All companies with employees need to promote relationships and trust between team members. However, when a portion or all of the team works remotely, this can be a bit of a challenge. At the same time, remote teams need a higher level of trust and transparency in order to work effectively.
Companies can leverage video conferencing and other communication tools to deliver virtual team-building activities that can bring remote workers together.
Remote team building events also help remote employees feel connected to their colleagues. This is important for preventing some of the mental health disadvantages of remote work, which include isolation and lack of work-life balance.
There are many ways to engage remote employees through virtual team-building activities.
Break Rooms
Virtual break rooms are like the online equivalent to the water cooler. These spaces are set aside for casual discussions. Employees can access these areas during their breaks to interact with their colleagues. Companies can create special video meeting rooms or chat forums where remote workers can connect.
Break rooms encourage interactions that aren’t focused on work or project goals. Employees can bond over shared interests or experiences. This enables workers to connect on a human level and form better relationships. Virtual break rooms can also break the silos that can hinder workers from different departments from interacting with one another.
Break rooms also signal to workers that their employers value them as whole individuals. This activity shows that a company acknowledges the importance of socializing and belonging to mental health.
Companies can also host scheduled break rooms and encourage in-office personnel to participate and interact with their remote coworkers. This also builds trust amongst team members.
Virtual Events
While break rooms are most effective when they are optional, this can mean that not all employees will participate. Scheduling mandatory virtual events can have many of the same benefits as break rooms while encouraging all workers to attend.
Virtual events can take many different forms. For example, company-wide meetings that update employees on quarterly performance and goals can take place online. Companies can also hold events to mark special occasions, such as anniversaries or hitting important milestones.
Making virtual events engaging for hybrid offices takes a bit more planning. However, incorporating interactive features such as funny poll questions or problem-solving exercises can ensure that in-person and online attendees are active participants.
Workshops
Workshops are stand-alone educational experiences that can support your workforce’s professional development. Workshops are usually led by industry experts who will train your employees and provide resources to continue their development after the workshop is over.
Common workshop topics include stress management, technical skills, and regulation compliance. Today, companies can arrange for hybrid workshops that cater to both in-office and remote employees.
Most workshops are enhanced with technology. For example, teaching materials can include virtual formats, such as presentations, online course modules, and links to supplemental videos and text.
Interactive Games
Play is an important catalyst for creativity, relaxation, and bonding. Companies can bring more play into their workplace by using games as a team-building tool. Encouraging game-playing in the workplace also promotes a company culture that values employee well-being and encourages whole-person development.
While setting time aside for employees to game together can seem counterproductive, game breaks can actually boost employee satisfaction and productivity. Today, there are many online options for interactive games. As a result, remote workers can reap the same benefits as their office-based counterparts.
Companies can add an element of challenge and competition by hosting tournaments or pre-planning game breaks as part of the workday. Breaking up the workday in this way can help remote workers maintain a healthy work-life balance and accelerate their bonding with their colleagues.
Viewing Parties
Viewing parties, also known as watch parties, are online platforms that allow people to stream the same movie or series from different devices. During a viewing party, attendees can watch the video and communicate with others through a chat box or voice messages. These types of activities may be preferable for employees who are introverted and do not do well in settings that require a lot of interaction.
Viewing parties help remote and in-person workers bond through shared experiences. Companies can establish a weekly or monthly movie night and invite employees to vote on their preferred films.