When the world shifted to remote work, many predicted the death of meaningful workplace connection. But our experience with over 500 virtual forum sessions has shown the opposite: remote peer forums can be just as powerful as in-person ones, and in some ways, even more inclusive and effective.
The Remote Advantage
Remote forums have several surprising advantages. Geographic barriers disappear, allowing you to create forums with members from different offices, cities, or even countries. Scheduling is easier because there is no commute to a meeting room. And perhaps counterintuitively, some members are more comfortable being vulnerable from the safety of their own space.
Technical Setup That Works
The technology should be invisible. We recommend a dedicated video conferencing link that stays the same every week. Here are the essentials:
- Video on: Visual cues are essential for building trust -- cameras should always be on
- Audio quality matters more than video: Encourage members to use headphones
- Consistent link: No searching for new meeting invites each week
- Backup plan: Have a phone bridge number ready for tech failures
- Quiet space: Encourage members to find a private, quiet location
Adapting the Format for Screens
Virtual forums require shorter segments and more frequent interaction points to combat screen fatigue. We recommend 60-minute sessions (instead of 90 for in-person) with a check-in round, one deep-dive topic, and a closing round. Build in 'camera break' moments where members can stretch or grab water.
"The biggest mistake organizations make with remote forums is trying to replicate the in-person experience exactly. Instead, lean into what virtual does better." -- Forum@Work Remote Facilitation Guide
Building Trust Virtually
Trust is the foundation of effective forums, and building it remotely requires intentionality. Start sessions with a personal check-in question that goes beyond 'How are you?' Try questions like 'What is one thing that surprised you this week?' or 'What are you most proud of right now?' These small moments of sharing compound over time into deep trust.
Hybrid Forum Challenges
Hybrid forums (some members in-person, some remote) are the hardest to facilitate well. The biggest risk is that in-person members dominate while remote members become observers. Our recommendation: if even one member is remote, everyone joins from their own device. This levels the playing field completely.
Tools and Features
Forum@Work's platform is designed for remote-first forums. Features like built-in timers, speaking order rotation, anonymous mood check-ins, and session summaries all support the virtual format. The platform ensures that the moderator can focus on facilitation rather than logistics.
The Bottom Line
Remote forums are not a compromise. They are a different format with their own strengths. Organizations that embrace virtual forums gain access to a broader talent pool, more flexible scheduling, and a format that works for the way we actually live and work today.
