Remote Team Building Activities

The ‘human knot’ exercise is funny up until the point that you’re actually in one. When you’re jammed between Suzie from accounts and Rob from IT - people who you previously had barely spoken to - the weirdness of co-worker intimacy is thrust firmly into your consciousness.

If only we could get closer to our team mates without having to know what their breath smells like. If only we could fulfill HR’s sadistic desire for human awkwardness without having to be in physical contact during the process.

Well… you know what we’re gonna say. And as bad as the phrase ‘remote team building’ might sound, it actually avoids a lot of the weirdness. If you want to know some ways of bonding with your virtual team members that will actually be enjoyable and fun, read on - we’d love to change your mind.

Understanding virtual teams

Virtual teams are groups of individuals who work together from different locations, often spread across cities, countries, or even continents. These teams rely on digital communication tools such as video calls, messaging apps, and collaborative software to accomplish their tasks and achieve their goals.

Unlike traditional teams, virtual teams obviously do not have the luxury of face-to-face interaction. This lack of physical presence can lead to challenges in communication, trust-building, and maintaining a shared vision. To counter these challenges, companies must be proactive in their approach to remote team building, ensuring that all team members, regardless of location, feel like integral parts of the team.

But why do we even work remotely?

How did we end up so far away from each other in the first place? Why are we high-fiving through a Zoom call instead of across the cubicle wall? Well, truth is, remote work offers numerous benefits, from increased flexibility to access to a broader talent pool. However, as we mention above, it also presents unique challenges, particularly in terms of maintaining a cohesive team dynamic with other team members in the office. Without the natural opportunities for interaction that an office environment provides, remote team members may feel isolated, leading to decreased morale and productivity.

Team building activities for remote workers: A new approach

Virtual team building activities are specifically designed to engage remote workers and help them connect with their colleagues on a personal level. These activities can range from simple icebreakers to more complex team-building exercises, all conducted via digital platforms. The key is to select activities that are fun, inclusive, and aligned with the team’s goals and company culture.

1. Virtual Icebreakers

Icebreakers are a great way to kick off virtual meetings and set a positive tone for the rest of the session. These activities help team members get to know each other better, which is particularly important for new remote employees who may not have had the chance to interact with their colleagues in person.

Some popular virtual icebreakers include:

• Two truths and a lie: Each team member shares three statements about themselves—two truths and one lie. The rest of the team guesses which statement is the lie.
• Show and tell: Team members take turns sharing something from their workspace or home that holds personal significance.
• Virtual coffee breaks: A relaxed, informal video call where team members can chat about non-work topics, similar to how they would during a coffee break in the office.

These icebreakers are simple yet effective ways to build rapport among remote team members, making them feel more comfortable and connected.

2. Virtual Team Building Games

Games are a powerful tool for remote team building, offering a fun and interactive way for team members to engage with one another. Virtual team building games can be as simple as online trivia or as elaborate as a virtual escape room.

Some examples include:

• Online trivia: Organize a trivia quiz on various topics, from general knowledge to company-specific information. Team members can compete individually or in small groups, fostering a sense of friendly competition.
• Virtual escape room: Teams work together to solve puzzles and complete challenges within a set time limit, simulating the experience of a physical escape room. This activity requires collaboration and communication, making it an excellent team-building exercise.
• Pictionary or charades: These classic games can be easily adapted for virtual play, with team members taking turns to draw or act out clues while the others guess.

These games not only provide entertainment but also help remote team members develop problem-solving skills, improve communication and strengthen their relationships.

3. Collaborative Projects

Working on a collaborative project can be a highly effective way to build teamwork among remote employees. These projects should be designed to require input and cooperation from all team members, ensuring that everyone is actively involved.

Examples of collaborative projects include:

• Team presentations: Assign small groups to create and present on a topic relevant to their work or industry. This activity encourages teamwork and allows team members to showcase their expertise while gaining industry-relevant knowledge.
• Creative challenges: Set a creative task, such as designing a new company logo, writing a team anthem, or developing a marketing campaign. This not only promotes collaboration but also taps into the diverse skills and talents within the team.
• Virtual hackathons: These intensive, short-term projects bring together team members to brainstorm, develop, and pitch new ideas. Virtual hackathons are particularly popular in tech companies but can be adapted for any industry.

Collaborative projects help remote teams develop a sense of shared purpose and accomplishment, reinforcing their connection to each other and the company.

The role of virtual meetings in remote team activities

Virtual meetings are the cornerstone of communication in remote teams. However, they can often feel monotonous or overly formal, which can hinder the team-building process. To make virtual meetings more engaging and conducive to team building, it’s essential to incorporate elements of interaction and fun.

1. Interactive Agendas

An interactive agenda can transform a standard virtual meeting into a dynamic team-building opportunity. Encourage team members to contribute to the agenda, share updates, and propose discussion topics. This not only makes the meeting more engaging but also ensures that all voices are heard.

