20 of the best virtual team-building activities

Icebreakers are classic for a reason: They help loosen people up and are a quick way for co-workers to learn a little bit about one another. And they don’t have to be tacky or forced. Check out this list for more inspiration.

Colleagues can still catch up even if they aren’t physically meeting at a bar. Enjoy some casual conversation or laughs while you virtually toast your colleagues on a job well done.

Trivia brings out the good-natured competitive spirit in everyone. And companies like Bar None Games will host a virtual trivia event for you, so all you have to do is send the invite and get your game face on.

Nothing brings people together more than food and drink. In this day and age, it’s easy to find unique culinary experiences online. From handmade pasta classes to cocktail workshops, the options are endless.

Virtually host a gathering around food to celebrate the end of a quarter or to boost morale after a tough season. Reflect on your successes and goals as you share a meal, and look forward to future times ahead.

What better way to encourage new work friends than with a round of lunch or coffee dates? Team members can use this time to cultivate relationships and open lines of communication company-wide.

Virtual escape rooms can be just as challenging (if not more so) as their physical counterparts. Having teams work together to solve problems and reach a goal outside of work is the perfect way to bolster camaraderie. Many event companies offer themed options, too.

Challenge people to get creative with their video chat backgrounds for the next team meeting. Have participants vote on their favourites, and come up with fun prizes for the winner.

Discussing books or podcasts is another way to encourage relationships from afar. You could rotate the individuals who host and choose the media. Or try voting on favourites, setting deadlines, then bonding over the latest bestsellers and episodes.

You don’t have to wait until the holidays to host a Secret Snowflake exchange. You can choose a giving theme or let individuals add their most-wanted items to a wish list. Then pick a date and do some virtual unboxing.

Help colleagues know one another deeper (so they can work together better) with a personality test share. Before the event, have team members take the Myers-Briggs or Enneagram quiz so they’re ready to talk through their personality and working style.

You don’t have to be in a bar basement to enjoy some karaoke. Ask participants to choose a song and find the instrumental track. While they belt it out, the audience members stay on mute to let the singers shine.

Set up a team chat where people can offer kudos to one another for tackling difficult projects or being the ultimate team player. A little 'feel-good' goes a long way.

Everyone has an identity outside of work. Have individuals prepare 5-minute presentations about their favourite thing to do. Then sit back and enjoy learning more about their non-job identities.

Not a fan of trivia? There are a ton of other virtual games that can bring teams together. Activities like Pictionary, GIF battles and more can be hosted by you or gaming companies, like Weve.

Since remote and hybrid work limits the traditional watercooler chat, set up some informal share sessions so colleagues can talk about the projects they’re working on. It’s a great way to encourage collaboration and learn more about your company’s different areas.

Many streaming apps have built-in watch party features, so movie viewers can engage with one another from afar. Use the live chat capability to react in real time – and don’t forget the popcorn.

Accountability buddies work for a reason, so why can’t they be colleagues? Try hosting a walkathon using digital step-counter apps or challenging participants to do daily meditation. Create a team chat to track progress and cheer one another on.

Whether it’s beer, wine, chocolate or cheese, a virtual tasting event is a delicious way to bring co-workers together. Choose a theme, help everyone get the supplies and prepare for a tasty exploration together.

Milestones deserve to be recognised even when people aren’t physically together. From promotions and baby showers to work anniversaries and birthdays, you can get creative with how you celebrate your people. Try custom video chat backgrounds or sending special treats.