12 creative ways companies are keeping employees happy at work right now — from virtual paint nights to a free stay in an Airbnb

Employees are using video conferencing tools like Zoom to connect virtually.Getty Images

• The coronavirus pandemic shut down offices nationwide and is fundamentally changing how employers shape their culture.
• To adapt, companies have gotten creative with ways to help workers feel like they're part of a team.
• Some 12 company leaders shared with Business Insider what they're doing, including everything from hosting remote painting nights and Bingo games, to sending employees meals and increasing parental leave time.

The coronavirus threw a wrench in traditional office culture. When offices were shut down, millions of workers were forced to work from home. All of the in-person events and opportunities to connect face-to-face disappeared.

HR teams across the country were faced with a big question: How do you keep employees engaged while working from home?

Some companies have found a way to do it. In a May survey, Gallup found the percentage of "engaged" workers in the US — those who are highly involved in, enthusiastic about, and committed to their work and workplace — reached 38%, the highest it's been in several years.

Here's what several companies have done to make workers feel like they're still part of a team.