Create a culture that means business™
Email address
Remote work has changed the way businesses operate on a number of levels. Employees and employers are continuously adapting and learning how to work, communicate, and collaborate in a virtual environment. Because of these changes, building an engaged remote team is still a new concept to many business leaders.
Though there has been a learning curve, remote working has been growing steadily in recent years. According to LinkedIn, new remote hires currently make up 12.4% of large company hires, 12.2% of medium-sized company hires, and 13.7% of small company hires. The good news is that the tools for virtual teams have improved significantly. It’s easy to make a video call online, and it means that colleagues in distant locations can continue to work closely together with minimum hassle. It’s not just about keeping communications going through — it’s also a matter of maintaining team spirit and boosting morale.
It’s insights like these that show why virtual team building activities are so important. Employees deserve to feel connected to their team members on both a personal and professional level.
If you’re used to creating in-person events for your employees but aren’t sure how to translate those experiences into remote work, Achievers can help. We put together a list of 20 virtual team building activities to help you strengthen your company culture from afar.
How do you build an effective remote team?
It can be challenging enough to build a strong, adaptable team under normal circumstances; but when remote work is added into the mix, it can feel like another thing to add to your organization’s plate.
The reality is that building effective remote or hybrid teams requires teamwork, open communication, and a little bit of fun mixed in. When employees feel like they can still laugh and connect with their remote team members, they’re more likely to feel a strong sense of belonging and feel motivated to be a part of the company’s growth. That’s where those culture-building team activities come into play.
How to do team building with remote teams?
Building a strong remote team is all about creating opportunities for connection, communication, and collaboration. Virtual team-building activities like online games, challenges, or simple icebreaker questions can help bring everyone closer, even from a distance. Regular check-ins and casual chats also go a long way in making team members feel like they belong. By mixing in some fun and meaningful interactions, you can boost morale, build trust, and keep everyone motivated, all while reinforcing your company’s culture — no matter where people are working from.
What are some good virtual team building activities?
Virtual team building activities can help create a sense of partnership and fun among remote teams. Here are a few popular options to consider:
- Virtual escape room: Teams solve puzzles together to “escape” a virtual room, enhancing problem-solving and communication.
- Online trivia challenge: Teams compete in trivia on various topics, boosting knowledge sharing and friendly competition.
- Virtual coffee chats: Arrange casual one-on-one or small group video calls to build personal connections, promoting a more cohesive team atmosphere.
These activities can serve as casual ice breakers and can be adapted depending on the size of your team. Incorporating them into your organization’s remote work can help improve engagement and show your employees you care about their well-being beyond their productivity.
How do you bring people together remotely?
Bringing people together remotely is all about creating moments for connection and making communication feel natural. Start by using virtual team-building activities, like games or team challenges, that encourage collaboration and laughter. Then, consider how you can strengthen that connection through recognition.
A recognition platform like Achievers offers remote teams a way to connect and celebrate each other’s achievements when there’s distance between them. By integrating the platform into your organization’s tech stack, you can create a hub where employees can feel valued, and where remote team building activities can be shared and encouraged.
20 virtual team building activities
There are all sorts of virtual team building activities to help maintain team spirit and employee engagement. We’ve put together a list of 20 entertaining options to bridge the gap between remote teams.
1. Picture sharing
When employees aren’t able to connect in an office setting with their coworkers, they may not feel like they have opportunities to connect and share meaningful moments in their lives.
Whether they’re in a remote or hybrid setting, picture sharing is a fun and thoughtful way to encourage co-workers to open up to one another and keep each other’s spirits up. Set aside time regularly, whether it’s at the beginning of a team meeting or a separate time in the calendar for your employees to share a personal snapshot of their life, not connected to work.
Ask each colleague to share a single photo that’s either significant to them or says something revealing about their personality — it could be anything from a picture of themselves on a night out to one of their children or their pets. Then, get them to explain more about the photo (i.e., where it was taken, the story behind it, etc.) and why they chose it.
