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In this era of remote work, fostering a sense of unity among team members is crucial. That’s where virtual team building activities come into play. In this blog, we’ll explore innovative team building event ideas that transcend the physical boundaries of an office.
Whether you’re seeking to enhance communication, boost morale, or simply inject some fun into the virtual workspace, we’ve curated the top 19 virtual team building activities to strengthen the bonds among your remote workforce. Let’s dive in!
Virtual team building exercises are critical in forming an effective team of employees. The timing of each exercise is also crucial. You would not want to hold an ice-breaking session after the team has already worked on multiple projects. You don’t just introduce employees to the company culture and host training sessions, you also give them a space to connect virtually. With virtual onboarding, training and ice-breaking become memorable.
Analyze each activity and find out at which point it would be most effective. The ice-breaking sessions would be helpful when organized right after the formation of the team. The training and problem-solving activities should be implemented when the organization has to undertake a project in the near future. Rewarding activities should be held when the employees show remarkable performances in their assigned tasks.
Facilitate a smooth transition for newcomers by incorporating virtual team building activities into the onboarding process. From icebreaker games to collaborative challenges, these initiatives help build instant rapport and a sense of belonging.
Celebrate milestones and achievements with engaging virtual team building events that not just acknowledge the collective efforts but also bring everyone closer. Kick off with a Virtual Happy Hour, letting everyone unwind with their favorite drink, or dive into a thrilling Virtual Escape Room to solve puzzles as a team. Spice up the celebration with an Online Quiz Night, tailored with fun facts about your team or industry. These activities are perfect for reflecting on successes, recognizing individual contributions, and enjoying shared accomplishments, all while strengthening the bonds within your virtual team.
To foster a culture of connectivity, consider integrating a series of engaging virtual team-building sessions that regularly feature on your calendar. One standout activity is hosting a team town hall coupled with giveaways as tokens of appreciation for stellar performances. During these sessions, not only can team achievements and updates be shared, but members who have gone above and beyond can be spotlighted and rewarded. This creates an atmosphere of recognition and gratitude, boosting morale and encouraging others. Incorporating such personalized and thoughtful gestures in your regular team-building sessions reinforces team spirit, strengthens bonds, and upholds a culture where hard work is recognized and celebrated, thus maintaining a vibrant and cohesive work environment.
To counterbalance periods of heightened pressure, consider introducing moments of relief and connection through virtual team building activities. For instance, organize a Virtual Relaxation Retreat during particularly stressful periods. This could include guided meditation sessions, a virtual yoga class, or a calming music exchange to help team members unwind and reconnect.
Such activities during times of stress act as a valuable outlet, fostering resilience, strengthening bonds, and cultivating a shared sense of support among team members. By strategically scheduling team building activities like this to coincide with challenging times, you not only enhance collaboration and boost morale but also fortify the overall strength and unity of your virtual team, making it more resilient and connected than ever before.
Creating effective connections between virtual teams is difficult but not impossible. You need the right activities and games that promote socialization among the team members. There are many ways to go about it. Some of such high yielding activities are:
Teams cannot function effectively without the collaboration of different members. War of Wizards is an online game designed specifically for this purpose.
Each session is about 90 minutes long, facilitated by the game master. The aim of the team members is to earn magic items by completing the challenges and solving the puzzles. These items help teams to gather resources and cast spells in the war effort.
The mechanics of the game encourage collaboration and build trust between team members. It trains the players to solve work-related challenges efficiently. It also enhances the productivity and performance of the employees which is beneficial for your organization.
“Can you hear me now” was designed by Columbia college to promote communication between remote employees. Players have to nominate a speaker and the remaining become artists. A speaker uses a random online image generator to source an appropriate image. The challenge for the nominated player is to use only geometric shapes to describe the image.
Accurate communication and understanding of the other players are required to excel at this game. The game is interactive, fun, and challenges the players to improve their communication skills.
Be it virtually or physically, an ice-breaking session is a must. It promotes interactions among the members and helps them in getting to know each other. You will find many activities for such sessions but “Guess the emoji board” stands out. It is a fun virtual team building exercise and provides valuable information about employees to one another.
