How to Make the Most of Water Cooler Talk When Working Remotely

When you work remotely, you might think “water cooler talk” is a thing of the past. Without an office, how can those casual conversations happen? But building relationships and staying connected to your colleagues is still possible, even from a distance. Water cooler talk in a remote setting simply takes on a new form. Whether it’s through messaging apps, virtual meetings, or quick check-ins, you can still enjoy those informal chats that help you bond with your team and stay in the loop. Let’s check out how you can make the most of these interactions, no matter where you work.

What is Water Cooler Talk and Why is it Important?

Water cooler talk refers to those casual, spontaneous conversations that usually happen in an office. It’s the small talk that occurs when you bump into a coworker while grabbing coffee or taking a break. These moments may seem unimportant, but they play a big role in building relationships and trust within a team.

When you work remotely, you miss out on these in-person chats. However, water cooler talk is still essential. It gives you a chance to connect with your coworkers on a personal level, share ideas, and stay up-to-date on what’s happening within the company. It’s also a way to feel more engaged and less isolated in your remote role. Even though you’re not in the same room, creating these moments of connection can improve collaboration and boost morale.

Creative Ways to Engage in Virtual Water Cooler Talk

Water cooler talk in a remote work environment can take many forms. Different virtual company cultures may approach it in unique ways, but the goal is the same: to keep communication flowing and relationships strong.

In some teams, water cooler talk might happen in a designated Slack channel where coworkers share funny memes, weekend plans, or favorite recipes. Others may prefer short, casual video chats, giving you a chance to check in with colleagues face-to-face. You might also find teams that schedule virtual coffee breaks or lunch hours to replicate that office feeling.

There are even companies that organize online games or trivia sessions to keep things fun. You could be chatting about a new TV show, sharing tips on work-life balance, or bonding over a virtual puzzle game. No matter the format, the key is to find ways to engage in light, informal conversations that make everyone feel connected.

Conversation Starters for Remote Water Cooler Talk

Starting water cooler talk in a remote setting can feel tricky, but with a few prompts, it’s easy to get the conversation going. Whether you’re aiming for something lighthearted or work-related, having a mix of formal and casual ideas will help break the ice. Here are some ideas!

For more formal water cooler talk, you can ask things like:

“What’s one project you’re excited about right now?”
“Have you learned any new tools or tips recently?”
“How do you stay organized while working remotely?”
“What’s been your biggest win this week?”
“Does anyone have a productivity hack they swear by?”

If you want to keep it casual, try these conversation starters:

“Has anyone watched a great movie or show lately?”
“What’s everyone doing this weekend?”
“What’s the best meal you’ve cooked at home recently?”
“If you could work from anywhere for a week, where would it be?”
“What’s your favorite way to unwind after a busy day?”

These prompts work well in virtual meetings, chat threads, or even quick check-ins. By starting these conversations, you’ll not only stay connected with your team but also create a more engaging and friendly work environment.

Fun Water Cooler Talk Games for Remote Teams

Injecting a little fun into water cooler talk can help break the monotony of remote work and bring teams closer together. Playing games is a great way to bond with coworkers while keeping the conversation flowing. Here are a few simple but engaging ideas for virtual water cooler talk games:

Two Truths and a Lie: Each team member shares three statements about themselves — two true and one false. The rest of the team guesses which one is the lie. This game sparks interesting conversations and helps everyone learn something new about each other.
Virtual Trivia: Choose a theme like movies, pop culture, or even company history, and ask a few trivia questions during your next virtual meeting. It’s a fun, lighthearted way to engage your team and get everyone involved.
Show and Tell: Invite team members to show something interesting from their workspace or home. Whether it’s a favorite coffee mug or a pet, this game helps spark conversation and allows people to share a bit of their personal lives.
Caption This: Post a funny or unusual image in your team’s chat and ask everyone to come up with a clever caption. It’s a quick, easy way to inject humor into the day and get people interacting.
Remote Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items for team members to find in their homes (like something blue or something that smells good) and see who can gather them the fastest. It’s a fun, active break from work that gets everyone moving.

These games can easily fit into virtual meetings or group chats and give remote workers a chance to connect on a more personal level. They turn regular water cooler talk into moments of laughter and shared experiences, helping to build a strong, positive team dynamic.

Apps Specifically Designed to Boost Water Cooler Talk for Remote Workers

While tools like Slack and Zoom are commonly used for remote communication, there are apps specifically created to foster casual conversations and boost team connections. These apps help simulate the spontaneous, fun nature of water cooler talk in a remote setting. Here are a few designed just for that:

Donut: A team-building app designed to foster stronger connections within remote or hybrid teams by facilitating casual conversations, virtual coffee chats, and cross-departmental collaborations. It integrates with Slack to automatically pair team members for social interactions, boosting engagement and strengthening workplace relationships.
Tandem: A virtual office where team members can see when others are available for a quick chat, much like you would when you pass by someone’s desk. It allows for spontaneous conversations, helping mimic the organic feel of water cooler talk in a remote setting.
Water Cooler Trivia: A fun and engaging app that brings weekly trivia quizzes to teams, creating a lighthearted way to boost camaraderie and workplace connections. The app allows teams to customize quizzes based on difficulty and topics, making it a perfect tool for fostering friendly competition in remote or hybrid work environments.

These apps are specifically designed to make water cooler talk more accessible for remote workers, encouraging the casual, informal interactions that are often missing from a remote workday. Whether through chat, voice, or fun virtual experiences, these tools bring remote teams closer together.

Making Water Cooler Talk Work for You

Water cooler talk might look different when you work remotely, but it’s still a powerful way to stay connected with your team. From quick chats in messaging apps to fun games and virtual hangouts, these casual conversations can help build stronger relationships, boost morale, and keep you in the loop. Don’t be afraid to start a conversation or suggest a virtual coffee break — it could lead to meaningful connections and a more enjoyable work experience.

So, whether you’re swapping stories, sharing tips, or playing trivia, make water cooler talk a part of your remote work routine. It’s a simple way to bring a bit of office camaraderie into your virtual workspace, helping you feel more engaged and supported every day.

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Do you have any virtual water cooler activities for remote workers? Connect with Virtual Vocations on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube to share your thoughts and tips. We’d love to hear from you!

Original article from July 2020 written by Skye Rodgers.