This virtual team building activity is great for giving the rest of the team a new perspective on the respective personalities of their co-workers. It’s also an opportunity for your team to socialize and have a more free-flowing conversation.
2. Show and tell
Another great virtual team-building activity to help employees get to know each other better is a virtual show and tell. You might remember these from school when teachers asked you to bring something to school that you owned, created yourself, or something that meant a lot to your family, and then tell the rest of their classmates about it and where it came from.
A virtual show and tell works in a similar way and can be a great bonding exercise for both remote and hybrid workers. You would ask employees to talk briefly about a prized possession or a work-related achievement they’re particularly proud of with the rest of the team. It can be anything from a personal hobby to professional projects. Maybe they could even talk through their experiences of managing a remote marketing team or offer some time management tips to their remote teammates. Don’t limit your virtual show and tell to just spotlighting items – it can be a valuable opportunity for team mates to share knowledge, best practices, advice, or even personal stories, helping everyone feel more connected and engaged. It’s a fun, low-pressure way to learn more about your coworkers and spark meaningful conversations that might not happen otherwise.
3. Virtual escape room
Escape rooms have seen a spike in popularity in recent years and for good reason. With a variety of different themes, puzzles, and riddles to solve, they’ve become a go-to activity for friends, family, and even coworkers. But did you know that you can still experience the fun of an escape room even when your employees are working remotely?
Virtual escape rooms are the perfect solution for employers looking for engaging, bonding activities without the benefit of in-person connections. No matter where your employees are located, if they have access to an internet connection and a Zoom or Microsoft Teams link, they can participate in the fun and feel closer to their coworkers. Just like you would in a physical escape room, the same challenges apply virtually. You’re immersed in a different world or time period and asked to find clues, solve riddles, and ultimately find your way out. These kinds of activities can help encourage your team to work together, foster communication, creativity, and critical thinking to win the game.
Virtual escape rooms not only offer a fun and immersive experience, but they also provide a unique opportunity for remote teams to collaborate in a low-stakes, relaxed environment.
4. Virtual coffee chats
In an office environment, coffee breaks are often seen by employees as their go-to moment to unwind and recharge. They provide a valuable opportunity to blow off some steam, have a laugh with their colleagues, or simply get away from their screens for a short time. However, when it comes to working from home, there’s no opportunity to enjoy these communal moments — which can lead to feelings of loneliness for some employees.
The next best thing, then, is to set up opportunities for employees at random to have virtual coffee chats. This can be seamlessly integrated through an online recognition program. By randomly connecting employees to have virtual coffee chats, you’re providing the people in your organization with the chance to meet new faces across departments. Faces that they might not otherwise have met before. Encourage employees to put their work down for a quarter of an hour (or maybe even longer, if you want to give them an opportunity to really open up) to have an informal video chat. This can be just as beneficial for hybrid employees, who don’t get the full experience of an in-office workplace.
Make sure employees leave their work at the door, though — the point of this exercise is to get people to talk in a more laid-back way about every day, personal things. Virtual coffee chats are a great way to build a strong sense connection and belonging among remote workers.
5. Book club
Have you got some real bookworms on your team? A virtual book club is a fun way to get remote employees together to share their reading suggestions and talk about the books they’ve been reading — whether they’re into the latest fiction release or are reading a biography of a famous historical figure.
If you’re going to organize a virtual book club, it’s important not to restrict it to industry-related books. Afterall, the goal is to create connections that aren’t exclusively driven by work. Give employees the freedom to pick and choose books that they’re genuinely interested in. This way, employees can share more about their personal interests outside of their role and explain the reasoning behind their book choice.
You can also suggest, and share reading material and then reconvene as a team later so that everyone can discuss what they made of it. If you choose to go down this route, just make sure you’re picking a book that is interesting and thought-provoking. The last thing you want to do is suggest a boring book that employees will think of as homework instead of a virtual team building activity that lets them express a more well-rounded sense of self.
