In today’s modern world, remote work has become more prevalent than ever before. With the rise of technology, it has become possible to work from anywhere in the world. Remote work has many advantages, such as greater flexibility and the ability to work with a team from anywhere in the world. However, there are also unique challenges that come with remote work. One of the biggest challenges is building a strong team dynamic when everyone is working from different locations. This is where icebreakers can play a valuable role. In this blog post, we’ll explore in-depth seven fun and remote-friendly icebreakers that can help you get to know your remote team better.
Two Truths and a Lie
The first ice breaker we will explore is Two Truths and a Lie. This is a classic icebreaker game that everyone can play. Each team member takes turns telling three statements about themselves, two being true and one being false. The team members then guess which statement is the lie. You can use video conferencing software like Zoom, Google Meet or Microsoft Teams to play this game remotely. Two Truths and a Lie is great because it allows team members to share personal stories and creates an opportunity for laughter.
This game usually takes about 15-20 minutes to complete and is ideal for team members who are just beginning to work with each other. It’s a great way to encourage communication, promote active listening and instill trust within the team.
For those who want to make the game more challenging, modify the rules to “Three Truths and a Lie” or “Four Truths and a Lie”. Increasing the number of statements forces team members to be more creative in coming up with their stories and makes the game more difficult.
Virtual Scavenger Hunt
The second icebreaker we will explore is the Virtual Scavenger Hunt. This is a fun and interactive icebreaker that can be played remotely. For this game, create a list of items that your team members need to find during the call. The items on the list could be related to work or personal items. The first team member to find all the items wins. This game can be played using video conferencing software and encourages team members to collaborate and work together.
To make the scavenger hunt game more challenging, award extra points to the team member who can show the most creative or original way of obtaining their item. For example, if one of the items in the scavenger hunt is a candle, the team member who can show the most creative use of a candle (e.g., pretending to have a birthday cake) can earn extra points.
Battle of the Airbands
The third icebreaker we will explore is Battle of the Airbands. This is a fun icebreaker that requires a bit of creativity. Each team member picks a song and creates a short lip-sync or dance routine. The team members then perform their routines in front of the group. This game requires video conferencing software and is a great way to have some fun and get everyone laughing.
To make the game more exciting, have team members vote for their favorite performance. The winner can even be awarded a virtual trophy or certificate to celebrate their accomplishment. Battle of the Airbands is a great way to encourage team members to come out of their comfort zones and showcase their creativity.
Paint and Sip
The fourth icebreaker we will explore is Paint and Sip. This is a fun and creative icebreaker that can be played remotely. Each team member receives a box with paints and canvases. A professional artist guides the team members through a painting tutorial, as they paint and sip wine. This is a great way to create camaraderie among team members and encourages creativity.
Paint and Sip is a great icebreaker for team members who are comfortable with each other and want to bond over a shared activity. It’s also an opportunity to allow team members to express themselves and be artistic, which is a great way to promote healthy mental wellness.
Virtual Charades
The fifth icebreaker we will explore is Virtual Charades. This is a classic game that can be played over video conferencing software. The game involves one person acting out a word or phrase, and the rest of the team members guessing what the phrase is. It’s a great way to have fun and get everyone laughing.
To make the game more challenging, include work-related phrases or concepts that are relevant to your team. This helps to reinforce essential information and promote a better understanding of the work-related material.
Virtual Charades can also help promote team building and enhance communication skills. It provides an opportunity for team members to think creatively and come up with unique ways to act out specific phrases.
Storytelling Game
The sixth icebreaker we will explore is the Storytelling Game. This icebreaker requires a bit of planning beforehand. Team members take turns telling a story, each team member building on the previous person’s story. This game can be played remotely, and it’s a great way to encourage creativity and collaboration.
The Storytelling Game can be used to promote work-related discussions and promote critical thinking. To make the game more work-related, adjust the rules to require that each team member includes a work concept or problem in their part of the story.
