20+ Fun and Effective Remote Team Building Activities for Your Team

20 min read

On this page:

Remote team meeting over Zoom

Remote teams require a unique approach to team building to foster a sense of camaraderie and collaboration. After all, teams that don’t have the luxury of working face-to-face need to find creative ways to build relationships, develop trust, and foster engagement. That’s why organizations with remote teams must explore different types of remote team-building activities. So if you're looking for an exciting way to bring your team together and strengthen their bonds, then you've come the right place. In this article, we will discuss the importance of team building for teams and some fun activities that can help bring them closer together!

What is Team Building?

Want to create a remote team that's successful and productive? Then you need to invest in some serious team building! This means doing fun activities that help team members bond, trust each other, and collaborate like champs. Think virtual happy hours, online games, charades, scavenger hunts, and more.

Doing this will create an environment where everyone feels connected, valued, and motivated to do their best work. Plus, it's been proven to improve communication skills and overall employee engagement. So go ahead, get creative, and build that kick-ass remote team!

Why is Team Building important for Remote Teams?

Team building is essential to creating a successful and productive team, whether that team is remote, hybrid, or in-person. When done right, it helps to build trust, foster collaboration, and create an environment where everyone feels connected, valued, and motivated. Not only can team building activities help to improve communication skills among employees but they can also boost overall employee engagement as well!

Virtual team-building activities allow remote employees to get to know each other better and engage in fun activities designed to unite people. They can range from virtual happy hours or online games to classic games like charades, scavenger hunts, and more. By investing time and effort in these activities, teams can build a culture of collaboration that will last beyond just one session.

Ultimately, team building is essential for remote teams because it fosters community and belonging among all team members. It’s an opportunity for everyone on the team to connect deeper and appreciate each person's unique qualities. When done correctly, team-building activities can positively impact individual performance, team morale, and overall company culture!

Types of Team Building Activities for Remote Teams

Unlock your remote team's full potential with these exciting team-building activities! But before you choose one, don't forget to consider your team's unique dynamic and preferences.

Icebreakers

Break the ice and build a stronger remote team with these fun and easy icebreakers! From sharing hobbies to channeling your inner superhero, these conversation starters will have everyone feeling relaxed and connected in no time. So, whether you're getting to know new colleagues or strengthening existing relationships, these icebreakers are the perfect way to spark some fun and creativity and liven up your virtual meetings. Let's dive in!

  1. Online Scavenger Hunt — Get ready to embark on an exciting online adventure with an Online Scavenger Hunt! Armed with only your trusty computer or phone, you'll race against time to find hidden treasures like specific websites, screenshot online articles, or snap pics of your workspace. It's a virtual quest that will keep you on the edge of your seat!

  2. Virtual trivia — Get ready to put your knowledge to the test with a game of Virtual Trivia - the ultimate game for industry experts, company insiders, and trivia enthusiasts alike! Whether you're playing solo or as part of a team, this exciting competition is your chance to win big and show off your smarts. Don't miss out on the chance to take home the ultimate prize - sign up for Virtual Trivia today!

  3. Two Truths and a Lie — Get ready to share two juicy facts about yourself and one sneaky lie in the chat, and let the group guess which one is the fib. It's the ultimate game of deception and intrigue!

  4. Emoji Storytelling — Get ready to tell stories like never before! Using nothing but emojis, let's see if we can guess each other's tales on a chosen theme or topic. It's time to get creative and let your imagination run wild!

  5. Never Have I Ever — Unleash the fun and get to know each other like never before with the classic game of Never Have I Ever. Take turns spilling your deepest secrets and watch your coworkers sip water for each wild experience they've had. Let the games begin!

For more ideas, check out our Ultimate Guide To Icebreakers (And How To Use Them).

No matter what type of icebreaker you choose, ensure everyone has a chance to participate and an equal opportunity to answer. This will create a safe environment where everyone can share their thoughts without feeling judged or uncomfortable. Keep your icebreakers light-hearted and fun; the goal is for everyone to have a good time!