Each member has to send a screenshot of frequently used emojis to the moderator. The moderator then shares it with the team where others have to guess the use of the keyboard. It continues until someone gets it right. Everyone on the team repeats the same cycle and by the end, members know a thing or two about the others.
You can make the game competitive by introducing point systems. This will make it even more fun.
Honest feedback on the company’s policies from team members is important. You should know if the workforce is benefiting from the virtual team building activities. Specify a day in a month or week and ask the team members to give their honest feedback. Listen to the concerns of members and try to resolve them as soon as possible.
Do an honest assessment of the feedback and understand what went right and what went wrong. Weigh out the pros and cons of different policies and move forward with the best possible one.
Establishing a sound virtual team would take some time. You may have to experiment with many different activities and exercises. But if you keep getting this honest feedback you would be able to get there quickly.
MTV Cribs has shown us the most private and personal things about the celebrities we love. It develops a deeper bond between celebrities and their fans. You can use the same template to promote similar feelings among team members. Visiting the houses of team members is obviously not an option but you can always ask for a virtual tour.
Employees have to record a tour of their homes and show the coworkers things they love. This activity will let the team members know each other on a personal basis. This virtual team building activity will promote the feeling of cohesiveness and camaraderie.
Some members might not feel comfortable showing their homes to strangers. In such cases, you should not pressure them and respect their privacy.
The best way to get this done is to ask one member for a virtual tour at the beginning of each meeting. Start with the member who is comfortable with the activity. Leave the concerned ones for the last. Such members will become a little comfortable by the end of these exercises. And then, they might let their coworkers into their personal lives.
This activity is best for smaller teams but larger teams can also benefit from it.
Never Have I Ever never lets anyone get bored which makes it an excellent virtual team building event. It is an enjoyable game that can go on for hours. Each member has to tell an interesting or bizarre thing that they have done or experienced. And the others have to tell if they have done anything similar.
You can make it more fun by adding various elements. For example, members have to drink something if they have done it. It can be coffee, juice, or even alcohol if the networking activity is taking place after work hours.
This activity is interactive, generates laughter, and produces a friendly work environment.
Motivated employees are assets you cannot afford to lose. You need to bring forward some measures to ensure they remain motivated. It can be done by establishing a reward and recognition system. It is crucial for virtual team building as the motivations of remote workers are usually low.
You can boost their morals by sending them tailor-made gift cards, and bonuses. Extra leave days help. This virtual team building activity shows that you recognize the hard work of the team and care for them. When you reward a member, the others feel motivated to get the same recognition. This creates friendly competition between the coworkers and improves their efficiency.
Celebration of success with the employee makes them feel involved and connected with your organization. The teams are remote but distance should not be a barrier. There are hundreds of ways you can connect virtually and hold the celebrations together.
Virtual parties, remote cocktails, birthday packages, and sending gifts are some notable ways to celebrate with virtual teams. You can even host virtual dance parties. How you execute this virtual team building exercise is all up to your creativity.
If a particular employee has some good news to report, you could even celebrate that as part of your virtual team building initiative. This could range from anything to getting engaged or having a baby, etc.
Working remotely is just as hard as managing a remote team. Virtual team management software and tools are not as common or easily implemented as one might think. You need to take this into account and organize workshops to train your team members. Your team should know how to operate the given tools and what to do when an application crashes.
You may need to organize the basic training sessions if you have older members on board. Be mindful that not everybody possesses technical knowledge. You may need to hold some workshops a number of times to get the members up to speed. Some members may hesitate to ask basic questions but you must make them feel comfortable and encourage participation in these workshops for best results.
As a leader, you need to make sure your team is ready for any given problem. This does not come by on its own. The team needs to be trained in tackling the problem it can potentially come across. Each member must know what his/her roles are in any given situation.
You can do this by devising a simulated problem and assigning it to the team to solve it. The type of problem depends on the nature of the work your organization does. Each member should have a responsibility and must know what to do when the problem hits.
Take a PR team for example. A major scandal has hit the company and you need to figure out a way to save face. In such a scenario, you should assign a member to prepare a press release. One member should be responsible for handling the electronic media. Two or three members should control the damage via social media. Lastly, a team should assess the damage and devise future policies.
When the team undergoes such drills, it becomes efficient in tackling the problems when they really arise.
