Working With Virtual and Distributed Teams
Although based in London, Cabiri is lucky to have a very talented team spread out all over the Globe. By embracing technology and building an open, trusting and collaborative culture we’ve created a seamless way for our global workforce to collaborate, no matter where they are. And with this approach, Cabiri gets access to a diverse range of skills and expertise, while also promoting flexibility and efficiency.
Cameras On - One of the key challenges in virtual team collaboration is the lack of face-to-face interaction. To bridge this gap, we encourage team members to keep their cameras on during virtual meetings and video conferences. By seeing each other's facial expressions and body language, we can enhance communication, build rapport, and foster a stronger sense of connection. This simple practice helps recreate the visual cues that are often lost in remote work, resulting in improved collaboration and mutual understanding.
Creating a Social Space - One aspect of office life that is often missed in remote work is the spontaneous conversations and social interactions that happen around the water cooler or during coffee breaks. To emulate this experience, we have implemented an open 5-minute period before our daily stand-up meetings. During this time, team members are encouraged to join early and engage in casual conversations, allowing for informal socialising and the exchange of ideas. This virtual water-cooler approach helps maintain team spirit, boosts morale, and strengthens interpersonal relationships despite the physical distance.
Making Office Time Meaningful - While virtual teams eliminate the need for a physical office, we understand the value of occasional in-person interactions. At Cabiri, going to the office is treated as an event rather than a requirement. We organise regular team outings, such as lunch or after-work drinks, where team members can gather in person and enjoy each other's company. These occasions provide an opportunity to strengthen personal bonds, nurture creativity, and cultivate a sense of belonging within the team. By making office time meaningful and voluntary, we ensure that it complements our virtual collaboration efforts rather than replacing them.
Quarterly Town-Halls - Maintaining a strong connection with the wider company is crucial for virtual teams. To achieve this, Cabiri holds quarterly town-hall meetings. These gatherings serve as a platform to update the entire company on business developments, share achievements and certifications, and celebrate individual and team successes. By involving all team members, regardless of their physical location, in these virtual town-halls, we foster transparency, inclusivity, and a shared sense of purpose. This approach helps reinforce the company culture and ensures that everyone feels valued and informed, regardless of their geographical distance.
Cabiri has successfully harnessed the power of virtual teams for a number of years, leveraging technology and cultivating a collaborative culture that transcends geographical boundaries. By embracing these principles, we gain access to a diverse talent pool and benefit from enhanced flexibility and efficiency. These efforts ensure that Cabiri remains a united and thriving organisation, driven by a shared purpose and a commitment to excellence. We strive to bridge the gaps caused by physical distance and foster strong connections within our global team and would love to hear of other approaches you’ve taken.
