Virtual team building activities: Fun games and challenges for remote teams

Globalisation and advancement in technology increase remote work in the current society. Although it has some advantages over traditional projects including flexibility and others, it has its drawbacks; in this case, it can prove difficult to implement in teams because it might hamper team cohesiveness.  

It is imperative to engage the teams in exercises that create togetherness since the members work in different settings Virtually. This guide presents various fun virtual team activities and effective exercises to build your team and make communication enjoyable.

Why virtual team building activities are essential

1. Enhancing communication
Indeed, due to the lack of face-to-face interaction, it is highly necessary for the employees of the remote teams to have clear communication since those informal chats that people have in the office might never happen. That space is bridged by virtual team building activities as these allow the team to engage in more open dialogue and, therefore, share more about themselves.
2. Boosting morale
Working from home can be quite invigorating; however, it may sometimes make workers feel lonely or even overwhelmed. Many tasks can be enriching and entertaining, thus improving the atmosphere at work and people’s moods. They learn that they are appreciated by the management i.e., Companies that practice longer recognition programs see better morale, satisfaction and productivity.
3. Improving collaboration
Most team building activities include group activities that would require the individuals to achieve a specific objective. These activities foster group and team working which is extremely crucial for project development and the achievement of set team goals.
4. Reducing isolation
Lack of interaction with people is one of the areas that are usually affected in jobs that are done remotely. Through being engaged in virtual activities, team members may feel that they are not isolated hence reducing loneliness and enhancing togetherness.

Read more about virtual teams and how they operate in our detailed article on “What is a virtual team”.

Let’s start with virtual team development activities:

Icebreaker activities (virtual)

Icebreakers are a great way to kick off virtual meetings and help team members feel more comfortable with each other. Here are a few ideas:

1. 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 a lie.

• Step 1: Have each team member prepare three statements about themselves: two truths and one lie.

• Step 2: One by one, each member shares their three statements.

• Step 3: The rest of the team guesses which statement is the lie.

• Step 4: The person reveals the lie and provides more context about the truths.

2. Show and Tell: Team members take turns showing an item from their home and explaining its significance.

• Step 1: Ask team members in advance to choose an item from their home that has personal significance.

• Step 2: Each member takes a turn showing their item on camera.

• Step 3: The presenter explains the item’s significance or shares a story related to it.

• Step 4: Allow time for team members to ask questions or make comments about the item.

3. Virtual Coffee Breaks: Schedule informal virtual coffee breaks where team members can chat about non-work-related topics.

• Step 1: Schedule regular informal meetings where team members can join with their coffee or tea.

• Step 2: Keep the conversation casual and encourage team members to share personal anecdotes or interests.

• Step 3: Rotate the responsibility of leading the chat or suggesting topics to keep the discussions varied.

Here are some more virtual team building ideas with approx. time limit.  

5-Minute team building activities (virtual)

Short on time? These quick activities can be done in just five minutes:

1. Quick Quiz: Create a short quiz on a fun topic and have team members answer the questions.

• Step 1: Create a short quiz on a fun topic using a quiz tool like Kahoot! or Google Forms.

• Step 2: Share the quiz link with the team and set a time limit for responses.

• Step 3: Once everyone has answered, review the results and discuss the answers.

• Step 4: Announce the quiz winner, if applicable, and briefly discuss any interesting answers.

2. Emoji Check-In: Ask team members to share an emoji that represents their current mood.

• Step 1: Ask each team member to choose an emoji that represents their current mood.

• Step 2: Have each person share their chosen emoji in the chat.

• Step 3: Briefly discuss why they chose that emoji if they’re comfortable sharing.

• Step 4: Use this check-in as a prompt for more in-depth conversations if needed.  

3. Rapid Fire Questions: Pose a series of rapid-fire questions for team members to answer quickly.

• Step 1: Prepare a list of quick, light-hearted questions.

• Step 2: Ask one question at a time to the team members.

• Step 3: Each person responds quickly, ideally within a few seconds.

• Step 4: Move on to the next question, ensuring everyone has a chance to answer.

10-Minute team building activities (virtual)

For slightly longer sessions, try these 10-minute activities:

1. Virtual Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items for team members to find in their homes and show on camera.

• Step 1: Create a list of common household items or themed objects.

• Step 2: Share the list with the team and set a time limit (e.g., 5 minutes).

• Step 3: Team members search for the items and show them on camera as they find them.

• Step 4: Review the results and discuss any interesting findings.

2. Pictionary: Use an online whiteboard tool for a quick game of Pictionary.

• Step 1: Use an online whiteboard tool like Skribbl.io or Microsoft Whiteboard.

