Table of Contents
Ever sat through a virtual team building session thinking, "I could be catching up on Netflix right now"? You're not alone!
But without in-person meetings, teams can feel disconnected. Virtual team-building activities help bridge this gap. The right activities can boost engagement, improve communication, and strengthen relationships.
But which ones have the most impact?
The Most Effective Virtual Team Building Activities
Some online activities bring people closer than others. The best ones are interactive, engaging, and encourage communication. Here are the top virtual team-building activities that have the most impact:
1. Virtual Escape Rooms
Escape rooms are a great way to test problem-solving skills. Many online platforms offer virtual escape room experiences where teams solve puzzles to “escape” within a time limit. This activity promotes teamwork, creative thinking, and communication.
Recommended: The Escape Game Remote Adventures and Virtual Escaping
2. Online Trivia Games
Trivia games are fun and easy to organize. Platforms like Kahoot! and Quizizz allow teams to play custom or themed quizzes. This fosters a sense of competition and encourages team members to interact in a relaxed setting.
3. Virtual Coffee Chats
Casual conversations help build connections. Scheduling virtual coffee breaks or informal chats gives employees a chance to talk about non-work topics. Using tools like Slack’s Donut app can randomly pair team members for these chats.
4. Collaborative Online Games
Games like Skribbl.io (a drawing and guessing game) or Among Us (a social deduction game) encourage collaboration and strategic thinking.
These games are lighthearted but still encourage teamwork. Additionally, platforms like Steam and Jackbox.tv offer a wide variety of multiplayer games that can engage different types of players.
5. Show-and-Tell Sessions
Give employees a chance to share something about themselves. This could be a hobby, a book they’re reading, or a travel story. It’s a great way to learn more about teammates and create deeper connections. Managers can encourage participation by using tools like Miro for visual collaboration or creating themed sessions such as 'Favorite Gadgets' or 'Life-Changing Books.'
6. Virtual Fitness Challenges
A healthy team is a productive team. Organizing fitness challenges, such as step-count competitions or online yoga sessions, can encourage a healthier lifestyle while fostering teamwork.
Apps like Strava and Stridekick allow teams to track progress and set group fitness goals. Other ideas include guided meditation breaks with Headspace or virtual stretching sessions with Nike Training Club.
7. Icebreaker Questions
A simple but effective way to engage a team is by starting meetings with fun icebreaker questions. Asking about favorite movies, dream vacations, or hidden talents can lighten the mood and make meetings more enjoyable.
Other options include 'Would You Rather' questions, two truths and a lie, or themed question rounds based on holidays or special events. Tools like Mentimeter can make icebreaker questions more interactive.
8. Virtual Happy Hours
Allow teams to unwind and chat informally. Adding themed events like cocktail-making sessions or online games can make them more engaging. Other fun ideas include trivia nights, online board games with Board Game Arena, or even a collaborative team playlist on Spotify.
9. Online Workshops and Learning Sessions
Learning together strengthens teams. Organizing short training sessions, skill-sharing workshops, or guest speaker events provides both personal and professional development opportunities.
Other examples include book clubs with Goodreads, lunch-and-learn sessions, online certification challenges via Coursera or Udemy, or hands-on creative workshops like virtual painting classes with MasterClass or cooking lessons through Airbnb Online Experiences.
10. Recognition and Appreciation Events
Hosting virtual award ceremonies, shout-outs during meetings, or peer recognition programs helps boost morale and motivation. Additional ideas include a digital 'Wall of Fame' using Trello, personalized thank-you videos, sending small surprise gifts via SnackNation, or hosting an annual virtual gala with fun awards and celebrations using Gather.
How to Pick Something Your Team Won’t Secretly Dread
I’ve sat through enough “fun” activities to know what fails. Here’s your cheat sheet:
✅ Do This
Poll anonymously: Use Slido or Google Forms. Ask: “What’s your tolerance for virtual ‘fun’?”
Short & sweet: 15-20 minutes. No one wants a 2-hour “mandatory optional” game.
Asynchronous options: Let night owls or global teams participate via recorded videos or Slack threads.
❌ Avoid This
Forced cameras-on: Let people opt out. Anxiety isn’t team building.
Role-playing: Unless you’re training actors, skip it.
Overcomplicating: If it requires a 10-step tutorial, it’s too much.
My take as a remote work grump: The best activities are lightly structured. Think of it as creating a sandbox, not a script.
Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Make This Less Awkward
Virtual team building is like cilantro—people either love it or hate it.
But even haters admit it’s necessary.
They create stronger connections, improve communication, and boost morale. The key is to choose activities that fit your team’s needs and preferences. With the right approach, remote teams can feel just as connected as in-person ones.
Share your experience below!
Comments