Why Connection in Remote Teams Must Be Designed, Not Accidental (And How to Do It)

People Managing People

We’ve heard all the usual suspects when it comes to remote engagement—Slack check-ins, virtual happy hours, maybe an annual engagement survey if we’re lucky. But what if the problem isn’t the tools, but the assumptions? In this episode, David Rice sits down with Dr. Adora Ikwuemesi, whose recent qualitative study of remote workers in Nigeria reveals a much deeper, more nuanced picture of what truly drives—or erodes—remote engagement.

Adora walks us through her seven-part framework that emerged from conversations with 24 remote workers. Spoiler: it’s not just about more communication; it’s about better connection. From the physical realities of working without reliable electricity, to the surprising role that fun plays in fostering commitment, this conversation strips engagement down to its real-world components—beyond perks and policies. If you think your team is “fine,” you may just be missing the silence before the storm.

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Chapters

1. The Warning Signs of Disengagement (00:00:00)

2. Meeting Adora: Research on Remote Engagement (00:01:25)

3. Seven Key Drivers of Remote Engagement (00:03:10)

4. Quality Communication Beats Frequency (00:08:45)

5. The Importance of Human Connection (00:12:09)

6. Cultural Differences in Remote Work (00:20:15)

7. Childhood Influences on Work Motivation (00:21:27)