• Step 2: Divide the team into groups or have individuals play.

• Step 3: One person draws a word or phrase while others guess what it is.

• Step 4: Rotate the drawing and guessing roles to give everyone a turn.

3. Guess the Baby Photo: Team members submit baby photos and the team guesses who is who.

• Step 1: Ask team members to submit a baby photo in advance.

• Step 2: Compile the photos into a slideshow or a shared document.

• Step 3: Display each photo one at a time and have team members guess who it is.

• Step 4: Reveal the answers and share any related anecdotes. ‍

‍15-Minute team building activities (virtual)

These activities are perfect for a 15-minute break:

1. Trivia Game: Host a trivia game on a platform with questions related to various topics.

• Step 1: Set up a trivia game using a platform like Kahoot! or Quizizz.

• Step 2: Create or select a trivia quiz with questions on various topics.

• Step 3: Share the quiz link and start the game.

• Step 4: Review the answers and discuss the questions with the team.

2. Virtual Charades: Play a game of charades using an online video conferencing tool.

• Step 1: Prepare a list of words or phrases for the game.

• Step 2: Use an online video conferencing tool for the game.

• Step 3: One person acts out the word or phrase without speaking while others guess.

• Step 4: Rotate the acting and guessing roles to involve everyone.

3. Storytelling Round: Each team member adds a sentence to a story, creating a fun and collaborative narrative.

• Step 1: Start a story with an opening sentence.

• Step 2: Each team member adds one sentence to the story in turn.

• Step 3: Continue until everyone has contributed or the story reaches a natural conclusion.

• Step 4: Share the final story and discuss any creative elements or funny moments.

30-Minute team building activities (virtual)

For more in-depth team building, try these 30-minute activities:

1. Escape Room: Participate in a virtual escape room where team members must solve puzzles to “escape.”

• Step 1: Choose a virtual escape room provider and book a session.

• Step 2: Divide the team into groups if needed.

• Step 3: Follow the instructions provided by the escape room facilitator.

• Step 4: Work together to solve puzzles and complete the escape room challenge.

2. Online Board Games: Play classic board games like Monopoly or Scrabble online.

• Step 1: Select an online board game platform like Tabletopia or Board Game Arena.

• Step 2: Choose a classic game that can be played virtually.

• Step 3: Set up the game and invite team members to join.

• Step 4: Play the game according to the rules, ensuring everyone has a turn.

3. Virtual Cooking Class: Hire a chef to lead a virtual cooking class where team members can cook and enjoy a meal together.

• Step 1: Hire a chef or cooking instructor to lead the class.

• Step 2: Share the recipe and ingredient list with the team in advance.

• Step 3: Join the virtual class and follow the chef’s instructions to cook the meal.

• Step 4: Enjoy the meal together and discuss the cooking experience.

Free online games for virtual teams

There are plenty of free virtual team games that can be used for team building:

1. Among Us: A multiplayer game where team members work together to complete tasks while identifying impostors.

• Step 1: Download and set up the game on your devices.

• Step 2: Create or join a game room with your team.

• Step 3: Complete tasks while identifying impostors or sabotaging tasks as an impostor.

• Step 4: Discuss strategies and vote on who to eject during meetings.

2. Skribbl.io: An online drawing and guessing game like Pictionary.

• Step 1: Go to the Skribbl.io website and create a new game room.

• Step 2: Share the game link with your team.

• Step 3: Players take turns drawing a word while others guess.

• Step 4: Rotate roles and keep score of correct guesses.

3. Codenames: A word-based game where team members give clues to help their team guess the correct words.

• Step 1: Visit the Codenames online website.

• Step 2: Create a game room and share the link with your team.

• Step 3: Play the game by giving one-word clues and guessing the words on the board.

• Step 4: Rotate the spymaster role and strategise with your team to win.

Whether you are in UK or India, these were more than 10 not lame virtual team building activities for a fun time with your colleagues.

Remote teams can be built anywhere across the globe if you offshore them. Don’t know how to go offshore? Worry not, read our guide What is offshoring? And check out the latest Offshoring trends. Use our Employee cost calculator and you will be surprised to see how much you save.  

Incorporating virtual team building games and activities into your remote work routine is essential for maintaining a cohesive and engaged team. By selecting activities that fit your team’s interests and time constraints, you can enhance communication, boost morale, and improve collaboration.  

Whether you opt for a quick icebreaker or a more involved activity, the goal is to create opportunities for team members to connect and interact in meaningful ways.

Ready to build your team? Connect with Black Piano today!