How to Include Remote Employees in Your Company's Events

In today’s professional landscape, inclusive and engaging remote team-building activities are an important part of corporate culture. As hybrid and remote employment continues to surge, companies must find creative ways to bridge the gap. Here are some strategies for ensuring every employee feels valued, regardless of location.

This guide covers information about remote employees and team-building events, including:

  • Why including remote employees in company events matters

  • Virtual and hybrid event ideas for remote teams

  • Engagement activities to keep remote employees connected

  • Technology and tools for seamless participation

  • Tips for ensuring every employee feels included

Onto the tips for engagement and inclusion!


Make Every Employee Feel Included — Let Modern Moments Help You Plan a Hybrid Event

Hybrid events bring together your entire team, no matter where they spend their workdays. At Modern Moments, we offer a charming, versatile event space at affordable rates. Whether you’re welcoming hundreds of people for an indoor meeting or want to take advantage of alfresco vibes outdoors, we can help. Contact our corporate event services for help planning your next business bash.


Why Including Remote Employees in Company Events Matters

Thanks to physical separation, there’s already an innate division between on-site and remote employees. By including remote and hybrid employees in company events, you can improve morale and increase connection that lasts far beyond the event itself.

Some benefits of inclusive events are:

  • Stronger team culture. All employees feel valued and connected to the company and overall team when they are included.

  • Higher retention and job satisfaction. Employees who enjoy their jobs and feel included may feel happier and more engaged, decreasing the likelihood of resigning.

  • Improved collaboration. Events facilitating virtual participation can bridge the gap between in-office and remote employees and pave the way for ongoing collaboration.

Virtual & Hybrid Event Ideas for Remote Teams

Planning remote team-building activities may seem complicated, but plenty of fun and engaging options exist for every budget.

  • Live-streamed company celebrations. Broadcast major events to allow remote employees to join the fun via the internet.

  • Interactive virtual happy hours. Send employees a themed drink kit and have a virtual toast via video chat.

  • Virtual team-building games. Use video chat apps to hold group team-building events, such as trivia games, scavenger hunts, or even a digital escape room.

  • Hybrid company retreats. Include remote employees in corporate retreats by providing travel stipends or adding a virtual experience to the docket.

  • Wellness and fitness challenges. Encourage company-wide participation in wellness challenges by running online leaderboards and offering special incentives.

Engagement Activities to Keep Remote Employees Connected

Scheduling engagement activities for remote teams ensures every team member feels included, seen, and heard.

  • Pre-event involvement. Ask remote employees for their input on upcoming events. They could vote on themes, suggest activities, and recommend guest speakers.

  • Breakout rooms and small group chats. Assign virtual attendees to smaller sessions to encourage participation and meaningful interactions.

  • Event swag deliveries. Send remote employees custom event kits full of branded items, materials for event activities, and plenty of snacks.

  • Recognition. Give a shout-out to remote employees during the event.

Technology & Tools for Seamless Participation

Successful hybrid events require the right technology and tools for seamless streaming and stress-free engagement.

  • Live-streaming platforms. Use platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Hopin to bring together virtual and in-person audiences.

  • Virtual whiteboard. Miro and MURAL are ideal for brainstorming sessions, allowing parties in multiple locations to collaborate and view each other's ideas.

  • Hybrid event platforms. Webex and Remo help integrate remote and in-person attendees. Try virtual conferences, webinars, poster sessions, and group chat functions.

  • Apps for interaction. Apps like Slido and Metimeter encourage remote participation through polls and Q&A sessions.

Tips for Ensuring Every Employee Feels Included

Keep these tips top of mind to increase participation and inclusion:

  • Schedule events for all time zones, or schedule multiple events to accommodate global teams.

  • Offer participation incentives, such as gift cards or extra PTO.

  • Get leadership involved to set the standard for engagement.

  • Collect feedback via post-event surveys to see what worked and how you can improve moving forward.


Engage Your Remote Team With Memorable Events — Work With Modern Moments!

Professional corporate event services can help you plan team-building events that are as fun as they are useful. We provide everything from the setting to setup and cleanup. Enjoy privacy and comfort — including modern restrooms — as you host a team competition, lunch-and-learn event, or other hybrid corporate gathering.