2. Rotating Roles

Assigning rotating roles during virtual meetings can help keep team members engaged and foster a sense of responsibility. Roles can include:

• Meeting facilitator: Responsible for guiding the meeting and ensuring that the agenda is followed.
• Timekeeper: Ensures that the meeting stays on schedule and that each agenda item is given adequate time for discussion.
• Note-taker: Takes notes during the meeting and distributes them to the team afterward.

By rotating these roles, all team members get a chance to lead and contribute to the meeting, enhancing their sense of involvement.

3. Incorporating Fun Elements

Adding a touch of fun to virtual meetings can help break the monotony and keep team members engaged. This can include:

• Theme days: Encourage team members to dress according to a theme, such as “Crazy Hat Day” or “Favorite Movie Character.”
• Mini games: Incorporate short games or challenges, such as quick trivia rounds or virtual scavenger hunts, to keep the energy levels high.
• Celebrations: Take a moment to celebrate birthdays, work anniversaries, or team achievements, fostering a sense of community and appreciation.

These fun elements can make virtual meetings more enjoyable and less of a chore, helping to build a positive team dynamic.

Overcoming challenges in remote team building ideas

While remote team building offers numerous benefits, it is not without its challenges. Companies must be aware of these challenges and take proactive steps to address them.

1. Time Zone Differences

One of the most significant challenges faced by virtual teams is coordinating activities across different time zones. To overcome this, companies can:

• Rotate meeting times: Alternate meeting times to accommodate team members in different time zones, ensuring that no one is consistently disadvantaged.
• Asynchronous communication: Encourage the use of asynchronous communication tools, such as messaging apps and project management software, allowing team members to contribute on their own schedules.
• Flexible scheduling: Offer flexibility in scheduling team-building activities, allowing team members to participate at times that work best for them.

By being mindful of time zone differences, companies can ensure that all team members have equal opportunities to participate in remote team building activities.

2. Technical Issues

Technical issues, such as poor internet connectivity or unfamiliarity with digital tools, can hinder the effectiveness of virtual team building ideas. To mitigate these challenges, companies should:

• Provide training: Offer training sessions to ensure that all team members are comfortable with the digital tools being used for team-building activities.
• Test technology in advance: Conduct test runs of virtual meetings and activities to identify and address any technical issues before they impact the actual event.
• Have a backup plan: Prepare contingency plans in case of technical difficulties, such as alternative communication platforms or rescheduling options.

By addressing technical challenges proactively, companies can ensure that remote team building activities run smoothly and effectively.

3. Maintaining Engagement

Keeping remote team members engaged in team-building activities can be challenging, especially when they are already dealing with the demands of their work. To maintain engagement, companies should:

• Keep activities short and sweet: Opt for shorter, more frequent team-building activities rather than long, drawn-out sessions that can feel overwhelming.
• Incorporate variety: Mix up the types of activities to keep things fresh and exciting, catering to different interests and preferences within the team.
• Solicit feedback: Regularly ask team members for feedback on the activities, and use this input to make improvements and ensure that the activities remain relevant and enjoyable.

By focusing on engagement, companies can make remote team building a positive and rewarding experience for all team members.

The long-term impact of team building activities for remote teams

Effective remote team building goes beyond simply organizing activities—it’s about creating a culture of connection and collaboration that transcends physical boundaries. When done right, remote team building can lead to:

1. Improved Communication

Regular participation in virtual team building activities helps remote employees develop better communication skills. They learn to express themselves more clearly and listen more attentively, both of which are crucial for successful collaboration in a remote work environment.

2. Stronger Relationships

Building strong relationships among remote team members is key to fostering trust and mutual respect. By engaging in team-building exercises, remote employees get to know each other on a personal level, which can lead to stronger, more cohesive teams.

3. Increased Morale

Remote workers who feel connected to their team and company are more likely to be satisfied with their jobs and less likely to experience burnout. Remote team building activities contribute to a positive work environment, boosting team morale and job satisfaction.

4. Enhanced Productivity

When remote team members feel connected and valued, they are more motivated to perform at their best. This leads to increased productivity and a higher quality of work, benefiting both the employees and the company as a whole.

Embracing the future of team buildig for remote workers

As remote work continues to gain traction, the need for effective remote culture building activities will only become more critical. By embracing virtual team building activities and making them an integral part of company culture, businesses can ensure that their remote teams remain connected, motivated, and aligned with the company's goals.

From virtual icebreakers to collaborative projects, there are countless ways to bring remote teams together, even when they are physically apart. The key is to be creative, flexible, and proactive in your approach, always keeping the needs and preferences of your team members in mind.

In this new era of remote work, the companies that prioritize team building and invest in the well-being of their remote employees will be the ones that thrive. By fostering a strong sense of community and collaboration, they can create a remote work environment where the entire team feels valued, connected, and empowered to succeed.