Q&A: What does remote work culture look like?

From a management perspective, I am very intrigued by ideas to maintain cultural integrity in a remote workforce.  Or does company “culture” take on a different meaning or expectation in a remote environment?

Question from Eric
Industry: Credit Union

Short answer
“Culture” doesn’t take on a new meaning, but managers need to more intentionally maintain desired team culture with remote and hybrid workforces.  Your goal is to keep the workforce united toward a common goal(s) so that every team member identifies as part of the team. 

Avoid separate cultures operating within a single team.  For example, you don’t want a group that identifies as “in-office” and another that identifies as “remote” within the same team.  

More Information
A “culture” is a group’s shared perceptions and values that affect the thoughts and actions of its members. One of the most effective methods of establishing a productive culture is for its members to identify common goals.

In order to maintain cultural integrity (as you ask), a manager should ensure that every team member 1. shares a central goal or goals, 2. has access to the same team information at the same time, and 3. has the opportunity to interact informally/casually.  This takes intentional effort.  For example, it’s easy to plan a holiday party for those who can attend in person.  But how about members of the team who can’t attend in person?  Plan an event that can include everyone.