As workers increasingly rely on technology to stay connected, keeping remote teams engaged and productive can be challenging. With in-person meetups limited by the COVID-19 pandemic, team building is now more crucial than ever.
Although casual face-to-face conversations aren’t possible, virtual team-building activities can bridge that gap, fostering information exchange, coordination, and social bonds. This blog offers fun, effective ideas for virtual team-building, explaining why they're essential and how to implement them.
By the end, you'll have a range of strategies to enhance connection and brighten your remote team’s day.
Why Virtual Team Building Is Important
But first, it is essential to say a few words about why virtual team building is important in general. While working online, employees do not have the opportunity to develop friendly relationships with their colleagues.
He or she might start to say that they don’t feel as connected to other people at work, whether it’s partners or subordinates, or that they don’t really care much about what they’re doing.
Countering these challenges is achieved through team building; the aim of team building, therefore, focuses on creating cohesion, communication, and improved teamwork.
Here are some reasons why virtual team-building activities should be a priority:
- Increased Productivity: Teams that communicate and interact well with each other tend to work more efficiently and produce better results.
- Improved Morale: Virtual team building helps restore the focus on fun elements and brings joy into what might otherwise be a painfully monotonous day.
- Stronger Relationships: The relationship between group members fosters trust, making it easier to work together and, in case of conflict, easier to resolve.
- Reduced Isolation: Remote work can feel lonely. Company events reduce workers’ sense of isolation, even when they are forced to separate from their co-workers.
That being said, let’s now focus on how you can effectively organize and conduct virtual team building that will actually benefit your team.
Planning Virtual Team Building: Best Practices
Understand Your Team's Preferences
Not every activity will resonate with everyone on your team. Some people love trivia games, while others might prefer something more laid-back like a virtual coffee chat. Consider surveying your team to learn what types of activities they’d enjoy.
Keep Time Zones in Mind
Remote teams often span across different time zones, making scheduling a challenge. Be mindful of everyone's location and try to find a time that works for most, if not all, team members. You can rotate times if needed to ensure everyone gets a chance to participate.
Set Clear Goals
What do you want to achieve with your virtual team-building activities? Are you trying to improve communication, build trust, or simply give your team a fun break? Knowing your goals will help you choose the right activities and set the tone for the event.
Stay Consistent
Virtual team building isn’t a one-time event. To see lasting benefits, it’s important to make it a regular part of your company culture. Schedule monthly or quarterly activities to keep the momentum going.
8 Engaging Virtual Team Building Activities
Now that you know why team building matters and how to plan for it, let’s dive into some creative and engaging activities you can try with your team.
1. Virtual Escape Room
Escape rooms are a great way to encourage problem-solving, teamwork, and communication. Virtual escape rooms work much like their physical counterparts: your team must work together to solve puzzles and "escape" from a virtual scenario within a set time. Many companies offer themed escape rooms online that can be completed in teams of 4-6 people.
Why it works: It fosters collaboration and requires team members to communicate effectively to solve challenges.
2. Trivia or Quiz Games
Who doesn’t love a good trivia game? Trivia can be tailored to your team’s interests, whether it’s about pop culture, company knowledge, or general knowledge. You can use online platforms like Kahoot! or Quizizz to host your game and make it fun by offering small prizes for winners.
Why it works: It’s an easy, fun way to engage the team and spark friendly competition.
3. Virtual Coffee Chat or Happy Hour
Sometimes, the best team-building activity is the simplest one. Organize a virtual coffee chat or happy hour where the goal is simply to hang out and chat, much like you would in an office break room. You can create breakout rooms so smaller groups can chat more easily or organize themed discussions.
Why it works: It mimics natural, in-person conversations and helps team members bond on a personal level.
4. Online Pictionary or Charades
Classic games like Pictionary and Charades translate well to the virtual world. Use tools like Skribbl.io for Pictionary or simply have team members act out clues on video for charades. Both games encourage creativity and can be a lot of fun for everyone involved.
Why it works: These games are interactive and energetic, and bring out team members’ creativity.
5. Show and Tell
Give your team a chance to show off their personalities by organizing a "show and tell" session. Each team member can share something personal, like a favorite hobby, book, or item from their home. This activity helps team members learn more about each other, which builds stronger relationships.
Why it works: It creates a space for personal connection and helps people share a little more of their lives outside work.
6. Two Truths and a Lie
This icebreaker game works well in both small and large groups. Each person shares three statements about themselves: two that are true and one that’s false. The rest of the team must guess which statement is the lie. This game can lead to fun surprises and insights about your colleagues.
Why it works: It breaks the ice and allows team members to share interesting facts about themselves in a fun way.
7. Virtual Talent Show
Let your team showcase their talents with a virtual talent show. Whether it’s playing an instrument, performing a magic trick, or doing stand-up comedy, this activity allows team members to show a different side of themselves. You can keep it casual or add a competitive element by letting the team vote for the best performance.
Why it works: It encourages team members to step out of their comfort zones and celebrate each other’s unique skills.
8. Book or Movie Club
Create a virtual book or movie club where team members can discuss a shared book or movie each month. You can rotate who chooses the next pick, or vote on options. This activity helps spark discussions that go beyond work-related topics and lets team members bond over shared interests.
Why it works: It promotes thoughtful discussions and creates common ground for team members to connect.
Tools to Enhance Your Virtual Team-Building Experience
To run these activities smoothly, you’ll need the right tools. Here are a few platforms that can help you host engaging virtual team-building events:
- Zoom or Microsoft Teams: Perfect for video meetings, breakout rooms, and sharing screens for games like Pictionary or trivia.
- Miro or MURAL: Great for collaborative whiteboard-style activities where team members can work together on creative projects.
- Slack or Discord: Use messaging platforms for casual games, quick check-ins, or organizing larger team events.
- Kahoot!, Quizizz, or TriviaMaker: Easy-to-use platforms for hosting trivia or quiz-based team-building games.
Making Team Building a Part of Your Company Culture
To get the most out of virtual team building, it’s important to make it a part of your company’s culture. Here’s how to do it:
- Make It Regular: Schedule team-building activities on a regular basis, whether it’s monthly or quarterly. Consistency helps build stronger bonds over time.
- Get Leadership Involved: When leadership participates in team-building activities, it sends a message that these events are valuable. It also encourages employees to get involved.
- Encourage Participation, Not Pressure: Not everyone will feel comfortable with every activity. Encourage your team to participate but don’t force them. If someone prefers to sit out occasionally, that’s okay.
- Celebrate Wins: Whether it’s a trivia champion or a successful escape room completion, take time to celebrate wins and recognize team members’ contributions. It fosters a positive team atmosphere.
Conclusion
Virtual team-building activities are essential for creating a connected and engaged remote workforce. By thoughtfully planning and selecting activities that cater to your team’s preferences and goals, you can foster better collaboration, communication, and trust—key elements for any successful remote team.
Whether it’s solving puzzles together in a virtual escape room or sharing a casual coffee chat, these activities help build stronger relationships that transcend physical distance. Make virtual team-building a regular part of your company culture, and watch your remote team thrive.
If you like this blog, you might wanna check out the following:
What is a Virtual Workspace? Creating an Effective Digital Office
What is Remote Workforce Management? Essential Strategies and Tools
What is a Remote Work Culture? Building and Maintaining a Positive Environment
