Virtual team building activities are a great way to strengthen bonds, improve communication, and boost morale among remote workers. But how can you make them more fun and engaging, especially when everyone is busy, tired, or distracted? Here are some tips to help you plan and run effective and enjoyable virtual team building activities for your team.
The first step is to choose an activity that suits your team's preferences, goals, and availability. You want to avoid activities that are too boring, too complex, or too time-consuming. Instead, look for activities that are interactive, creative, and relevant. For example, you could try trivia games, icebreakers, scavenger hunts, or online escape rooms. You can also customize your activities to match your team's culture, values, or interests. For example, you could create a quiz based on your team's favorite movies, books, or hobbies.
To make virtual team building more fun, one should focus on making their employees happy and stress-free. Working virtually makes one feel exhausted sometimes and in such cases, here are some solutions that work really well; ~ Do some fun activities, and games to help team members relax and get to know each other. ~ Have meetings with fun themes ~ Set up challenges that encourage collaboration ~ Acknowledge their achievements And most importantly, provide them with a safe space where they can even share their problems with you.
The second step is to set clear expectations for your team before, during, and after the activity. You want to make sure everyone knows what to expect, how to participate, and what to achieve. For example, you could send an email or a message explaining the purpose, duration, and rules of the activity. You could also remind your team to check their internet connection, audio, and video settings before joining the session. During the activity, you could use a facilitator or a moderator to guide the conversation, keep the pace, and resolve any issues. After the activity, you could ask for feedback, suggestions, or testimonials from your team.
The third step is to use the right tools to support your activity. You want to avoid tools that are too complicated, too expensive, or too unreliable. Instead, look for tools that are easy to use, affordable, and secure. For example, you could use Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet for video conferencing. You could also use Kahoot, Menti, or Slido for interactive quizzes and polls. You could also use Slack, Discord, or WhatsApp for instant messaging and group chats. You can also explore other online platforms and apps that offer specific features or functions for your activity.
The fourth step is to encourage participation from your team. You want to avoid activities that are too passive, too competitive, or too exclusive. Instead, look for activities that are collaborative, inclusive, and fun. For example, you could use icebreakers, warm-ups, or energizers to break the ice and get everyone in the mood. You could also use incentives, rewards, or recognition to motivate and appreciate your team. You could also use humor, stories, or jokes to lighten the mood and create a positive atmosphere.
The fifth step is to follow up with your team after the activity. You want to avoid activities that are too isolated, too irrelevant, or too forgettable. Instead, look for activities that are connected, meaningful, and memorable. For example, you could send a thank-you note or a summary of the activity to your team. You could also share photos, videos, or screenshots of the session on your social media or intranet. You could also schedule regular or occasional virtual team building activities to maintain the momentum and the rapport.
The sixth step is to evaluate and improve your virtual team building activities. You want to avoid activities that are too repetitive, too ineffective, or too outdated. Instead, look for activities that are diverse, impactful, and current. For example, you could use surveys, polls, or feedback forms to measure the satisfaction, engagement, and outcomes of your team. You could also use analytics, metrics, or reports to track the performance, productivity, and collaboration of your team. You could also use best practices, tips, or resources to learn and improve your virtual team building skills.
First consider why you need team building, especially if it’s virtual. Does it help people be more productive or build trust and respect between teammates? Many times, these things are just done to check a box without actually accomplishing anything. If there is no real benefit of note, don’t do it.