6. Movie night
No matter what genre you prefer, everyone loves to sit down in front of a good movie and escape into another world for a short period of time.
Movie nights aren’t just an activity to save for friends or with the family. They’re actually a great way to have fun at work, which is why they’re a staple of the in-office social scene. But there’s no reason why you can’t do them virtually as well! Once a month (or however often you want to do it), stream a movie for your whole team to view from the comfort of their home. It’s a simple way to gather your employees together even when they can’t be physically present. The ability to bond over a film is one of the simplest ways to promote connection across your team.
Ask your team for suggestions as to which movies they want to watch and then put the nominated films into an online poll so that everyone can vote on which ones they prefer. Keep a chat channel open while you’re all watching the movie so that you can all share your reactions while the movie is on. By putting in the effort to create fun, team-building moments – even virtually — you’re showing your employees that you want to engage outside the boundaries of their work.
7. Online trivia
Online trivia games are a great way to bring remote and hybrid teams together for some friendly competition and team bonding. These games are not only fun but also help improve collaboration and communication, which are essential for remote work. Whether your team plays individually or in large groups, trivia encourages teamwork and problem-solving, making it a perfect activity for strengthening connections in a virtual or hybrid environment.
One of the best things about trivia is its versatility. You can tailor the questions to your team’s interests, whether it’s pop culture, general knowledge, or even industry-specific topics. This makes it an activity that everyone can enjoy, no matter where they’re working from. For hybrid teams, online trivia ensures that both in-office and remote employees can participate equally — no one gets left out, and everyone gets to be part of the fun.
More than just a game, online trivia sparks conversation and helps teammates learn more about each other — creating moments of shared laughter. It’s a simple yet effective way to boost morale and encourage a sense of community, even when your team is spread out. By making trivia a regular activity, you can keep your team engaged, connected, and motivated, no matter where they’re working.
8. Virtual cooking class
Food is often one of the best ways to gather and create meaningful connections — and that doesn’t have to go away just because you’re not in the same kitchen together.
Virtual cooking classes are a unique and fun way to connect your remote and hybrid teams, while learning something new in the process. These kinds of activities allow employees to join in from anywhere, which creates an inclusive experience where everyone can take part — whether they’re at home or in the office. Cooking together virtually offers a casual, relaxed atmosphere that encourages creativity and collaboration outside of everyday work tasks.
The beauty of virtual cooking classes is how they blend fun with skill-building. Employees can learn to make new dishes, explore different cuisines, or even pick up helpful cooking tips that they can use in their daily lives. It’s a shared experience that helps break down barriers, encourages communication, and sparks conversation — especially when everyone is showing off what they made at the end of the class.
For hybrid teams, virtual cooking classes help give both remote and in-office employees an equal opportunity to participate in a group activity. Since the focus isn’t on work, it allows team members to relax, bond, and get to know each other on a personal level. Plus, everyone gets to enjoy a delicious meal at the end.
9. Virtual happy hour
Happy hours are a staple across many organizations. Once a week, employees will typically gather in their break rooms or kitchen spaces and socialize with their colleagues, catching up on the day or sharing personal antidotes. But what happens when your office isn’t completely in-person? Or not in-person at all?
Virtual happy hours are a great way for remote and hybrid teams to unwind and connect in a relaxed setting. These casual gatherings give employees the chance to step away from work and chat with their colleagues on a more personal level, which is especially valuable when you’re working in different locations.
During a virtual happy hour, employees can join from wherever they are, bringing their drink of choice — whether it’s a cocktail, coffee, or something non-alcoholic. The goal is to create a laid-back atmosphere where team members can share stories, enjoy some laughs, and build relationships beyond the usual work talk. Plus, setting it up is a breeze — just a Zoom or Teams link and a drink are all you need to get the team together for some fun. It’s a simple, enjoyable activity that helps strengthen bonds and keep the team spirit alive.
