Everyone is built differently, but one thing is certain. Humans are social creatures, and workplace communication is needed not only to build relationships but to maintain better levels of mental health. But not everyone likes small talk. Some people find it distracting and disingenuous, but it is important to replicate some physical sense of community in the digital spaces we now work in. One tactic is to create new social rituals. Build in time at the beginning of virtual meetings for people to exchange pleasantries and ask nonwork-related questions. You can also consider creating virtual lounges on communication platforms—channels where nonwork issues can be discussed. It can also help to use virtual methods to recreate “casual collisions,” like what might happen when you hop on the elevator with a co-worker you don’t know very well. Video chat “roulettes” are one way to do this. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that these casual conversations shouldn’t take negative turns. If they devolve into gossip about co-workers or complaints about managers, it can breed cynicism and distrust. Steer team members and co-workers away from such conversation topics if they start headed in that direction.