9 virtual team games for remote workers!
Of course, telecommuting has benefits for both employees and
companies, like a better work-life balance and the ability to work on the beach
in Bali, for example.
But virtual environments also face some challenges when it comes to how we collaborate, communicate, and build relationships.
Since computers cannot be seen every day, geography gets in
the way, and the technology running the show doesn't always run smoothly.
So how do you overcome the tests of virtual teams, keep
employees engaged, and drive your company culture?
The answer is simple: through virtual team building games.
Yes, virtual team building games are what you and your team
need to keep your spirits up.
These games will not only help your team members get to know
each other better, but will also improve communication, helping you build a
cohesive and positive club.
Now, without additional ado, let's dive into 12 fun games and challenges for remote teams. After all, working is fun!
1. Virtual search
Virtual missions exploded in 2020 when the pandemic made it
impossible to enter the real world.
Missions are undoubtedly OG's virtual team building games,
and for good aim.
They require skill, logic and, above all, cooperation.
All you have to do is find clues, solve multiple puzzles and
challenges with your team, and (hopefully) escape!
Honestly, what healthier way to get to know your team than
to be in a closed room with them, even if it's virtual!
2. The aliens have landed
In this game, you must divide your team into smaller groups
of three to four people.
Here is the script:
The aliens have finally landed on Earth and they want to
know about the company.
This problem? They do not speak English.
Therefore, each team must choose the five symbols or images
that best describe the company.
This game will encourage communication, develop creative
thinking and ready to go.
Also, for all managers, take a look at the symbols and
images shared by team members to get an idea of what they think of the
company!
3. Empty the bucket
This is one of the best ice breaker games.
All you have to do is ask your team members, "What's on
your wish list?"
Typically ask them to tell you 3-5 things they want to do or
experience in their life.
Each person's wish list will tell you a lot about their
personality.
Also, if you have employees who do the same things, you can
invite them to work together on them.
For example, three of the team memberships want to read 50
books in 2021. So, invite them to do this and support each other. Also, hold
them accountable by asking them about their successes from time to time!
4. Recipe overview
Let's take this.
The lockdown has awakened everyone's inner chef.
So why not include a little teamwork in this new tendency?
Ask everyone on your team to share their favorite recipe or
assign a theme such as "a dish your grandmother cooks better than everyone
else."
Now collect all these recipes and start an activity in which
the participants prepare other recipes and post pictures to the group.
5. Walking around my city
Ask your staff to upload a group photo or video showing the
top tourist attractions in your city and share it with team members.
They should mention what is special about the place and the
reasons for visiting it.
Why is this virtual team building good?
This game will inspire sympathy among team members and give
each remote worker a chance to understand the past of his colleagues!
6. Virtual reading club
Is that how it works:
Find a book that is relevant to your industry, or any other
book, and each week assign a few pages that each team member should read from
the book.
At the end of each week, bring everyone together in a
meeting place to discuss feelings and thoughts about the book.
This will give employees something in common and encourage
them to be open to different opinions, which is very important in the
workplace.
7. Virtual treasure hunt
Nothing unites a team like the old scavenger hunt.
Now you may be wondering how we can play scavenger hunt
online. Well, there is a way.
First, the host must create a list of random items for the
players to search for. (Don't tell anyone before playing!)
As soon as all team members join the call, the facilitator
will name one of the items and all team members will have to "look"
for it in their homes.
The first to return to the webcam with this item in hand wins this round! In the end, the person with the most points wins the game.
Easy right?
Remember, the more random the request for an object, the
better. Also, it is best to play this game with a video call so that people can
see themselves running chaotically around the house.
8. Two truths and a lie.
We love this virtual team game because it is the perfect
game to meet your team members.
In this game, each team member must present three statements
about himself: two truths and one lie.
Team members can take turns recognizing which are true and
which are false.
After everyone has guessed, the speaker will reveal what the
lie was. The winner will be the one who guesses the most accurately.
The classic icebreaker player that keeps the conversation
flowing smoothly and has fun doing it!
9. Donut bell
One thing everyone definitely misses when working from home
is that cooler chatter.
Don't worry, because there is something that could make you
miss those moments less: Donut.
Donut is a Slack extension that automatically brings your
colleagues together and they can schedule a 30-minute video call together.
This gives your team members a chance to get to know each
other.
And since this Slack extension is automatic, it's a really easy way to incorporate team building into your virtual workspace.