In today’s remote-first world, building a strong company culture requires intentionality. It’s all too easy to lose sight of the human connection behind the screen. At DigitalEd, we understand this challenge intimately. We weren’t always a remote company; in fact, we were staunchly office-centric, valuing the dynamic, in-person relationships that fueled our work.
Then came the pandemic, a catalyst for change that tested and ultimately strengthened our core value of adaptability. We navigated lockdowns, uncertainty, and the imperative to support our team’s well being while keeping the business running. It was during this time that the importance of intentional connection became even clearer.
One of our most successful initiatives in fostering community and camaraderie has been our Global Homegroups program. These aren’t just random teams; they’re carefully curated, cross-functional groups designed to bring together individuals who might not otherwise interact.
The magic of Homegroups lies in creating ’containers of fun, joy, and connection’. Our DigitalEd social committee, affectionately known as DESOCO, organizes a variety of events throughout the year, both synchronous and asynchronous. Take, for example, our current March Madness extravaganza, featuring not one, but three brackets of activities, allowing everyone to participate at their own pace.
But the real spark of Homegroups comes from our annual theme. Each year, we choose a theme to inspire team names, a creative outlet that consistently showcases our team’s ingenuity. Past themes have included colors, animals, and shapes. This year, however, we decided to get a little… artistic.
During a DESOCO brainstorming session, a fusion of ideas emerged: “artistic sandwiches.” The 2025 theme was born and the results have been nothing short of spectacular. The “Van Gogh Hoagies,” “Leonardo da Veggies,” “Monet Cristos,” “Taylor Swift Tuna Melts” and the “Salvador Delis.” each created their own unique Slack emoji using AI generators, adding another layer of fun and personalization.
This quirky theme has served as a fantastic icebreaker, setting the stage for a year of engaging DESOCO activities. The ideas in the pipeline this year are * chefs kiss * and we’re excited to watch the competitive spirit unfold. Our efforts in this space are a testament to the power of intentional connection, proving that even in a remote environment, culture can thrive when you’re willing to get a little creative—and maybe a little cheesy.
At DigitalEd, we’ve learned that building a strong remote culture isn’t about replicating the office; it’s about creating new, meaningful ways to connect. It’s about remembering the person on the other side of the screen and fostering a sense of belonging, one artistic sandwich at a time.