As hybrid and remote work continue to dominate the workplace, many teams are still operating from home—some part-time, others full-time. And for teams that were remote even before the pandemic, this setup is simply business as usual. Regardless of your team’s situation, one thing is certain: fostering personal connections in a virtual environment is more challenging but just as essential for success.

In a traditional office setting, personal bonds form organically. Casual conversations during coffee breaks, in the elevator, or near the water cooler help build relationships. These seemingly small interactions—”Did you do anything fun this weekend?” or “How are your kids doing?”—may not directly contribute to the work but play a big role in building trust and camaraderie.

With distributed teams, those organic opportunities for connection are rare. But there’s a simple, effective way to replicate these moments in your daily scrums: make room for small talk.

Start with 5 Minutes of Connection

Consider beginning your daily scrum meetings with five minutes of non-project-related small talk. Yes, throw out the rulebook for a moment and make space for your team to simply chat. Here’s how you can implement this:

1. Set the Tone: Announce that the first five minutes of the scrum are dedicated to casual conversation. No work talk allowed!
2. Facilitate If Needed: Ask icebreaker questions or share a fun anecdote to get things started. Encourage everyone to chime in.
3. Keep It Light: Topics can range from hobbies and family updates to interesting shows or upcoming holidays.

After the five minutes, transition into the usual 15-minute work-focused timebox for your daily scrum.

Why It Works

This small adjustment can have a big impact. Here’s why:

• Builds Trust: Sharing personal stories helps team members see each other as individuals, not just coworkers.
• Increases Collaboration: Stronger personal connections lead to better communication and teamwork.
• Fosters Cultural Understanding: With distributed teams, you can learn about traditions and holidays unique to different regions.

Give It a Try

Breaking the routine of your daily scrum might feel unconventional, but the results are worth it. A simple five-minute investment in small talk can transform how your team interacts, making them more honest, comfortable, and aligned. And in agile, where collaboration is key, that’s a win for everyone.