Having worked remotely for 15 years, we know how much the absence of these informal conversations can leave teams feeling isolated. That’s why we implemented virtual coffee breaks: casual online meetups where our team members can connect.
Since introducing virtual coffee breaks, we’ve seen team members bond more easily and create meaningful relationships that extend beyond work tasks. Feedback from our team has been overwhelmingly positive—many have shared how these chats help them feel less isolated and more connected to their colleagues. Curious about how virtual coffee breaks could transform your remote team dynamics? Read on for tips, insights, and ideas to get started. 👇
Address the challenges of remote work
If you’ve ever worked remotely, you’ve probably felt this at some point. You’re sitting behind your laptop, laser-focused on tasks for hours, but when you finally take a break, there’s no one to chat with about your day—work-related or otherwise. It’s lonely, and over time, that isolation can take a toll on your mental health. This is especially true if you work from home and live alone. Remote work comes with unique challenges that can affect both individuals and teams, including:
- Loneliness and isolation: Gallup’s State of the Global Workplace report found that 25% of remote employees experience daily loneliness, compared to just 16% of fully onsite workers.
- Lack of casual interactions: Without spontaneous chats in office kitchens or hallways, it’s easy to feel disconnected from coworkers.
- Mental fatigue: Spending hours focused on work without breaks can lead to reduced productivity or even burnout.
This is where virtual coffee breaks come in. ☕ Hopping on a quick call with colleagues—whether to share updates, vent about work challenges, or just chat about life—can do wonders for your mood and mental well-being. These informal conversations mimic the spontaneous interactions we used to have in offices, helping remote workers feel more connected and less isolated.
And let’s not forget the productivity boost! No one can focus for eight hours straight without breaks. Chatting with a coworker refreshes your mind and helps you return to work feeling re-energized and ready to tackle your next task.
Keep it light and fun
Worried about being socially awkward when starting a call with a colleague you've barely seen in person (or even on camera)? There's no need—typically, we would tell you to start the conversation with casual topics like hobbies or weekend plans. Though with our app, we've already taken care of sparking the conversation for you. How, you ask?
Our team uses Kime to schedule regular check-ins with fun prompts like “What did you do this weekend?” or “What are you reading/watching right now?”. These questions pop up regularly, and if everyone responds (looking at you, Karen 👀), by the time you hop on a virtual coffee chat, you already have an idea of what your colleague has been up to—and a great conversation starter.
Virtual coffee chats are a bridge that connects remote teams.
Create a comfortable space for everyone
Remember, not everyone will feel comfortable jumping into conversations right away—especially introverts or newer team members. It also doesn't always need to be one-on-one meetings. Every Friday, we have a "Friday Chat” where everyone with some spare time can join the conversation (or just listen). And don't forget, it's called a "coffee break” for a reason—grab a cup of coffee and add a snack as well! It will help keep the atmosphere lighthearted and relaxed.
How we do it
After years of working remotely, we’ve found a rhythm that works for our team, balancing structure with spontaneity to keep virtual coffee breaks successful (and enjoyable). We’ve even seen a noticeable improvement in cross-team communication and understanding of each other's roles. Here are some tips and virtual coffee break ideas from our experience:
- Choose the right tools: Slack is our go-to platform for casual chats because it's already where we communicate daily. We also use Kime HR for regular check-ins with fun prompts. Remember to tailor virtual chats to your team—small teams might enjoy open discussions, while large teams could benefit from breakout rooms. Whether it’s Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or Google Meet, the key is picking a tool your team is comfortable with and that integrates seamlessly into their workflow.
- Automate the Planning: Use tools like Donut, CoffeePals, or LEAD.bot to simplify virtual coffee chat planning. These apps integrate with Slack or Microsoft Teams to automatically match colleagues, schedule chats, and even provide icebreaker questions, taking the pressure off.
- Flexible scheduling: You can host regular sessions like our Friday Chat (a group virtual coffee break) and encourage people to have spontaneous chats when they feel like it. The more organic these interactions are, the better.
- Keep it casual: Avoid making it feel like yet another meeting. You don't even have to talk about work (please don't). Talk about vacations, books, families, or whatever you feel comfortable talking about—get to know your teammates.
- Cross-team connections: Encourage interactions between different teams to create a better sense of community. People within one team talk daily (one way or another), but getting to know people from other teams can get tricky when working remotely. Another format we love is our “Everyone on Support” chat, where people from different teams connect with our support team—the largest group in the company. It's not just about work; they’re about catching up, sharing stories, and getting to know what others do.
- Adapt to your team's needs: Some people prefer one-on-one chats, while others might feel more comfortable in larger group settings. Provide options and let people participate in ways that make them feel comfortable. And don’t forget feedback—ask your team what they like (and don't like) most about these chats and what could be improved.
Are you a manager? Lead by example
You know what they say: actions speak louder than words. 💪 Don’t just encourage your employees to have regular catch-ups with their team or hop on calls with colleagues from other departments—be a role model by doing it yourself. You can even start by hosting your own virtual coffee breaks with employees across departments.
When managers actively participate in virtual coffee chats, it sends a clear message that these moments and connections are valued. It also helps foster stronger relationships across the team and creates a more inclusive company culture where everyone feels comfortable joining in and having fun with it.
Why start now?
Virtual coffee chats are a simple yet powerful way to turn your remote team into a tight-knit crew. By hosting these casual get-togethers, you can break down barriers, boost morale, and make work feel more like a social gathering (minus the awkward small talk).
Challenge your team to host their next virtual coffee break this week. It could be a quick catch-up, a fun game, or even a virtual “bring your pet” day (you know you want to see Gin the Corgi 😉). The goal is to have fun and connect with each other in a way that feels real, even when you’re miles apart.