Virtual Team Building Activities

What are virtual team building activities?

Virtual team building activities are online events, games and exercises for remote teams. For example, Online Office Games, virtual chocolate tastings, and Zoom escape rooms. The purpose of these activities is to help remote and hybrid teams connect and build relationships, and they are also known as "online team building activities", "remote team building activities", and "virtual team bonding activities."

This page includes a ranked list of the best virtual team building ideas to try with your team.

Benefits of virtual team building

Virtual team building has become essential in today's remote work environment, offering a powerful way to maintain team cohesion and culture across distances. These online experiences break down geographical barriers, allowing teams to connect and collaborate regardless of location or time zone. By participating in virtual activities and games, remote teams can strengthen communication, build trust, and maintain the personal connections that are crucial for effective teamwork.

The benefits of team building virtually extend beyond just social connection. These activities help improve problem-solving skills, foster innovation, and enhance team productivity. These experiences provide opportunities for team members to develop better communication habits, learn to collaborate in digital environments, and build the skills needed to thrive in remote work settings. Whether your team is fully remote or hybrid, online team building experiences create lasting bonds and improve overall team performance.

What makes a virtual team building activity good?

A great virtual team building activity should be specifically designed for online engagement, with features that keep remote participants actively involved. The best activities create a sense of presence and connection despite physical distance, using interactive elements that encourage real-time collaboration. They should be accessible across different time zones and technical setups, with clear instructions and minimal technical requirements to ensure everyone can participate fully.

Effective remote team building activities also incorporate elements that replicate the benefits of in-person interaction. This includes opportunities for spontaneous conversation, visual engagement through video, and interactive challenges that require team coordination. The most successful activities create memorable shared experiences that team members can reference in their daily work, helping to maintain team cohesion even when working remotely.

How to choose the best virtual activity for your remote team

When selecting a virtual activity, start by considering your team's specific needs and technical capabilities. Look for activities that match your team's size, time zone distribution, and experience with virtual collaboration. Consider whether you need an icebreaker for a new team, a problem-solving challenge for established teams, or a creative activity to boost innovation. The best virtual events will align with your team's goals while being engaging and accessible to all participants.

Evaluate virtual activities and games based on their technical requirements, facilitation quality, and ability to create meaningful interaction. Look for activities that use platforms your team is comfortable with and that include professional facilitators who can manage the virtual environment effectively. Consider the time commitment required and whether the activity can be broken into shorter sessions if needed. The most successful online team building events are those that feel natural in the digital space while providing a refreshing break from regular virtual meetings.

Virtual team building FAQs