Virtual team building isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s a must for remote teams. When your team is spread across different locations, it’s easy for people to feel disconnected, leading to breakdowns in communication, low morale, and even burnout.

In fact, according to Buffer’s 2023 State of Remote Work report, loneliness is cited as the biggest challenge for 25% of remote workers. Additionally, a study by Gallup found that teams that are highly engaged show 21% greater profitability. These stats show how important it is to keep remote employees connected and engaged to maintain productivity and satisfaction.

The right virtual activities can help overcome these challenges. They give team members a chance to bond, improving collaboration and trust. When your team feels more connected, they work better together and are more likely to reach their goals.

We have guides for other types of team building activities, too! Check out the best team building activities for large teams, the best team building activities to improve communication, the leading leadership team building activities, the best indoor team building activities, great outdoor team building activities, and the top team building activities for small teams.

But the real secret to successful virtual team building? Fun. Engaging activities break down barriers and get everyone participating, whether they’re the quietest person in the room or the team’s biggest extrovert. And when team members feel comfortable sharing and collaborating, that sense of connection translates into better communication, higher productivity, and overall job satisfaction.

The 10 Best (Not Lame!) Virtual Team Building Activities

Let’s get straight to the fun part: activities that actually work. These 10 not lame virtual team-building activities are designed to engage your team, encourage collaboration, and—most importantly—make sure no one dreads showing up. Whether you’re using Zoom, Teams, or another platform, these activities are guaranteed to bring energy and connection to your remote team.

1. Virtual Escape Rooms

What it is: Your team works together to solve puzzles and “escape” from a virtual room within a set time limit.

How to play: Several companies, like The Escape Game and PanIQ, offer virtual escape rooms. First, choose a theme (e.g., a haunted house or spaceship). Teams are given a series of puzzles they need to solve to escape from a digital room. Each player will need to communicate their findings, work together to connect the clues, and crack codes in real-time. Typically, there’s a countdown timer to add some pressure.

Why it works: It encourages collaboration, problem-solving, and creativity under pressure. Plus, the time element makes it thrilling and gets everyone engaged.

2. TeamDynamics Assessment and Workshop

What it is: A virtual workshop based on the TeamDynamics assessment, designed to help your team understand how they work together and how individual preferences fit into overall team behavior.

How to conduct a TeamDynamics workshop:

1. Each team member takes the TeamDynamics assessment, which evaluates key behaviors like how your team communicates, processes information, makes decisions, and executes plans.
2. Once the assessments are complete, schedule a virtual workshop where the team’s leader or a TeamDynamics facilitator reviews the team’s results.
3. During the workshop, the team learns how their personal preferences contribute to (or clash with) the team’s working style. Discussions focus on improving collaboration and reducing friction points.
4. The facilitator helps the team create actionable strategies for evolving their norms and improving teamwork.

Why it works: This is more than just a one-time game—it’s a deep dive into how your team operates. It helps teams create lasting improvements in communication, collaboration, and overall performance, making it ideal for both single teams and large organizations.

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3. Trivia Quizzes with a Twist

What it is: A fast-paced trivia game with quirky categories tailored to your team’s interests or industry.

How to play: Use an online platform like Kahoot, QuizBreaker, or Slido to run your trivia session. Divide your team into smaller groups, and choose trivia categories that match your team’s preferences (you can include company-specific trivia, pop culture, or industry knowledge). Set up rounds, with each round having a different topic, and keep score. For an added twist, allow each group to create one trivia question to stump the others. A team building question can be helpful!

Why it works: It’s a light-hearted way to build team spirit through a little friendly competition. It also encourages team members to share their knowledge and discover new things about each other.

4. Virtual Murder Mystery

What it is: A role-playing game where team members work together to solve a fictional murder case.

How to play: Start by choosing a virtual murder mystery kit from companies like Murder Mystery Co. or My Mystery Party. Each team member is assigned a character with a backstory and a set of clues. Players have to share their clues and piece together information during the game to solve the mystery. You can use breakout rooms in Zoom to give small groups time to discuss their suspicions before bringing everyone together to make final guesses.

Why it works: This game requires deep collaboration and communication. Team members need to pay attention to details and work together to make deductions, promoting both critical thinking and social interaction.

5. Online Charades or Pictionary

What it is: Classic party games where one person either acts out or draws clues for their team to guess.

How to play: Use an online game platform like Skribbl.io for Pictionary or simply use Zoom’s camera feature for charades. Divide your team into small groups. For charades, each player is given a word or phrase to act out without speaking, and the team must guess what it is. For Pictionary, players take turns drawing their assigned word on the virtual whiteboard while their team guesses.

Why it works: These games bring out your team’s creative side and encourage everyone to jump in with their best guesses. It’s light-hearted and quick, making it a great icebreaker or energizer during a long meeting.

6. Two Truths and a Lie

What it is: A game where team members reveal two true facts and one lie about themselves, and others must guess which statement is false.

