Teams That Play Together, Stay Together: The Role of Virtual Team Building in Remote Success
When you think of virtual team building activities, icebreakers might be the first thing that comes to mind. But team building is about so much more than just breaking the ice—it’s a vital part of creating lasting connections and fostering a sense of community among remote teams.
In today’s work environment, where remote dynamics are the new norm, virtual team bonding has become crucial for organizations aiming to improve engagement, boost morale, and strengthen collaboration. By connecting over shared experiences beyond daily tasks, team members develop deeper relationships that fuel better teamwork, increase productivity, and ultimately impact business success. The right virtual team building activities can help teams stay engaged, foster open communication, and create a collaborative culture that enhances overall performance and satisfaction in remote work environments.
For more ideas on how to create these connections, check out our Guide to Team Building Activities for Remote Teams.
What Are Virtual Team Building Activities?
Virtual team building activities are structured exercises designed to build connections, improve teamwork collaboration, and boost engagement among remote teams. These activities vary widely in format and purpose, generally fitting into four main categories based on the team’s needs:
Real-Time vs. Asynchronous
Some activities are real-time virtual team building exercises, where everyone participates simultaneously, which can be great for creating an immediate shared experience. Others are asynchronous team building activities, allowing participants to engage whenever it suits their schedule, offering flexibility while still fostering a sense of connection.
Practical vs. Just for Fun
Certain activities serve a dual purpose, both building social bonds and enhancing the way a team collaborates tangibly. These practical team building exercises often incorporate elements of problem-solving or skill-building. On the other hand, activities designed just for fun allow team members to unwind and connect without focusing on productivity, which can still be incredibly valuable in building camaraderie and improving team morale.
Top 10 Virtual Team Building Activities
Let’s find out what are top 10 virtual team building activities designed to help remote teams connect, collaborate, and have fun.
1- It Takes Two to Tango
This activity is Real-Time, Just for Fun and ideal for new or growing teams, providing a casual, informal way for team members to get to know each other beyond their work roles. Each participant creates a two-slide presentation about anything they like—a lesson learned from a project, a pet they adore, or even a quick guide on pronouncing their name. This virtual team bonding exercise is low-stakes and flexible, making it easy for everyone to participate.
How to organize this activity:
- 1. Share the rules with the team: each person needs two slides submitted five minutes before the event.
- 2. Set a date and time.
- 3. Call for presenters and limit it to four per session to keep it engaging.
- 4. Introduce presenters, set a light tone, and start the session.
- 5. Allow a quick Q&A after each presentation and summarize at the end.
2- Personal Facts Guessing Game
This is an excellent Real-Time, Just for Fun team bonding activity for medium to large teams spread across various locations. Ahead of the meeting, ask each team member to share three unique personal facts about themselves. During the session, the moderator presents each fact anonymously, and the team guesses who it belongs to. The person with the most correct guesses wins!
3- Messy-Desk Photo Contest
Start a “messy desk” photo contest on a group chat app like Slack or Teams for a fun twist. This one is an Asynchronous, just-for-fun team-building activity that encourages everyone to share a photo of their workspace on Thursdays, whether it’s messy or magazine-worthy. This virtual team activity sparks laughter and bonding over the shared realities of remote work.
4- Make Sweet Music Together
Music can bring teams together, even virtually. Use Spotify or Google Play to create collaborative playlists for different moods, like a high-energy “get things done” mix or a relaxing “de-stress” playlist. This Asynchronous, Just for Fun team building activity allows team members to listen to and contribute their favorite songs, creating a unique shared experience in this asynchronous team bonding activity.
5- Enneagrams for Everybody
A deep-dive and Real-Time Practical activity, the Enneagram personality system allows team members to explore their personalities and those of their teammates. Using a video conferencing tool, teams can discuss their Enneagram types and how each personality impacts team dynamics. It’s a meaningful way to boost self-awareness and build virtual team harmony.
6- Virtual Escape Room
In this interactive and Real-Time, Practical team building activity, teams work together to solve puzzles and escape a virtual room. This engaging challenge requires collaboration and quick thinking, as teams race against the clock to escape within 60 minutes. It’s a thrilling way to promote teamwork and problem-solving in a virtual format.
7- Daily Snapshots
A simple yet effective activity, “daily snapshots” allow team members to share a photo each day—be it of their lunch, a favorite outfit, or a new hobby. This Asynchronous, Just for Fun activity lighthearted virtual team activity helps teammates connect over daily moments and fosters a sense of routine and familiarity within the group.
