5 Tips for Building a High-Performing Remote Team from Scratch

Building a remote team from day one can feel exciting and slightly overwhelming. There is a lot to figure out, and it often happens while you are still shaping the business itself. The good news is that remote work is now completely normal across the US, so there are plenty of proven ways to get it right. With a thoughtful approach and a bit of patience, you can build a group of people who work well together, even if they never sit in the same room.

Below are five practical tips that make a real difference when you are starting from scratch.

Start with Crystal Clear Expectations

Before you recruit anyone, spend time defining what success looks like in each role. This one step saves you headaches later. Write down the key tasks, the hours you need covered, and what your preferred communication rhythm will be. People thrive when they know what is expected of them, so the clearer you are at the beginning, the faster they can settle in.

Some companies also create a short working style guide. It might include how quickly messages should be answered, what tools the team uses, branding tips, and any quirks that make the business run smoothly. It helps new hires blend in without feeling lost.

Hire for Skills and Attitude

Remote hiring gives you access to talent from almost anywhere, which is a huge advantage. While skills matter, attitude tends to matter even more. Look for people who are self-motivated, comfortable with asynchronous communication, and open to asking questions early. Those traits remove a lot of friction during onboarding.

If you want to widen your talent pool, you can also look for outside support and get help with hiring, especially if you are trying to fill multiple roles at once.

Build a Simple Onboarding Process

You do not need a massive corporate style onboarding plan. What you do need is something that helps new team members get up to speed without guessing their way through the first few weeks. A short welcome document, access to the right software, and a clear list of day one tasks go a long way.

It also helps to schedule a few early check ins. Nothing lengthy. Just regular moments where you ask how things are going and whether anything feels confusing.

Use Tools That Reduce Stress, Not Add to It

A remote team does not need twenty different apps. You just need a handful that everyone understands. Most teams get by with a messaging platform, a project management tool, and a place to store files. The simpler the setup, the easier it is for people to work together without feeling like they spend their whole day switching screens.

Also, be realistic about time zones. If your team is spread out, you may not find one perfect meeting time, so try to keep live calls to a minimum.

Prioritize Culture Early

It is easy to assume culture develops naturally. In a remote team, you usually have to nudge it along. Small things help, such as celebrating wins during a Friday wrap up or sharing personal introductions during onboarding. These moments make people feel connected, even if they have never met.

It can also be helpful to build a few informal touch points into the week, like a casual chat channel where people can swap tips or share something funny they spotted online. Little habits like this tend to spark more genuine conversation, which strengthens trust and keeps the team feeling human.

Over time, the culture becomes part of how your team communicates and solves problems. When that happens, productivity tends to rise without forcing it.