Energizers

Energizers are a great way to keep the energy up when participating in remote team-building activities. They're designed to get everyone moving and interacting with each other—without having to leave the comfort of their own homes! Energizers are short, fun activities that can be done virtually and only take a few minutes. Examples of energizers include virtual yoga classes, group “spontaneous” dance parties, or even something as simple as a game of charades over video chat. They're a great way to add excitement and fun to any remote team meeting or event.

Here are five of our favorite energizers:

  1. Word association game —Unleash your inner wordsmith with the Word Association Game! Join with teammates to create a chain of imaginative and unexpected word pairings. Get ready for an exhilarating ride of creativity and collaboration!

  2. Impromptu speeches — Unleash your inner orator with impromptu speeches! Pick a topic or question, and watch your colleagues dazzle you with their 1-2 minute spur-of-the-moment speeches. It's a fantastic way to ignite creativity and flow those brain juices.

  3. Online Whiteboard Collaborations — Unleash your team's inner artist with online whiteboard collaborations! Collaborate, create, and draw together to bring your ideas to life. The possibilities are endless, and the results are always stunning!

  4. Virtual Dance Party — Get ready to shimmy and shake with our Virtual Dance Party! Pick your favorite tunes and turn on those cameras because we're about to elevate the energy levels and get everyone grooving.

  5. Virtual Charades —Unleash your inner performer with Virtual Charades - act out a word or phrase without speaking and let your team members guess what you're trying to convey! Get ready to bring fun and excitement to your game night.

For more ideas, check out our definitive guide to Energizer Icebreakers!

Energizers can help break up the monotony and keep engagement levels high during remote team-building activities. They also allow employees to express themselves creatively while getting some physical activity in — even from the comfort of their homes. So don't be afraid to get creative when coming up with energizer ideas for your team—it could be just what you need to ensure everyone stays energized and engaged throughout the event!

Social Events

Social events are a great way to add fun and camaraderie to remote team-building activities. They allow everyone to get together and let loose, creating an atmosphere of friendship, trust, and collaboration that can be hard to come by when working remotely.

Spice things up by adding food and drinks to the mix! Two of our favorite options are Snackmagic and Dept of Superior Dishes. Snackmagic lets you choose from expertly curated collections or let your colleagues indulge in their delicious selections. The Department of Superior Dishes! From regional delicacies to tantalizing treats, your next office feast is covered. Check out our guide to delicious snacks for more ideas.

These types of events are key to fostering a sense of company culture among remote employees and strengthening the bonds between them. Not only do they provide a much-needed break from work but they also help build trust within the team, which is essential for any successful remote team. So why not organize a few social events for your team today? It could make all the difference in how connected and engaged your employees feel!

Challenges and Competitions

Challenges and competitions can be a great way to spice up remote virtual team activities. Not only do they increase engagement, but they also help develop communication and problem-solving skills among your team members.

Get ready to ignite some serious team spirit with these epic virtual challenges! Whether it's a mind-bending trivia showdown or a wild scavenger hunt, your virtual teams will be on the edge of their seats. But we're not stopping there - we're talking hilarious guessing games, funky logo designs, and even meme-making madness. So buckle up and get ready for some serious fun! Here are our absolute favorite challenges and competitions:

Get ready to put your thinking caps on and join the ultimate battle of wits with Remote Trivia! With teams working together to answer a set of challenging questions, this game not only promotes collaboration but also encourages knowledge sharing. And the best part? You can customize the questions to include your company or industry-specific facts, making it the ultimate engagement booster!

  1. Online Escape Room — Get ready for an adventure with the Online Escape Room! Crack codes, solve tricky puzzles, and work together to escape from a virtual room. This thrilling game will test your communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills!
  2. Virtual Talent Show — Get ready to unleash your inner superstar in the Virtual Talent Show! Show off your singing, dancing, or musical skills in this exciting competition celebrating creativity, self-expression, and teamwork. Are you ready to shine?
  3. Remote Hackathon — Welcome to the ultimate battle of brains - the Remote Hackathon! Join forces with fellow participants to tackle real-world challenges and create innovative solutions. This competition is not only a platform for showcasing your problem-solving skills, but also an opportunity to unleash your creativity and teamwork abilities. Are you ready to take on the challenge?
  4. Remote Fitness Challenge — Get ready to crush your fitness goals and join the ultimate Remote Fitness Challenge! Compete with others to see who can complete the most workouts or reach their fitness goals in record time. Focusing on motivation, goal-setting, and team support, this competition will push you to be the best version of yourself. Are you up for the challenge?
  5. Virtual Cook-Off — Get ready to spice up your culinary skills and show off your creativity in the Virtual Cook-Off! Whip up a delicious dish and present it to our panel of judges via video. This competition is all about teamwork, communication, and mouth-watering meals. Are you up for the challenge?

