Building Company Culture Beyond Remote Work

Keeping the Spark Alive with Remote Work

Anushka Pradhan, Brand Management Account Coordinator

At Thunderly, company culture has always been one of our greatest strengths. Back when we were all together in Dallas, it was easy to feel that energy through quick conversations between meetings, spontaneous brainstorming sessions, sharing lunch, and laughing about weekend plans. Since making the switch to remote work, we have discovered that while culture does not just disappear, it does need to be nurtured in new ways.

That is why our annual retreat has become so important. We just wrapped up our time together in Nashville and it reminded us that bringing people together in one place is not a luxury—it is an investment in our team, our work, and our future.

Breaking Routine, Building Perspective

Don’t get me wrong, remote work is incredible. It gives us flexibility, deeper focus, and access to amazing talent everywhere. But it also has a rhythm that can feel repetitive.

A retreat interrupts the usual cycle and creates space to step away from the day-to-day. In Nashville, our team finally got a break from the constant ping of notifications and had the chance to reflect on where we’ve been and where we’re headed. These conversations felt different from our typical status meetings. They reminded us that sometimes the best way to move forward is to pause, gather in the same room, and unlock the kinds of discussions that just don’t happen on a screen.

Beyond the Screen

Technology makes remote work possible, but it’s not where real connection happens. At our retreat, it was clear how much people valued being able to show up as humans first. We got to know each other’s stories in ways that go beyond job titles. Some of that happened in structured sessions, but much of it happened in between. Whether it was a team dinner, a walk through Nashville, or even small moments of downtime, those interactions strengthened trust and understanding. When you return to remote work with that foundation, collaboration flows more naturally. Miscommunications are easier to resolve, and feedback lands with more generosity.

The retreat also gave new team members a chance to integrate quickly. Nothing accelerates getting to know everyone quite like spending several days face-to-face with the people you will work with daily. It shortens the learning curve and helps build confidence. For those who have been part of Thunderly for years, it reinforced why we love working here in the first place.

Investing in What Matters

Culture isn’t something you set once and forget about. Like physical fitness or mental health, it needs consistent attention and intentional care. A retreat is one of those practices that keeps a team strong. It allows space to recommit to shared goals, tackle challenges, and remind ourselves that we are working toward something bigger together.

Our Nashville retreat did not happen by chance. It was the product of months of careful planning by an incredible retreat committee that thought through every detail. From designing thoughtful sessions to organizing time for fun and volunteering for a great cause, they created an experience that balanced work and connection. Their efforts made the difference between “a trip” and “a turning point.” Every strong retreat has people behind the scenes who make sure it all comes together, and we are grateful for their work.

Investing in team health isn’t optional for remote companies. It’s critical. Teams naturally go through ups and downs. A retreat gives everyone the chance to reset, realign, and return with fresh energy.

Looking Forward

Our time in Nashville reminded me that Thunderly is more than a collection of people working from different cities. We’re a team that thrives on trust, creativity, and genuine connection. Retreats help us protect and strengthen that culture, ensuring that no matter where we log in from each day, we’re aligned and inspired.

For a remote agency, an annual retreat is one of the most valuable ways to keep culture alive, keep people energized, and keep the work meaningful. We are already looking forward to the next one.