8- Organize DIY and Cooking Activities
Encourage team creativity by organizing DIY or cooking activities. Start a Pinterest board with easy DIY ideas or cooking recipes and a dedicated Slack channel for sharing results. This Asynchronous, Practical virtual team-building activity showcases personal skills and inspires bonding over shared projects.
9- Friendly Fitness Competition
Using an app like Strava, create a team fitness challenge, such as who can walk the most steps in a month. This virtual team-building exercise is a Asynchronous, Practical activity that encourages a little healthy competition and promotes wellness. It’s a fun way to stay active while connecting with teammates, even from afar.
10- Emoji Mood Board
Encourage team members to express their feelings using a selection of 3-5 emojis with this Asynchronous, Just for Fun activity. Sharing these emoji mood boards opens the door to lighthearted discussions about how everyone is doing, fostering a more supportive and empathetic remote work environment.
These virtual team building activities offer a range of creative ways to build stronger connections, boost engagement, and create a collaborative culture within remote teams.
Planning and Facilitating Virtual Team Building Sessions
Effective virtual team building sessions start with thoughtful planning and engaging facilitation. Here are some essential tips for creating a positive and productive experience:
Choosing the Right Activities
When selecting virtual team building activities, consider your team’s unique needs, dynamics, and goals. Determine if the primary focus is improving communication, enhancing collaboration, or boosting team morale. Think about the team’s comfort level with virtual formats and choose activities that fit their technical proficiency and interaction style. A mix of activities that accommodates diverse learning preferences will help ensure everyone feels involved and engaged.
Setting Clear Objectives
Define specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for your session. Clearly communicate these objectives to participants so they understand the purpose and expected outcomes. Align each chosen activity with these goals to maximize its impact and relevance for your team.
Preparing the Team
Give participants a detailed overview of the session, including any required tools, software, or materials to prepare in advance. Encourage them to check their technology (such as webcams, microphones, and internet connections) beforehand to minimize interruptions. Establish expectations for engagement and respectful behavior to set the tone for a successful session.
Facilitating the Session
Begin by welcoming participants, introducing session objectives, and setting ground rules. Provide clear, step-by-step instructions for each activity and encourage questions for clarification. Promote active participation through breakout rooms, polls, or collaborative tools, keeping energy levels up by adjusting activities as needed. After each activity, hold a brief debrief to let participants share insights and takeaways.
Measuring the Impact of Virtual Team Building
To ensure virtual team building activities are meaningful and impactful, gathering participant feedback is essential. Post-activity surveys offer a direct way to gauge team members’ experiences, providing insight into engagement levels, enjoyment, and suggestions for improvement. These surveys, using a mix of rating scales, multiple-choice, and open-ended questions, help capture both measurable and detailed feedback, revealing how well each activity fostered connection, improved collaboration, and boosted team morale. For deeper insights, consider focus groups or informal discussions where team members can openly share experiences, discuss challenges, and brainstorm ideas for future sessions. These discussions not only enrich the feedback loop but also build team cohesion as participants share and listen to each other’s perspectives. By regularly reviewing feedback and refining your approach, you can design more effective and tailored virtual team building activities that evolve with your team’s needs.
Conclusion:
In today’s remote and hybrid work environments, connecting with coworkers remains essential for building a supportive, collaborative, and productive team culture. While physical distance separates us, virtual team building activities provide the structure and opportunity to bond just as if we were sitting side by side.
By incorporating even a few simple, quick team-building exercises into your routine, you can foster meaningful relationships within your team. These activities contribute to happier employees, stronger communication, and a sense of unity that supports long-term success.
FAQ
How Do You Do Team Building Virtually?
Virtual team building involves activities that help remote teams feel seen, heard, and connected. Challenges like feeling isolated or “invisible” in a dispersed workforce are common, but virtual team building can bridge these gaps. Regular activities that allow employees to connect personally—through icebreakers, collaborative tools, and structured games—enhance belonging and cohesion. Building social bonds remotely fosters a sense of respect and improves engagement, which is critical for overall team success.
How Do I Pick the Right Team Building Exercises for My Team?
Choosing the right virtual team building activities starts with understanding your team’s preferences. Survey team members on their interests and include a variety of options, blending fun games with structured programs focused on recognition and reward. A well-balanced mix can strengthen company culture and nurture meaningful connections, enhancing engagement and morale across the team.