10. Team playlist creation
Music can really bring people together, and what better way to do that with your remote workers than with a team playlist. This kind of activity is perfect for remote and hybrid environments, since streaming services can be accessed on any mobile device. Playlists encourage employees to share their favorite songs, discover new music, and bond over shared interests. Whether it’s a playlist for focus, relaxation, or just fun, it can help bring everyone together and give everyone the chance to feel like they’re a part of a community outside their team responsibilities.
During a team playlist session, each employee can contribute a few of their favorite tracks or suggest songs that represent their personality, current mood, or work style. The playlist can be something the team listens to during work hours, or it can be a fun, collaborative project that reflects the diverse tastes of the team.
Creating a playlist helps ensure that everyone’s voice is heard, regardless of where they are in the world. It’s an effortless way to promote inclusivity, since everyone can share songs, even if they’re working from different locations. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter. It gives employees and their peers a chance to discuss their musical tastes and personal preferences. A team playlist doesn’t just create a fun soundtrack for your workdays — it helps build stronger bonds and a deeper sense of connection among employees.
11. Virtual game night
Virtual game night is the perfect way to bring remote and hybrid teams together for a fun, interactive break from the workday. Whether it’s trivia, virtual board games, or team-based challenges, game night offers an opportunity for employees to unwind, bond, and share some laughs and moments of joy outside of their usual work tasks and team meetings. It’s a casual yet impactful activity that can help build team spirit and deeper relationships among team members who may not always interact face-to-face.
What makes virtual game night so valuable is that it encourages collaboration, communication, and problem-solving — all while keeping the atmosphere light and memorable. These games let employees show off their creative sides, work together toward a common goal, and even compete in a friendly, low-stakes environment. This sense of connection and purpose can help break down barriers and reduce isolation, which is especially important for remote teams.
A virtual game night ensures that no one feels left out, whether they’re in the office or working from home. Everyone can participate equally from their own devices, which makes it an easy, inclusive way to build morale and create an inclusive company culture.
12. Virtual fitness class
Whether you’re in a hybrid or fully remote environment, sitting at a desk for most of the day can take its toll on your employees’ physical health. Even though you may not be able to get everyone together in an office setting, a virtual fitness class can still provide necessary endorphins and show your staff how much you care about their well-being.
There are several ways to incorporate fitness into your team building goals. You can tailor the activities you choose based on team preferences and interests, ensuring everyone has a say in how they participate. For a high-energy workout, you could set up a virtual run or walking challenge, with a rewards element at the end to help create buzz and excitement around the event. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something at a slower pace, consider setting up a weekly yoga session at the beginning of the workweek to help encourage a healthy mindset as your employees set out to complete their goals.
You can also utilize the skills and interests of your employees to lead some of these activities. Ask your team if they have any dancing skills they’d like to teach to their peers or split up your team into small or large groups and work together to set fitness goals for the quarter. This can easily be tied into a rewards program, where points are awarded to the winning team — encouraging healthy competition and healthy habits.
13. At-home scavenger hunt
When it comes to team building, sometimes the best activities are the ones that get everyone moving and thinking in a different way. Virtual scavenger hunts combine fun, creativity, and teamwork — perfect for bringing remote and hybrid teams together.
These hunts can be tailored to fit your team’s interests and can utilize everyday household items as part of the activity. Or you can complete creative challenges that test problem-solving skills. It’s a great way to break up the workday and inject some energy into your remote or hybrid meetings.
What makes scavenger hunts so valuable as a virtual team building activity is how they get people moving, thinking, and working together. Teams must find specific items or complete challenges within a set time, which can help spark creativity and improve communication. It’s a low-pressure, highly engaging activity that encourages everyone to participate and work together, whether they’re physically in the office or connecting remotely.
Whether your co-workers are in the office or at home, everyone can join in on the hunt via video calls and contribute to solving the challenges.
