Optimistic at Work
At Online Optimism, we have a mix of fully remote team members and hybrid workers based in the same city. We rely on many strategies, activities, and software to build connections and a strong team culture. These initiatives are designed to bridge any physical gaps and ensure that all employees, regardless of location, feel connected, valued, and integral to our collective success. Through targeted virtual team-building exercises, appreciation-driven initiatives, and a strong emphasis on work-life balance, we create an environment where every Optimist can thrive professionally and personally.
Celebrate Often
Building strong teams in a virtual environment can be challenging, but with creative approaches and the right tools, it’s entirely possible. At Online Optimism, we’ve found success in hosting engaging team-building activities that not only foster camaraderie but are also incredibly fun.
One standout example is our virtual happy hour on Skribbl.io, a simple yet interactive game that sparks laughter and conversation. Additionally, we hold monthly 15-minute trivia sessions using the Kahoot platform. Kahoot’s user-friendly, customizable features allow our team to engage in a spirited competition, answering questions quickly and bonding over shared knowledge.
We’ve learned that effective virtual team-building doesn’t require lengthy events. Short 15-30 minute activities fit easily into the workday and are less daunting for employees to join. Scheduling these sessions towards the end of the day and allowing beverages can help create a relaxed atmosphere, enabling team members to unwind and connect more deeply.
To ensure that our events resonate with everyone, we start by understanding each team member’s interests through a form everyone fills out when they become an Optimist. This form, titled “What Makes You Optimistic”, gives us insight into their hobbies and preferences. For instance, if we know someone who enjoys hiking and likes puzzles, we might organize a virtual scavenger hunt using the Goosechase app, tailored to include elements that appeal to these interests. We hosted one of these last month, themed the Spooky Scavenger Hunt!
By incorporating personal interests into our team-building activities, we make each event not just another meeting, but a memorable experience that strengthens our team’s cohesion and spirit. This personalized approach has proven effective in building a connected and enthusiastic hybrid team.
Keep It Human
We’ve turned our internal communication tool, Slack, into a vibrant hub of engagement and positive culture. Our platform facilitates not only day-to-day business operations but also fosters a strong sense of community and recognition among team members. Here’s how we do it:
Our most popular channel– #appreciation– is constantly active throughout the day. Here, employees, supervisors, and directors publicly acknowledge each other’s hard work and accomplishments. But at Online Optimism, appreciation goes beyond words. During their onboarding process, each Optimist selects a philanthropy they are passionate about. Whenever someone gives a shout-out in the #appreciation channel or receives one, we make a donation to their chosen non-profit. This initiative not only enriches our company culture but also extends our impact into the wider community. This program exemplifies our foundational value of Supporting Our Communities.
Beyond #appreciation, our Slack channels like #doggos, #music, and #random act as spaces for positive socializing, allowing team members to share personal interests and lighter moments. These channels help maintain a balance of professionalism with personal connection, which is vital in any workplace. Additionally, we post a weekly prompt in our #slackingoff channel to encourage everyone to share stories. We’re committed to understanding, supporting, and connecting with our team because we believe Keeping It Human paves the way for better work.
Building these Slack channels has not only made them a tool for efficient communication but also a cornerstone of our company culture, demonstrating that we value both the professional and personal well-being of our employees. This approach has helped us build a more connected, supportive, and motivated team at Online Optimism.
Work Is Work Not Life
Fostering a healthy work-life balance is not just our policy—it’s a practice embedded in our culture, championed from the top down. Our CEO and leadership team lead by example by actively taking their paid time off (PTO). We understand the importance of recharging, which is why, every year before the holiday season, we send a reminder to all employees encouraging them to use their PTO for some well-deserved relaxation.
We also reinforce that when our team members are off the clock, they really can disconnect. Employees are encouraged not to check work-related tools like Slack and Gmail during their time off. Our approach is straightforward: if something urgent comes up, we’ll call. This policy helps our team feel more comfortable stepping away from work knowing they won’t be expected to always be on alert, thus truly prioritizing their time.
Clear and concise communication is another cornerstone of our workplace culture. Open communication channels are vital to ensure that every team member has the necessary information to complete their tasks effectively. During meetings, we take detailed notes and assign clear follow-up tasks to specific individuals. Being open about timelines and project expectations is also crucial, as it helps set realistic goals and supports a transparent, accountable work environment.
We believe organizations should foster inclusivity and provide predictable and regular opportunities for employee feedback, so employees can actively participate in dialogue and utilize the resources offered to them. Regular evaluation of workplace practices and readiness to adapt based on feedback ensures continuous improvement toward a supportive environment.
By prioritizing these practices, Online Optimism maintains a supportive and efficient workplace, ensuring that our team not only performs well but also enjoys a high quality of life both inside and outside of work.
Building a Strong Team Culture
Our commitment to building a strong, inclusive team culture is evident in every program we implement. From fostering open communication and prioritizing work-life balance to engaging our team through meaningful virtual activities and personalized appreciation, we ensure that every team member feels connected and supported. By continuously adapting and enhancing our approaches, we strive to maintain a workplace where everyone can flourish, contributing to our overall success and positive work environment.
Let us know what you like about your own team culture! Follow Online Optimism on socials, check out other blog posts by our Optimists, and sign up for our newsletter!
