing stress responses. This approach helps rewire the brain to counteract negative self-perception.
3. Setting Boundaries for Better Well-Being
Establishing clear boundaries between work and personal life is linked to a reduction in stress-related illnesses. The American Psychological Association emphasizes that setting healthy boundaries protects mental health and enhances long-term well-being.
4. The Power of Authentic Leadership
Leaders who exhibit vulnerability and authenticity foster higher team engagement. A report by Gallup shows that such leadership styles lead to increased trust and motivation among team members. Authentic leadership encourages open communication and a supportive work environment.
5. Harnessing the Courage to Speak Up
Encouraging open dialogue and providing a supportive environment for self-expression can transform workplace dynamics. Employees are more proactive and innovative when they feel psychologically safe. This psychological safety empowers individuals to voice ideas and concerns without fear of negative consequences.
📚 You might be interested in:
This episode covered so many important topics, here's an additional resource for you to dive a bit deeper:
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A recent episode of the HR Leaders podcast covering "Strategies for Building a People-First Culture in HR"
🙏 We couldn't do it without you!
Thank you to Josh Levine ⚡️ for sharing his time, expertise, and vision with our listeners.
Also our episode and series sponsor, Deel and their brilliant team Alex Bouaziz, Shuo Wang and Dan Westgarth.
None of this would be possible without Shane Kemp, James Elwell, Rio André, Kenneth Browne and the team at HR Leaders and atlas copilot for bringing the podcast to life.
Thank you to our previous guests: Victoria Klug, Rachel Druckenmiller, Guy Kawasaki, Amy Bouque, Katya Laviolette, Vanessa Iloste, Pat Wadors, Parker Mitchell, Nicole Peace, Bill Agostini, Joelle Emerson, Paaras Parker, Luke Wynne, Jon Stross, and many more.
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Production Team
4wWell said. Thank you so much for this
Professor, author, and speaker on the power of corporate culture and communication || Culture Management || Brand Strategy || Podcast Host
4wThanks for letting me share more about the biggest challenge businesses are already facing—how to keep teams productive in a distributed world.
Love this episode watching it now - so important! If we don't prioritise connection in the hybrid workplace, we'll lose it! And, as well as rituals, we need to give our people new skills - so they understand how to build and maintain connections with colleagues they rarely see. It's not easy - but it's completely possible!