Case Study: Stanford University strengthens hybrid workplace connections with Donut

Stanford University keeps hybrid teams connected with Donut’s 3-day in person, 2-day remote model

Stanford University faced the challenge of maintaining team connection and a cohesive culture during its transition from fully remote to a hybrid work model. The university's Office of the Vice Provost for Graduate Education needed a way to build relationships and foster belonging among staff who were not always physically present together.

Donut was implemented via Slack to facilitate these connections. The solution included using Donut's Intros for one-on-one meetings and its Watercooler feature for lighthearted team conversations and more serious DEI-focused prompts. This helped humanize coworkers, build empathy, and create psychological safety. As a result, Stanford sustained its team culture, successfully onboarded new hires into its values, and kept critical conversations about anti-racism ongoing. Donut provided a sustainable anchor for relationship-building that was pivotal to the team's success.

Stanford University