Everyone has a list of things they want to do or experience in their lifetime. It can include small victories like getting a driving license or monumental ones like traveling the world. Sharing these lists makes a great icebreaking activity.
It allows team members to get to know each other better, understand one another and bond. It grows the trust and respect among members which reduces conflicts and produces a friendly work environment.
Jump into the online scavenger hunt, a top pick for free virtual team games that everyone can enjoy. This game is a cool mix of using your memory and getting a bit of exercise – just take a stroll to find and show the items you need.
To get the game rolling, the leader decides if the teams will go solo or team up in mini-groups. Then, they throw some tasks or puzzles at the team members. The fun part? Racing to outsmart each other and be the first to tick off all the tasks.
Why should you try it? Well, this game is a blast for remote teams. It not only boosts morale and teamwork but also kicks boredom to the curb. Playing a scavenger hunt can make your team feel like they’re part of a cool club.
Virtual bingo is the ultimate virtual game night hero! Picture this: comfy pajamas, your favorite snacks, and a bunch of friends or colleagues scattered across screens, all hyped up for some bingo madness. Virtual bingo is like the classic game but with a tech twist. You get your digital bingo cards, someone shouts out the numbers, and you mark ’em off on your screen.
The best part? No need for bingo dabbers – just good vibes and maybe a victory dance when you shout “Bingo!” It’s a killer way to bring people together, have a laugh, and see who’s got the luckiest virtual card in the game.
Why not switch things up and throw a virtual happy hour that’s not just about work but also about connecting on a personal level?
Imagine a screen filled with smiling faces, each holding their favorite drink or munching on some go-to snacks. It’s like a digital watering hole where team members get to kick back, unwind, and share a bit of their lives beyond the work tasks. Whether it’s a classic cocktail, a fancy mocktail, or just a good ol’ cup of coffee, everyone gets to bring their beverage of choice to the party. The virtual happy hour isn’t just about the drinks; it’s about creating a laid-back atmosphere where casual conversations flow, team bonds strengthen, and work stress takes a backseat.
Think of a virtual movie night as your regular movie hangout with pals, just done from the comfort of your own space. It’s a cool way to unwind, take a break from work and ensure everyone on the team has a blast watching something entertaining together. Kick things off by polling your team to figure out the movie genre that tickles their fancy, and then lock in a date.
Once you’ve got the popular pick, find a time that suits everyone and set up a virtual movie screening via a web conference. It’s like bringing the cinema experience to your screens, ensuring everyone gets to enjoy the show simultaneously.
Engage in the Virtual Escape Room experience, a delightful online game where team members collaborate to solve puzzles and break free from a themed “room,” be it a cozy cabin or a challenging prison scenario. This interactive activity not only encourages teamwork and collective problem-solving but also adds an element of enjoyment to the virtual workspace.
To tailor the experience to your team’s preferences, conduct a survey to gauge their interest in specific virtual escape room themes. Utilize hybrid work management solutions like OfficeRnD Hybrid to effortlessly create surveys.
Once preferences are identified, schedule a time for the virtual escape, conducted via a web conference. Divide the participants into teams before commencing the session, and, following the provided instructions, challenge each team to conquer the escape room as swiftly as possible. The first team to successfully “escape” emerges victorious, adding an extra layer of friendly competition to the virtual team-building endeavor.
Hosting virtual open mic sessions is a fantastic way to inject some fun into the work routine, giving employees the chance to showcase their talents in front of their colleagues in a laid-back setting. This activity serves as an open invitation for team members to perform stand-up comedy, recite poetry, or share any other form of self-expression they fancy.
To gauge interest among your remote workforce, consider running a poll to identify those eager to participate in these virtual open mic gatherings. Once you’ve got a willing crowd, coordinate a time that suits everyone’s schedule for the session.
When planning, you can decide whether to give the open mic a specific theme, like poetry or comedy, or simply let participants present whatever strikes their fancy. It’s all about fostering creativity, bringing people together, and adding a splash of entertainment to your virtual workspace.
For a round of Charades, split your team into two groups. Decide on a theme for the game or use Pantoparty for some random word fun, then gather on a video call.
