TrueML Company Culture & Values

What is the biggest challenge to establishing a virtual-first company culture?

Maintaining a sense of connection and community among employees who are physically dispersed and culturally diverse. 

To tackle this, we prioritize virtual social events like coffee chats, team-building activities and “Let’s Talk” sessions to mimic spontaneous office interactions. Second, we ensure clear and consistent communication through tools like Slack, Google Meet, Canva, Monday.com and Jira to keep everyone aligned. Regular check-ins and virtual office hours help team members feel supported. 

Lastly, we are building a strong, inclusive culture by celebrating our diverse backgrounds and achievements, particularly with our recent expansion into Latin America. This includes recognizing personal milestones, encouraging peer recognition and promoting belonging through diversity and inclusion initiatives spearheaded by our Employee Experience Committee. By investing in these areas, we're not just overcoming the challenge of a virtual-first environment; we're aiming to thrive, fostering a cohesive, motivated and engaged workforce.

What’s your number one tip for fostering connection and/or collaboration among virtual teams?

Be intentional and stay thoughtful. In a virtual environment, spontaneous interactions are rare, so it’s crucial to make a conscious effort to connect. Encourage open dialogue and actively seek input from team members to make them feel valued and heard. 

Additionally, be mindful of different time zones and cultural backgrounds, ensuring that meetings and communications are inclusive and considerate of everyone’s schedules and preferences. 

Promote a culture of transparency and trust by being open about goals, challenges and successes. Your people are your best source of inspiration for creating out-of-the-box ways to connect and interact. Truly be curious and enthusiastic to try events or activities that various teams believe might be fun ways to connect. 

Lastly, recognize that sometimes your virtual scavenger hunt might flop — and that’s OK. You joined your company because of its unique culture, so remember that whatever idea you dream up may not be a one-size-fits-all activity. Figuring out what works best for your company is part of the fun.