How to play: In a Zoom or Teams call, each team member takes a turn sharing three statements: two truths and one lie. The rest of the team then has to discuss and guess which statement is the lie. You can either do this as one large group or break people into smaller teams in breakout rooms.

Why it works: This is a simple, yet effective icebreaker that helps team members get to know each other on a personal level. It often leads to surprising and funny revelations, building camaraderie.

7. Virtual Coffee Breaks with a Twist

What it is: Informal, small group sessions where team members chat over a coffee break with a fun prompt to guide the conversation.

How to play: Set up breakout rooms in Zoom or Teams, and randomly assign small groups for each coffee break session. Before the break, prepare a list of conversation prompts like “What’s the best book you’ve read recently?” or “What’s your go-to guilty pleasure TV show?” Rotate breakout groups every 15-20 minutes to keep the conversation flowing.

Why it works: It offers a more casual way for team members to connect and chat beyond work topics, building stronger personal relationships.

8. Collaborative Storytelling

What it is: A game where each team member contributes to a story, building on the previous person’s sentence.

How to play: You can either do this verbally in a Zoom call or by using a shared Google Doc. One person starts the story with a single sentence, and each team member adds a new sentence as the story progresses. For a fun twist, give each team member specific prompts or words they have to include in their sentence.

Why it works: This activity sparks creativity and allows everyone to contribute equally. It’s usually full of humor, and the final story tends to be something the whole team can laugh about.

9. Virtual Scavenger Hunt

What it is: A game where participants race to find items in their home based on specific prompts.

How to play: Create a list of items for team members to find around their homes (e.g., something red, something from the kitchen, something that makes you happy). Announce each item one by one during a Zoom call, and give participants a short time to retrieve and show it on camera. Award points based on who finds the item first, and make it competitive by giving bonus points for creativity.

Why it works: This flavor of problem solving group activities gets everyone moving and energized. It’s a fast-paced, fun way to break up the day and encourage a bit of friendly competition.

10. Team Trivia with Company Facts

What it is: A trivia game that includes questions about your company’s history, team members, or industry.

How to play: Use a trivia platform like QuizBreaker, or create your own trivia game in a Google Slide deck. Break the team into smaller groups, and have them compete by answering team building questions for work about the company’s history, major milestones, or fun facts about the team. You can even include “inside jokes” or surprising facts about individuals.

Why it works: It reinforces team identity and creates a fun opportunity to reflect on shared experiences. Plus, it gives everyone a chance to show off their knowledge about the company and their colleagues.

Best Practices for Virtual Team Building

While virtual team-building activities can be a game changer for remote teams, it’s important to approach them thoughtfully to get the best results. Here are some best practices to keep in mind:

1. Make It Regular

Consistency is key when it comes to team bonding. Don’t let team-building activities be a one-time event. Regular activities help build deeper relationships over time and create a stronger team culture. Whether it’s monthly or quarterly, keeping these activities on the calendar shows that team building is a priority.

2. Mix It Up

Variety keeps things fresh. Rotate different types of activities, from fun games like virtual scavenger hunts to more structured workshops like the TeamDynamics Assessment. This ensures that all personality types on your team can find something they enjoy, and it helps prevent team-building fatigue.

3. Encourage Participation Without Pressure

Not everyone loves games or social activities, so it’s important to create an environment where participation is encouraged, but not forced. Giving people the option to sit out if they’re not comfortable—or simply offering less competitive activities—can help keep the mood light and inclusive.

4. Focus on Connection, Not Perfection

The goal of virtual team building is to foster relationships and improve communication, not to perfect every detail. Don’t stress about technical glitches or awkward moments—those can actually lead to good laughs and bonding moments. What matters is that your team walks away feeling more connected.

5. Tailor Activities to Your Team

Pay attention to the preferences and personalities of your team members. Some teams might thrive with fast-paced, competitive games, while others might prefer more low-key activities like virtual coffee chats or storytelling sessions. Listen to feedback and adjust your plans based on what works best for your group.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, virtual team building can go wrong if not handled carefully. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

1. Forcing Participation

While it’s important to engage your team, mandating participation can lead to resentment. If someone isn’t comfortable participating in certain activities, give them the option to opt out or participate in a less active role. Remember, the goal is to create an enjoyable and inclusive experience for everyone.

2. Overloading the Calendar

Virtual team building is great, but too much of a good thing can lead to burnout. If your team is swamped with back-to-back meetings or projects, adding another virtual activity might feel like a chore. Be mindful of the team’s schedule and energy levels, and avoid overloading them with too many activities in a short time.

3. Ignoring Team Preferences

Every team has its own personality. Some teams love competitive games, while others prefer more laid-back activities. Failing to take this into account can lead to disengagement. Regularly check in with your team to see what types of activities they enjoy, and adjust your plans accordingly.