Here’s how it works: one team member acts out a given subject provided by the other team, while their teammates take a shot at guessing it within a time limit. A correct guess earns them a point.
Want to take it up a notch? Time each actor with a brisk 60 seconds for a more competitive edge.
Despite its appearance as a casual coffee table pastime, Charades is more than just a game. It serves as a catalyst for team chemistry by challenging employees to hone their non-verbal communication skills and flex their problem-solving muscles.
Engaging in guided meditation isn’t just a relaxation technique; it’s a game-changer for enhancing employee performance. The practice not only fosters heightened focus and creativity but also strengthens communication and connection among team members and with clients.
To kickstart this positive change, the team leader takes charge, arranging for a meditation guide to lead the team through sessions. These mindful moments can be strategically scheduled at the start of meetings, in the early morning, or right before wrapping up the business day.
Meditation involves employing simple techniques like breath control to center the mind on a specific focal point, thereby elevating awareness and attention. Two effective forms, mindfulness and progressive relaxation, prove invaluable in maintaining a positive mental state amidst the challenges of a stressful work environment. So, gather your team, embrace the calming influence of guided meditation, and witness the transformation in performance and workplace harmony.
In navigating the virtual landscape for effective team building, consider these practical tips to ensure a seamless and engaging experience:
Clearly define the goals and purpose of each virtual team building activity. Whether it’s fostering communication, enhancing problem-solving skills, or simply boosting morale, having a well-defined objective ensures that everyone is on the same page, working towards a common goal.
Acknowledge the diversity of your remote team, spread across different time zones. When scheduling virtual team building activities, be mindful of participants’ working hours and strive for inclusivity. Finding a suitable time that accommodates everyone helps create a sense of unity among team members, irrespective of geographical distances.
The success of virtual team building relies on active participation. Encourage team members to engage fully in the activities by creating an inclusive and interactive environment. Use icebreakers, incorporate diverse activities, and provide opportunities for everyone to contribute, fostering a sense of connection and shared experience.
After each virtual team building session, seek feedback from participants. Understand what worked well and identify areas for improvement. This continuous feedback loop not only enhances future activities but also demonstrates a commitment to creating an environment that values the input and experiences of every team member.
By implementing these tips, you can elevate the effectiveness of your virtual team building initiatives, promoting a positive and cohesive remote team culture. Stay tuned for more insights and KWs team building event ideas to keep your virtual team thriving.
In the ever-expanding realm of remote collaboration, the incorporation of virtual team building activities brings forth a multitude of advantages that extend far beyond the limitations of physical distance. Let’s delve deeper into the significant benefits that contribute to the strength and resilience of virtual teams:
Virtual team building serves as a catalyst for enhancing communication within a remote team. By participating in interactive activities, team members refine their ability to convey ideas effectively, actively listen, and foster an environment where open communication flourishes, transcending the challenges posed by virtual interactions.
Elevating team morale is pivotal in cultivating a positive work culture, even in the virtual landscape. Team building activities inject an element of enjoyment into the workday, creating shared experiences that resonate with team members. This, in turn, fosters a heightened sense of engagement, making the virtual workplace not only productive but also enjoyable.
The virtual environment, though physically distant, doesn’t hinder the development of strong interpersonal connections. Purposeful team building activities create opportunities for individuals to collaborate, share experiences, and build trust. These shared moments contribute to the formation of a cohesive team with bonds that endure challenges.
Virtual team building breaks down the barriers to collaboration, encouraging team members to think innovatively and contribute to creative problem-solving. Through engaging activities, individuals bring diverse perspectives to the forefront, fostering a culture of creativity that propels the team toward novel solutions and approaches.
Embracing these benefits is not just about creating a positive virtual work environment; it’s about building a resilient and connected team that thrives in the face of challenges.
Putting together virtual team building events is at the forefront of a successful remote working environment. The enlisted virtual team building exercises should help you form an effective team. The solid bonds between traditional teams can be replicated for virtual teams through these team building activities. You can explore your options depending on the size of your team and the nature of their work.
You may play games, host virtual parties, organize workshops, and do a hundred different things. The aim of all these activities is to provide coworkers opportunities to interact and socialize. In the digital world, where high-fives are virtual, these activities are like virtual hugs that make a team strong.
Amna Akhtar
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