In today’s fast-paced, digital world, remote work has become the new norm for many businesses. While working from home offers flexibility and convenience, it can also present challenges for maintaining team cohesion, communication, and morale. That’s where virtual team building activities come in. These activities are essential for strengthening bonds, improving collaboration, and boosting productivity among remote teams.
Whether you’re an HR manager, team leader, or business owner, you’ve probably been tasked with finding creative ways to keep your remote team engaged. Look no further! We’ve curated 14 kickass virtual team building activities and games that will not only break the ice but also foster a sense of community, creativity, and camaraderie. Let’s dive into the ultimate list of online team building activities for remote teams!
1. Virtual Escape Room
Escape rooms have been a favorite for team building in the physical world for years, and now you can experience the thrill virtually! Virtual escape rooms challenge your team to solve puzzles, riddles, and mysteries to “escape” within a certain time frame. This activity encourages problem-solving, collaboration, and creative thinking.
How to Play:
- Choose a virtual escape room provider (many are available online with different themes and difficulty levels).
- Split your team into smaller groups, each solving puzzles together.
- Communicate via video calls while working through the challenges.
Why It Works:
- It builds trust and improves communication.
- It strengthens critical thinking and collaboration under pressure.
2. Two Truths and a Lie
This classic icebreaker is perfect for remote teams who may not know each other very well. It’s simple, fun, and helps people open up while learning quirky or surprising facts about their colleagues.
How to Play:
- Each person takes turns sharing two truths and one lie about themselves.
- The rest of the team guesses which statement is the lie.
Why It Works:
- It helps team members learn about each other in a casual and fun way.
- It encourages lighthearted interaction and laughter.
3. Virtual Scavenger Hunt
A virtual scavenger hunt is an exciting way to get your team moving and thinking creatively. You can create a list of items or tasks for team members to find or complete in their own homes or online.
How to Play:
- Provide a list of items or challenges for team members to find around their house (e.g., “Find something that’s blue” or “Show a souvenir from your last vacation”).
- Set a time limit for participants to gather the items and present them on camera.
Why It Works:
- It breaks up the monotony of virtual meetings and encourages movement.
- It sparks creativity and laughter as teammates hunt for unique or funny items.
4. Pictionary (Online Edition)
Pictionary is a fast-paced and engaging game that requires teammates to guess a word or phrase based on a teammate’s drawing. The online version works just as well as the traditional one and can be easily played via a shared screen on platforms like Zoom or Google Meet.
How to Play:
- Use an online Pictionary tool or app (like Skribbl.io) or simply draw on a virtual whiteboard.
- One person draws a word or phrase, and the rest of the team guesses.
Why It Works:
- It’s a fun way to get your team to think quickly and creatively.
- It promotes teamwork, communication, and a bit of friendly competition.
5. Virtual Happy Hour
A virtual happy hour is one of the easiest ways to relax and unwind with your team. It’s a great way to build team morale without the pressure of work.
How to Play:
- Set a time to “meet” virtually with a drink (or non-alcoholic beverage) in hand.
- Encourage casual conversation, play games, or share fun stories.
Why It Works:
- It fosters casual, non-work-related conversations and helps people relax.
- It strengthens team relationships in a low-pressure environment.
6. Online Trivia
Host an online trivia session with questions covering various topics, from general knowledge to pop culture, history, or company-specific facts. Trivia is a great way to inject some fun while also testing your team’s knowledge.
How to Play:
- Use platforms like Kahoot! or Quizizz to create a trivia quiz.
- Split your team into small groups and have them answer questions together.
Why It Works:
- It’s competitive, educational, and a fantastic way to boost team engagement.
- It works well in both small and large teams.
7. Virtual Talent Show
A talent show is a fun and light-hearted way to showcase hidden talents within your team. From singing to magic tricks to stand-up comedy, this activity allows team members to share their personal skills in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.
How to Play:
- Invite team members to prepare a talent they’d like to showcase (optional, but fun).
- Host the talent show via video call and let team members perform for each other.
Why It Works:
- It encourages people to step out of their comfort zones.
- It brings a lot of fun and laughter while allowing people to shine.
8. Virtual Office Olympics
If your team enjoys competition, the virtual office Olympics is a great option! You can host various games like virtual rock-paper-scissors, trivia challenges, and even a remote version of charades.
How to Play:
- Choose several fun activities or games for your team to compete in.
- Set a schedule and allocate points for each round.
- Celebrate the winners with virtual medals or prizes.
Why It Works:
- It combines fun, teamwork, and a healthy competitive spirit.
- It’s adaptable to different team sizes and time zones.
9. Charades (Virtual Version)
Charades is a beloved party game that translates perfectly into virtual settings. Team members act out words or phrases without speaking while the rest of the group tries to guess.
How to Play:
- Choose a category (movies, actions, animals, etc.) and have a list of words ready.
- One person acts out the word while others guess via chat or voice.
Why It Works:
- It’s easy to set up and requires no special tools.
- It fosters creativity and encourages teamwork in a light-hearted way.
10. Virtual Board Games
There’s no need to miss out on classic board games just because you’re not in the same room. Many popular board games have online versions that your remote team can enjoy together.
How to Play:
- Use platforms like Tabletopia or Board Game Arena to play popular games like Monopoly, Catan, or Scrabble.
- Gather your team online and enjoy the games just like you would in person.
Why It Works:
- It’s a great way to unwind and engage in some friendly competition.
- It helps improve strategic thinking and decision-making.
11. Virtual Lunch or Coffee Break
Sometimes, the best team building activities are the simplest. A virtual lunch or coffee break allows team members to connect on a personal level while sharing a meal or a drink.
How to Play:
- Schedule a time for everyone to grab lunch or a coffee and meet virtually.
- Encourage team members to share what they’re eating or doing that day.
Why It Works:
- It fosters casual, organic conversations and helps people connect beyond work.
- It promotes well-being by encouraging team members to take breaks.
12. Who Am I? (Virtual Edition)
This fun guessing game involves one person thinking of a famous person, character, or colleague, while the others try to guess who it is by asking yes/no questions.
How to Play:
- One person selects a person or character in their mind.
- The rest of the team asks yes/no questions to figure out who it is.
Why It Works:
- It’s a simple and fun activity that requires minimal setup.
- It encourages interaction and improves problem-solving skills.
13. Virtual Whiteboard Brainstorming
A virtual whiteboard is an amazing tool for collaborative brainstorming and problem-solving. It encourages creativity, visual thinking, and teamwork.
How to Play:
- Use tools like Miro, MURAL, or Jamboard to create a virtual whiteboard.
- Collaborate with your team to brainstorm new ideas or solve problems using sticky notes, diagrams, and drawings.
Why It Works:
- It fosters creativity and innovation.
- It provides a visual and interactive way to work together on projects.
14. Online Personality Tests
Take a break from games with a fun and insightful team building activity: personality tests. By using tools like the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or the Enneagram test, you can help your team members understand each other’s strengths, weaknesses, and communication styles.
How to Play:
- Have your team take a personality test online.
- Share the results and discuss how different personalities can work together effectively.
Why It Works:
- It builds empathy and understanding among team members.
- It promotes better collaboration by recognizing each person’s unique strengths.
Final Thoughts: Bringing Your Team Together
Whether you’re looking to break the ice with new hires, boost team morale, or enhance collaboration, these 14 virtual team building activities will help you create a more connected and engaged remote team. Remember, the key to successful virtual team-building is creating opportunities for fun, collaboration, and communication—because, in the end, it’s the relationships that make teams truly great.
Which virtual team-building activity are you excited to try? Let us know in the comments!