4. Underestimating Technical Challenges

Virtual events rely heavily on technology, and tech glitches can quickly derail the fun. Make sure to test any platforms or tools you’re using ahead of time, and have a backup plan in case things go wrong. If your platform freezes or audio cuts out, it’s good to have an alternative like a simple team discussion to fall back on.

5. Not Debriefing After

The activity itself is important, but so is the reflection afterward. After a team-building session, it’s helpful to take a few minutes to debrief and discuss what went well or how the team felt about the experience. This provides insights into how your team operates and can inform how you approach future activities.

When Is the Right Time to Do a Virtual Team-Building Activity?

Timing matters when it comes to team building. Knowing when to schedule a virtual activity can make it more impactful. Here are some ideal times to plan your next session:

1. After New Team Members Join

Virtual team building is a great way to integrate new hires into the team. It helps them feel welcome and gives them an opportunity to get to know their colleagues in a relaxed setting. Hosting a virtual activity within the first few weeks of a new team member joining can fast-track relationship building and ease the onboarding process.

2. When Team Members Depart

Losing a team member, especially if they’ve been with the company for a long time, can disrupt team dynamics. Hosting a virtual team-building session shortly after someone leaves can help the team recalibrate and reinforce team cohesion. It can also be a good time to acknowledge contributions and bring the team together during transitions.

3. Before or After Big Projects

Before starting a major project, Zoom team building games can help align everyone and foster collaboration. After completing a large project, a virtual activity can serve as a celebration of the team’s hard work and a chance to de-stress together. These activities can re-energize the team, which is important for maintaining motivation and preventing burnout.

4. During Company-Wide Events

Virtual team-building activities are great additions to larger company events like annual meetings or retreats. They help break up long days of meetings and keep people engaged. You can schedule team-building activities between business sessions to give employees a mental break and a chance to socialize with colleagues they don’t normally interact with.

5. When Morale Needs a Boost

If you’ve noticed a drop in team morale, now might be the perfect time for a fun virtual team-building activity. Regular check-ins and casual activities can help prevent burnout and keep spirits high, especially when the team has been working remotely for an extended period.

By choosing the right time for a virtual team-building session, you can maximize the benefits and ensure your team feels connected and supported when they need it most.

How TeamDynamics Helps Your Team Get Along and Get More Done

Zoom team building is more than just having fun—it’s about improving how your team works together. That’s where TeamDynamics comes in. It’s not just a one-off activity but a tool that helps your team understand its behaviors, work preferences, and how individuals fit into the larger group dynamic.

1. Understand How Your Team Communicates

Every team communicates differently. TeamDynamics assesses whether your team prefers structured communication or if they thrive in a more informal setting. Knowing these tendencies helps you tailor team-building activities that align with your team’s style and preferences, ensuring smoother collaboration during everyday tasks.

2. Spot and Address Friction Points

Conflicts often arise from misalignment between individual preferences and team norms. The TeamDynamics assessment helps highlight these friction points before they become major issues. This makes it easier for managers to coach their teams, smoothing out interactions and fostering a more cohesive environment where everyone can thrive.

3. Evolve Your Team’s Norms

As your team grows or changes, its norms need to evolve too. TeamDynamics doesn’t just give you a snapshot of how your team operates today; it provides actionable insights on how to adjust your team’s norms to keep pace with growth, new hires, or changing goals. This adaptability is key to maintaining a high-performing, engaged team over time.

4. Insights Across Multiple Teams

One of the biggest advantages of TeamDynamics is that it scales. It’s not just for individual teams—it works across multiple teams in an organization. By assessing trends, patterns, and biases in team behavior, TeamDynamics offers insights that can improve communication and collaboration not just within a team but across entire departments.

5. Better Team Building, Better Productivity

The real power of TeamDynamics is in its ability to connect team-building efforts to real-world productivity. By understanding how team members interact and adjusting team norms to improve cohesion, your team will see better results, get more done, and experience higher satisfaction in their work.

Using TeamDynamics as part of your virtual team-building efforts takes the benefits to the next level, helping you create a team that’s not just more connected but also more efficient and aligned with company goals.

Conclusion

Virtual team-building activities don’t have to be boring or awkward. With the right approach, they can help build stronger connections, improve communication, and boost morale—no matter how far apart your team members are. By mixing up fun and engaging activities like virtual escape rooms or trivia games, you can keep things fresh and exciting for your team.

But if you’re looking to go beyond just having fun and want to make lasting improvements to how your team works together, the TeamDynamics team dynamics assessment and workshop is the perfect tool. It helps your team better understand its working style, address friction points, and evolve team norms as needed. Plus, when multiple teams take the assessment, it reveals key trends that can improve collaboration across your entire organization.

The key to effective virtual team building is consistency and variety. Regularly incorporating these activities will keep your team connected, motivated, and aligned with your goals—even in a virtual setting. So, try out these ideas, experiment with what works best for your team, and see the difference in how your team communicates and collaborates.