Design a Virtual Office
The seventh icebreaker we will explore is Design a Virtual Office. This is a fun and interactive icebreaker that encourages team members to get creative. Team members take turns describing and designing their ideal virtual office. They can use images, drawings or diagrams to help illustrate their ideas. This game requires video conferencing software and encourages team members to be imaginative and think outside the box.
Design a Virtual Office is a great way to encourage team members to think constructively, come up with unique ideas and promote a fun and creative atmosphere. Additionally, it can also be used as an opportunity to discuss ways that team members can work more effectively and efficiently.
Online Board Games
The eighth icebreaker we will explore is online board games. Many classic board games such as Monopoly, Risk, and Settlers of Catan have digital versions that can be played remotely. Playing online board games is a great way to unwind and bond with team members.
Online board games can be incorporated into lunch breaks or after-work events. This icebreaker can be useful for fostering a spirit of friendly competition and teamwork.
“Who’s Who” Guessing Game
The ninth icebreaker we will explore is the “Who’s Who” guessing game. Team members are asked to provide a series of clues that will help others to guess their identity. The clues could include their favorite hobby, their hometown, or their favorite food. The team members can guess the person via private chat or a decided system.
The “Who’s Who” guessing game is an excellent way to encourage team members to get to know each other on a more personal level. They may find possible common interests in one another through this icebreaker.
Group Meditation
The tenth icebreaker we will explore is group meditation. Group meditation provides an opportunity for team members to relax, destress, and refocus their minds. It also helps to build trust and establish a cohesive team environment.
Group meditation can take place in the morning, lunchtime, or towards the end of the day. Team members will appreciate the opportunity to take a break from work-related pressures and find calm together.
Online Talent Show
The eleventh icebreaker we will explore is the online talent show. Team members can take turns showcasing their talents, from playing an instrument or singing to comedy skits or magic tricks. The talent show offers an opportunity to celebrate team members’ individuality while learning about their various strengths.
The online talent show can be held as an optional end-of-week or end-of-month activity, providing a social and relaxed environment for team bonding.
Team Trivia Challenge
The twelfth icebreaker we will explore is the Team Trivia Challenge. Team members can break into small teams and compete in various trivia categories. This game provides a fun and interactive platform for learning and getting to know each other better.
The trivia challenge can be tailored to work-related topics or general knowledge, providing an opportunity to test and reinforce team member’s knowledge and share expertise within the group.
“Never Have I Ever” Game
The thirteenth icebreaker we will explore is the “Never Have I Ever” game. Team members take turns revealing something they have never done, and if anyone in the group has done it, they must take a sip of water or any drink along with giving a brief explanation of the experience.
The “Never Have I Ever” game is an excellent way of getting to know the team members on a more personal level, sparking conversations about their experiences, and creating a relaxed atmosphere.
Collaborative Drawing
The fourteenth icebreaker we will explore is collaborative drawing. Team members take turns drawing a portion of a picture, and the team works together to create a cohesive and complete image.
The collaborative drawing game provides an opportunity to encourage creative thinking and promote teamwork. The final image can be a memorable keepsake of the team’s collective creativity.
“Minute to Win It” Challenges
The fifteenth and final icebreaker we will explore is “Minute to Win It” challenges. Teams compete in a series of short and fun challenges that must be completed within a minute. These challenges may be physical, mental, or creative.
This game is an opportunity for team members to showcase their skills, encourage friendly competition, and bring laughter and excitement to team building activities.
Conclusion
Team building has become a crucial aspect with the rise of remote work. With these fun and remote-friendly icebreakers, team members can have a sense of camaraderie and teamwork. Ultimately, work isn’t just about work, healthy and productive relationships among team members are essential for a better work environment.
The icebreakers can be adjusted or mixed as per the team’s preference, and it is best to ensure that everyone is comfortable with the activity. Icebreakers promote communication, foster trust, enhance creative thinking, and encourage teamwork among team members. Next time, at your remote team gathering, try out one of these icebreakers to have some fun and make the work experience even better.