Don't forget to reward the winners with something special, whether it's a prize or just some recognition in front of their peers. This will add excitement and motivation, making your remote team-building activity even more effective!

Games and Puzzles

Virtual games and puzzles can be a great way to promote team building amongst remote employees. Not only are they fun and engaging, but they also help to develop communication, problem-solving and creativity skills among your team members.

From classic games like charades or Pictionary to online game apps and virtual escape rooms, there's no shortage of options for engaging in virtual team-building games. You can even mix things up by incorporating puzzles into your activities – from crosswords or Sudoku to riddles or brainteasers!

  1. Online Puzzles — Unleash your inner puzzle master with our online puzzles! Work together with other brainiac players to piece together a challenging jigsaw or conquer a tricky crossword. Not only will you have a blast, but you'll also sharpen your communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills!
  2. Virtual Board Games — Step into the world of virtual board games! Classic favorites like Monopoly, Risk, and Scrabble are now available online, promoting strategic thinking, communication, and teamwork. Get ready to roll the dice and take on the competition from the comfort of your own home.
  3. Barter Puzzle — Looking for a fun and interactive way to boost communication, collaboration, and creativity? Look no further than the Barter Puzzle Game! With missing pieces scattered among participants, it's up to you to barter, trade, and negotiate your way to completing your puzzle. Get ready to put your problem-solving skills to the test and have a blast while doing it!
  4. Virtual Treasure Hunt — Embark on a thrilling Virtual Treasure Hunt where you'll decipher clues to uncover the ultimate virtual treasure! Sharpen your problem-solving skills, build teamwork, and enhance your communication abilities with this exciting game.
  5. Online Code Breaking — Unleash your inner spy with Online Code Breaking! Crack codes and ciphers while building problem-solving skills, communication, and teamwork. Get ready to work together and conquer the challenge!

These activities can be used for both small groups and entire teams alike. For example, you could organize an online game night where everyone competes against each other in various fun activities, or you could set up a video chat where everyone works together on a puzzle.

Ensure everyone is included and engaged no matter what type of activity you choose. Set clear rules so everyone knows how to participate and the objectives. This will help ensure everyone is on the same page and has an equal chance of succeeding!

Team Discussion and Debates

Bring your remote team together with lively discussions and debates! Not only will you foster a collaborative work environment, but you'll also have a blast. The secret to success? Creating a safe space where everyone feels free to share their thoughts and ideas without holding back.

Want to have an engaging team discussion or debate? Keep an open mind and respect everyone's thoughts and perspectives. Don't let arguments get heated - stick to the facts instead of personal biases. Ask thought-provoking questions that encourage dialogue and sharing of opinions. And, most importantly, avoid touchy subjects that could make people feel uneasy!

Ready to ignite some fiery discussions? Look no further than our favorite hot takes:

  1. Is pineapple an appropriate pizza topping?
  2. Should ketchup be considered a vegetable?
  3. Is a hot dog a sandwich or not?
  4. Should breakfast foods be restricted to only being eaten in the morning?
  5. Should coffee be considered a food or a beverage?

Think debates are just arguments? Think again! With some help from leadership, employees can hone their communication skills and learn structured rules for expressing themselves and handling disagreements. Not only will team discussions and debates strengthen relationships, but they'll also boost problem-solving abilities that pack a punch in the workplace!

Group Learning Experiences

Remote teams can come together and boost their skills through group learning experiences! With the right tools and guidance from leadership, team members can collaborate on projects and attend virtual workshops, seminars, conferences, and even online courses.

But for these experiences to be practical, everyone must feel comfortable participating. Setting clear expectations from the start fosters open dialogue among team members, encouraging everyone to participate. And leaders must ensure topics are relevant and exciting for all participants, keeping everyone engaged and motivated. These experiences help employees gain knowledge and build relationships with colleagues—win-win!

