Remote work is the new norm, yet organizations still need to build a corporate culture. Even when together, contact is limited because of social distancing. Team building is one of the bonding activities that have been hit significantly. Is it still possible to conduct team building activities with remote workers?
Well, technology has made so much possible, including team building for remote workers. With a laptop or a phone, the department or team can still engage in interesting bonding activities regardless of distance.
Here are a few team building games for remote workers that you might not have tried before!
A single game will take about 10–15 minutes. It gives co-workers a chance to know more about each other without creating embarrassing moments. The idea is to identify traits that can be attributed to a single or several people within the group. It always makes for a good conversation starter the next time you meet in person!
The leader makes a statement that other members are supposed to attribute to a person or group of people. Keep the game as clean as possible for the comfort of junior and senior staff. You may also include quizzes like, “Would you rather …?”
A themed trivia will also fit into this category. The trivia may cover such areas as tradition, technology, celebrities, or industry developments. It gives everyone an equal chance to participate. Stick to general knowledge so that everyone is able to participate. You may also include a reward that will make remote work easier, for instance bluetooth headphones or an ergonomic mouse pad.
This game is an ice breaker that will encourage people to share something about their lives. Post a picture of a toy, a pet, travel destination, gadget, and other such common images. Open the floor for people to share their experiences about the photo.
The experience with the subject on the photo could be sweet or embarrassing. When the photo involves an object that people are using when working remotely, it will be interesting to hear their stories.
It may also help to share photos that involved the entire group or whose experience touched the entire group. For instance, an employee caught napping in the office or one who arrived at the door in awkward attire. Such experiences are enjoyable to remember.
Some games are best played in person, but technology has made it easier to collaborate virtually. Think about video games, soccer, adventure games, and board games. For instance, today it is possible to play scrabble or chess as a group but from different locations.
You have the opportunity to share the same ‘room’ albeit from distributed places. The experience is equally exciting and would feel as though you are in the same environment.
Virtual games require that all team members have access to fast computers/laptops, internet and phones. They may also need a good sound system or earphones to be able to participate and stay engaged in the games. With numerous virtual games, everyone in the group will have a chance to win and enjoy the team building exercise in real-time.
The video feature on phones or laptops is a vital tool when playing truth or dare. It helps the entire team to watch as one of the members enjoys the “punishment” issued by others. Everyone has an equal chance to play and “punish” others.
Truth or Dare combines perfectly with quizzes. If a person fails a question, the punishment can be a truth or dare. The game is enjoyable when the questions are commensurate to the general understanding of the respondent.
At the same time, the answer must be easy to execute to give everyone a chance at redemption. Keep it clean so that juniors and seniors can relate comfortably in future. Further, be witty in your truths and dare to make it entertaining!
This game inspires creativity in your team. Team members are required to decode what the other team is trying to say using signs. The assumption is that aliens cannot understand your language and, therefore, you have to use signs. You may also play with individuals where each member of the team tries to decode the message displayed by the team leader.
It is an easy game that can look inwards into the company or outwards into the world. For instance, you may ask questions about your procedures and processes. It tests how much employees understand internal affairs. On the other hand, questions about the market, competitors, and the world in general are also welcome. Because the game is easy, anyone can initiate and lead.
It gives every team member an equal opportunity to lead and participate.
Remote team building requires investment in technology, especially a fast phone, reliable internet, sound, and camera. You need ingenious cheerleaders to organize the games. Keep the games clean so that everyone can participate as well as maintain good relationships between juniors and seniors.
Adrian Lomezzo is a freelance writer at US essay writers who has been exploring the main strategies of marketing and teaching students to get new skills for 5 years. He is passionate about student entrepreneurship and remote work. His tips have been tested and proven by some of the most successful entrepreneurs in the world.
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