The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed the way we work. Many businesses have opted for a remote work model to keep their employees safe and comply with social distancing guidelines. Working remotely has a lot of benefits, but it can also be isolating and challenging. One of the biggest challenges of remote work is getting to know your colleagues, especially if you haven’t worked with them in person before. It’s difficult to form meaningful connections with virtual introductions or weekly meetings alone. However, with the right virtual icebreakers and activities, it’s possible to break down barriers and connect with your remote coworkers on a deeper level.
In this post, we’ll explore some creative, interactive ways to build rapport with your remote colleagues. Whether you’re a manager who wants to improve team camaraderie or a team member who wants to get to know your coworkers, these icebreakers will help you build more meaningful connections with your virtual colleagues.
Two Truths and a Lie
Two Truths and a Lie is a classic game that can be adapted for any team, including remote ones. The game is simple: each team member must come up with two true statements and one lie about themselves. Then, the other members of the team try to guess which statement is false. This game is a great way to get to know your coworkers on a more personal level because you can learn interesting facts about them while also getting a glimpse into their personalities. It’s also an interactive game that can be played during virtual team meetings or via a messaging platform, making it convenient for remote teams.
Virtual Scavenger Hunt
A virtual scavenger hunt is another great way for remote teams to bond. The goal is to create a list of items that can be found around the house or office, such as a green pen, a stapler, or a funny t-shirt. Then, during a team meeting or video conference, give everyone a few minutes to find all the items on the list. Whoever finds all the items first wins a small prize, such as a virtual trophy or a gift card. This game encourages teamwork and problem-solving while also making remote work fun and engaging.
Virtual Reality Office Tour
A virtual reality office tour can be a great way to show off your workspace to your colleagues while getting to know them better. Each team member can take turns giving a video tour of their home office or workspace, including favorite decorations, gadgets, and other items that make their work environment unique. It can also be an opportunity for coworkers to offer tips and advice on setting up a home office or how to create an ideal workspace. This game can be played during video conferencing and can be a fun way to spark conversations on various topics.
Virtual Lunch or Coffee Break
Missing out on casual conversations with coworkers during lunches or coffee breaks can feel isolating when working remotely. However, you can arrange virtual lunch or coffee breaks where everyone brings their lunch or drink to the virtual meeting. This way, everyone can share an hour or two socializing, discussing interests, and getting to know each other better. Other team-building activities such as virtual trivia can also be incorporated into this setting.
Personalized Icebreakers
Company-wide icebreakers can be effective, but personalized icebreakers can help teams connect at a deeper level. One way to do this is by asking each team member to share a photo of a memorable experience, such as a vacation or a family gathering, and then sharing the stories behind it. Alternatively, ask each team member to bring an object that holds great personal value and share the story behind it. This type of activity allows team members to share personal experiences and connect with each other on a deeper level.
Virtual Team Building Games
There are several virtual team building games that can be played remotely, such as online escape rooms, “Would You Rather?” games, and virtual board games. These games are great for remote teams because they provide opportunities for teams to bond and work together while having fun. There are many different online resources that offer virtual team building games, making them easily accessible.
Conclusion
Working remotely can be a challenge, especially when it comes to building meaningful connections with colleagues. However, with the right virtual icebreakers and activities, it’s possible to break down barriers and create a sense of camaraderie with your remote coworkers. Whether it’s a classic game like Two Truths and a Lie, a virtual scavenger hunt, or personalized icebreakers, there are plenty of ways for remote teams to bond and get to know each other on a deeper level. By implementing these icebreakers, you can create a positive and productive work environment, even when working remotely.