14. Virtual talent show
Your employees are dynamic individuals with their own unique talents and passions, but if you’re not taking the time to engage with them outside of work hours you’re likely missing out on valuable bonding and culture-building opportunities. So why not highlight their strengths and put a spotlight on the people who make your organization what it is?
A virtual talent show highlights the diversity and dynamic personalities that make up your team’s remote and hybrid employees – people who you may not be able to engage with face-to-face. And if you’re going to put together a talent show for your remote teams, do it right. Here’s a few tips to consider when organizing your event:
- Create a fun invitation and promote it across the organization to encourage as much enthusiasm and participation as possible.
- Choose an emcee to host the event and introduce everyone’s talents.
- Set clear guidelines including performance lengths and number of acts per person.
- Have a set judging criteria and ensure everyone understands how the winner will be selected.
- Select a reward that’s enticing to your employees, like a set number of points that could be used on a recognition platform like Achievers and redeemed in a personalized rewards marketplace.
Virtual talent shows are the perfect opportunity to get to know your team on a more personal level and learn something about them that can be the foundation for deeper working relationships.
15. Remote team bingo
Most people will probably say they’ve played a game of bingo or two before, but how many can say they’ve played a game with their coworkers and managers? Lots of organizations are missing out on one of the simplest team-building games to put into action for their remote teams. After all, who’s ever had a bad time playing bingo?
A virtual bingo game is a low-effort, low-cost activity that can have a big impact. There’s two ways to put the game together for your employees. Depending on the size of your team, you can have something delivered to their address with a board, bingo chips, and a dauber. If you really want to go above and beyond, consider looking into branded bingo boards. The other option is to use a virtual platform and have participants play on their devices while on a Zoom or Teams call, so everyone can connect and have a laugh. A virtual bingo game is also easy to tailor to a specific holiday or celebration. Be sure to choose a fun prize that speaks to your employees and will get them excited to participate.
16. Two truths and a lie
Traditional icebreaker questions can sometimes feel stuffy or awkward, especially when you’re trying to engage with employees who are partially or fully remote. Instead of having each team member share a fact about themselves, turn it into a game of two truths and a lie.
The concept is simple: each person shares three statements about themselves — two of which are true, and one that’s a lie. The rest of the team then tries to guess which statement is false. It’s a lighthearted way to spark conversation, share fun facts, and reveal surprising tidbits about your coworkers.
What makes this game so great for remote and hybrid teams is its ability to encourage connection in a relaxed, no-pressure environment. It’s an easy way for employees to learn more about each other outside of work, without the formality of regular meetings. You’ll hear surprising stories, funny experiences, and sometimes even unbelievable facts that can get the whole team laughing. Everyone can join via video call, making it a seamless activity that ensures full participation, no matter where team members are located. If you want a reward incentive, you make the guesses a competition and reward prizes to the first correct answers.
17. Virtual puzzle-solving challenge
Teamwork is inevitable in any workplace environment, whether you’re in-person, working remotely, or in a hybrid setting. So how do you foster qualities like problem solving, communication, and collaboration outside of your employees’ traditional roles and duties? It’s time to introduce interactive puzzle-solving challenges to your list of virtual team-building activities.
Whether it’s a jigsaw puzzle, a logic game, or a crossword challenge, these types of activities encourage employees to work together in real-time to overcome a shared obstacle. This encourages a sense of accomplishment and unity when the puzzle is solved. Plus, it’s an activity that brings out the strengths of each team member, whether they excel at strategy, pattern recognition, or creative solutions. This type of skills diversity helps build a sense of mutual respect and collaboration, which is especially important for remote teams that may not have as many opportunities to interact outside of work-related tasks.
Unlike other activities that are difficult to facilitate remotely, puzzle challenges require no physical presence. This makes them an inclusive and accessible option for teams across different time zones. Plus, the sense of teamwork can be a great morale booster, which is essential for organizations that want to maintain or improve culture.