Charitable Fundraising Activities

Unleash the power of your remote team and make a difference in the world! Gather your colleagues and organize a charitable fundraising activity that will bring you closer together while supporting a cause you're passionate about. With this opportunity, you'll build strong relationships and cultivate a culture of giving that will leave a lasting impact.

Let your team unleash their inner philanthropist by giving them the power to divvy up a budget among a handful of worthy charities. Who will they choose to support? The possibilities are endless!

Or, unleash your team's creativity with virtual bake sales, auctions, and competitions! The sky's the limit on this adventure, so keep communication flowing and everyone in the loop for a successful outcome.

Get ready for a team-building event like no other - charity events give back to the community and offer a chance for some serious fun! Spice it up with a little friendly competition or some lighthearted games to make it an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

Group events

Group events can be a great way to help remote teams build stronger relationships and foster collaboration. Not only do they work wonders for small groups, but they also become a powerhouse when it comes to larger teams!

  1. Virtual cooking classes are a fun and interactive way to build relationships among remote teams. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert in the kitchen, these classes allow everyone to learn something new while getting creative with food. It will be a great bonding experience; you may even come out of it with some new recipes! 
  2. Virtual cocktail classes are the perfect way to let loose and have some fun with your remote team. Everyone can learn how to mix drinks from their homes, so it’s a great way to connect even if you’re not in the same place. Plus, it’s a chance for everyone to try something new and show off their skills! And at the end of the class, everyone can toast their newfound knowledge.
  3. A virtual magic show is a perfect way to get everyone on the team in a good mood. Hire a professional magician to create a fantastic show that will leave your remote team in awe. They’ll be blown away by the tricks and illusions, plus it’s a great way to bring everyone together for some fun and laughter.
  4. Virtual concerts are a great way to bring everyone together and ensure your remote team still feels the good vibes. Whether it’s a live performance or a pre-recorded show, there’s no better way to get everyone dancing and singing along! Plus, you can get creative with the concert's theme to ensure it appeals to everyone on the team.
  5. Virtual fitness classes are a great way to keep remote teams active and healthy. Not only do they promote physical health, but they also encourage team members to interact with each other and build trust. Whether it’s an online yoga class or a workout session, everyone can join from home while still feeling connected to the group. Plus, it’s a great way to break up the monotony of the workday.

Tips for Effective Remote Team Building Activities

Remote team building can be a great way to keep your employees connected, engaged, and motivated - even when they're not in the same room. But with so many virtual activities, it can be hard to know where to start. Here are some tips for practical remote team-building activities:

  1. Start by setting clear goals for the activity and explain why you’re doing it. Make sure everyone is on the same page from the beginning!
  2. Choose activities that foster collaboration among all members of the team. Whether it's a game or a discussion, make sure everyone has an opportunity to contribute in their own unique way.
  3. Encourage participation and create an open atmosphere where everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas and feedback.
  4. Keep things fun and light-hearted, but remember that remote team-building activities require structure. Set up breaks or different rounds during the activity so people can take a breather if needed.
  5. Follow up after the activity with a recap of what was discussed and celebrated during the event. This will help ensure everyone is on the same page and understand how they contributed to the team’s success.

Get ready to boost morale and unite your team, regardless of their location! These tips will guide you in hosting unforgettable remote team-building activities that keep everyone engaged and motivated.

Unlock the full potential of your remote team by fostering a collaborative and comfortable environment through team-building activities! Keep your squad motivated and connected with the ultimate guide to hosting successful virtual events - including a killer conclusion section! Let's dive in and level up your remote team-building game.

Conclusion

Don't forget to recap after your remote team-building activity! It's a chance to celebrate successes, discuss challenges, and give thanks to all the rockstar team members. Show some love and appreciation for everyone's efforts, no matter how big or small. It's the perfect way to wrap up a killer event!

Don't let the remote work blues bring your team down! Keep them connected and engaged with resources and tools that will keep the fun going long after the team-building activity has ended. From virtual games to video chats, the possibilities are endless. Keep your employees part of one big happy family, and watch the magic of successful remote team-building activities unfold.

Keep reading