Culture Conundrum: Staying Connected in a Remote/Hybrid World

As our work environments continue to evolve, one thing remains constant: our need for connection.

At OTL, we’ve embraced the flexibility that remote and hybrid work offers, and we face the additional challenge of having an in-office team and a field team—often in separate parts of the country. This structure is necessary for a design-build firm like ours to operate and expand. But with this separation comes a new challenge—how do we maintain the camaraderie and cohesion that define our culture? 

The truth is, culture doesn’t live in the office or in the field—it lives in our people. That’s why we’ve made intentional connection a priority. From our annual golf outing to regular virtual team huddles to in-person meet-ups when possible, we’re always looking for ways to bridge the physical distance. 

We also encourage authenticity. Whether it’s celebrating a teammate’s personal win or playing a harmless practical joke, those small, human moments help remind us we’re all in this together. 

Leadership plays a big role too. As CEO, I make it a point to stay visible and accessible. Whether it’s reminding everyone at OTL that my door is always open or dropping by a virtual team meeting, those touchpoints matter more than ever. 

Staying connected in a remote/hybrid world takes effort—but it’s worth every bit. Because when we feel connected, we collaborate better, innovate faster, and support each other more fully. 

Let’s keep building a culture that transcends location—one relationship at a time.