Spark Circles

How can you achieve networking in remote teams without it feeling forced? A co-creation project using Design Thinking.

Context

Remote and distributed teams rarely have opportunities for informal conversations and spontaneous exchanges. Distance and full calendars lead to silo structures that hinder cross-departmental collaboration and weaken the sense of belonging. How can we create virtual spaces where colleagues can naturally connect, exchange ideas, and be inspired regardless of location, without it feeling forced?

Suggestion

Spark Circles* are informal, voluntary lunchtime meetings where colleagues meet in small breakout rooms to share insights, discuss challenges, and explore new ideas across locations. The sessions take place every two weeks, are organized by volunteer facilitators, and are moderated by the participants themselves.

Result

The test group particularly appreciated the simplicity and brevity of the format, the ability to choose conversation topics, and the opportunity to learn something new about their colleagues. The balance between added value and time commitment is crucial. A ready-to-use toolbox with topics and activities for volunteer hosts helps overcome time pressure and skepticism in cross-location networks.

Takeaways

The most important step was to talk to people and understand their mindset. Connection is created through formats that people create together. For them to have a chance in their full working day, they simply need to be simple and take little time.