5 Inclusive Team Building Activities: Virtual or Hybrid Teams
- Nancy Maher
- May 1
- 3 min read
Updated: May 6
45% of Leaders report that relationship-building is the greatest challenge in hybrid and remote work. Microsoft 2022
Hey, since lots of us are doing hybrid work, it's important to find ways to get to know each other rather than just talking about the work together.
With fewer random chats in the office, we have to be more purposeful about creating a friendly and inclusive vibe. It's not just fun; it's also good for business!
44% of UK workers currently work remotely at least some of the time (16% full-time remote, 28% hybrid). StandoutCV
Here are our top five team-building activities, whether virtual or remote, tailored to ensure inclusivity for all employees.
1. Design for inclusion
Remote team-building activities should celebrate diversity. Offer accommodations like flexible scheduling, alternative formats for materials, and opportunities for breaks. Be open to adjusting activities based on individual needs. For example, not everyone wants their camera on.
2. Make team building sessions optional
Team building is not for everyone. Zoom fatigue is real. So, if you are planning activities, make them optional and enlist folks who would like to lead the session. Managers - get out of the way.
3. Make them short and sweet!
This way, you are more likely for people to join and not feel like it's another meeting tax.
🦹🏻♀️ Top Five Team Building Activities
Virtual scavenger hunt
Create a list of items for team members to find around their homes or virtually online. To ensure inclusivity, consider items that are widely accessible and culturally neutral.
The current book/magazine you are reading
Your pet or a picture of an animal you love.
Something completely random that makes you giggle.
A piece of clothing you never wear but can't bear to part with it.
Image sharing sessions
Visual storytelling can be a powerful tool for building connections. Organise image-sharing sessions where team members can optionally share photos or images that represent meaningful moments in their lives. This activity allows individuals to showcase experiences, fostering empathy among team members.
"Would You Rather?"
"Would you rather?" style questions are engaging poll ideas that allow team members to get to know each other better while having fun. Polls like this make introverted employees feel welcome without putting them on the spot.
Guess the team member
Invite team members to submit anonymous statements about themselves and try to guess who each statement belongs to. Encourage participants to create statements that do not reveal their identity. Tools like Polly can help you gather the statements.
The GIF challenge
This activity can be especially enjoyable for remote teams utilising a group messaging platform. Provide the group with prompts and task them with finding a GIF that captures their reaction to each prompt.
For instance:
When you hear that your next meeting is cancelled.
When someone schedules a meeting with you on Friday afternoon.
When you realise you had food on your face during your in-person presentation.
When you stay up too late on a work night, binge-watching a series on Netflix.
If you are unfamiliar with GIFs, search for "[anythink] gif" on Google or visit websites like giphy.com or tenor.com.
Conclusion: Building Stronger Remote Teams
In conclusion, team-building moments create a sense of unity and belonging among employees and drive the workplace culture. By embracing diversity, leveraging engaging activities, and prioritising inclusivity, teams can strengthen bonds and improve collaboration, regardless of physical distance. Creating spaces where every team member feels valued and included is key to a positive team culture.
➡️ Interested in working with us?
Find out more about our team coaching programmes and team culture workshops.