18. Virtual mindfulness or meditation session
Did you know that by simply embracing mindfulness at work you can make a real difference in the well-being of your remote workers? According to Calm’s 2024 Voice of the Workplace Report, say that managers significantly influence their mental health.
Mindfulness is a practice that involves paying attention to thoughts and feelings in the present moment without judgement. The goal of mindfulness is to notice what’s happening around you and appreciate where you are in your day without dwelling on the past or future. Incorporating this practice regularly into the workplace can have a profound impact. It shows your employees you care about more than their metrics or productivity — you care about their well-being. To get started, encourage your team to choose a quiet space in their home. All you need is an internet connection to come together and begin your meditation session. You can either conduct these yourself, ask a member of the company if they have any experience in the meditation field, or bring in a professional to guide your sessions.
Incorporate deep breathing exercises, body scans, affirmations, or a combination of these practices. Consider playing gentle music or nature sounds from your computer to help everyone relax and embrace their mindfulness moment. Lastly, make sure everyone’s email notifications are silenced, and you’ve scheduled this time specifically to connect with your team without workplace distractions.
19. Online board games
Online board games are a great way to bring remote and hybrid teams together for some friendly competition and fun. From strategy games to word games, online board games offer the perfect mix of engagement, teamwork, and problem-solving no matter where you are in the world.
What makes online board games especially beneficial for remote teams is their ability to replicate the social, interactive aspects of traditional in-person games, even when team members are miles apart. Whether it’s a game of Settlers of Catan, Scrabble, or a classic game like Monopoly, these virtual versions allow remote employees to interact in real-time and ensuring everyone feels included and present.
Board games by nature are typically designed to encourage teamwork, problem-solving, and healthy competition — skills that are essential to build a successful, engaged team. Plus, they can easily be played in short bursts, making them ideal for busy schedules. Whether your goal is to strengthen relationships, drive belonging, or simply have fun, online board games offer a terrific way to create those moments of connection your employees will always remember. And when employees feel like they can have fun in their work environment, they’re more likely to go above and beyond for their managers and peers.
20. Digital drawing challenge
What makes digital drawing challenges so special is how they encourage both individual expression and teamwork. Whether it’s a quick sketching competition or a large-scale illustration project, these challenges give employees the chance to think outside the box and tap into their artistic side — without any previous experience required. It’s all about creativity, imagination, and having a good time while connecting with their remote peers.
There are a number of drawing activities you can set up virtually. You can organize a timed challenge, where participants race against the clock to sketch their ideas, with the goal of working together to build something unique. This balance of personal and group creativity creates a sense of shared accomplishment. Or try a virtual “Draw and Guess” game. This is a spin on the classic game of Pictionary, where one person draws a prompt while others try to guess what it is. The twist is that the prompts can be work-related or completely random and funny.
With digital tools available on virtually any device, the entire team can join in seamlessly. These activities also provide a great way to break the ice, as team members may share surprising, fun, or even quirky aspects of their personalities through their artwork. Ultimately, digital drawing challenges are a playful, inclusive way to boost creativity, spark collaboration, and deepen team bonds.
Keep morale high with virtual team building activities
Remote work has fundamentally changed the way many organizations operate – but that doesn’t mean employee engagement or morale has to fall to the wayside. In a remote and hybrid environment, collaboration and connection are more important than ever.
Whether you’re excited to try a virtual cooking class or engage in mindfulness practice, there are plenty of ways to connect remote employees on both professional and personal levels, and they can all be added as an extension of your recognition platform.
Recognition means creating a culture where employees are valued not only for the work they do, but for who they are. With the Achievers Employee Experience Platform, we provide organizations with the tools they need to stay connected to their employees, no matter now near or far. Through our virtual connections, rewards program, and recognition tools, there are more ways than ever to build a remote or hybrid work culture you can be proud of.
In this article:
