Optimizing work for all

There are established ways to cultivate positive team cultures, even virtually.

• Schedule time for virtual water-cooler chats.
• Consider how you're going to work together and what the rules of engagement will be.
• Introduce a daily stand-up meeting, no more than 15 minutes, during which each member says what they did yesterday, what they plan for today, and outlines obstacles.

The aim of stand-up meetings, informal virtual chats, and other new routines is to help people feel they are part of a team, which will increase mutual trust - a hallmark of a high-functioning team.