When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the idea of “work from home” was quickly flipped on its head. With remote work becoming normalized comes the challenge of keeping teams connected and cohesive, despite physical distances. In an era where emails replace handshakes and screens stand in for conference rooms, team building takes on a new form and importance.
This blog post explores the significance of virtual team-building exercises for remote workers, offering practical strategies that managers can employ to build stronger, more engaged teams. Here’s what remote workers and managers should consider going forward.
The Importance of Team Building for Remote Workers
Remote work offers flexibility and convenience, but it also presents unique challenges in terms of team dynamics. When team members are scattered across different locations, building rapport and fostering communication can be difficult. This can lead to feelings of isolation, misunderstandings, and a lack of trust among team members.
To bridge these gaps, intentional team building is crucial. When done right, team-building exercises can help create a sense of belonging, improve communication, and build trust within remote teams. These efforts can lead to improved job satisfaction, lower turnover rates, and ultimately, a more successful organization.
Types of Team Building Exercises for Remote Workers
Engaging remote workers in team-building activities requires creativity and the right tools. Here are some effective types of exercises that can foster team bonding and engagement:
Virtual Icebreakers and Games
Kickstart your virtual meetings with icebreakers that encourage team members to share and learn about each other. Activities like “Two Truths and a Lie” or “Virtual Scavenger Hunt” can break the ice and set a positive tone for collaboration. Even playing games like Wordle can foster a healthy team environment, as it sees coworkers banding together for a common goal!
Dale Carnegie once noted that people love to talk about themselves, so ask questions that get workers to engage beyond work. Some questions to consider include:
- What is one activity in life you haven’t tried that you would like to?
- Where is your dream vacation destination and why?
- What is your favorite type of music/favorite movie/favorite TV show and why?
These games not only lighten the mood but also help in building a sense of community and camaraderie.
Online Collaborative Challenges
Boost problem-solving skills and teamwork with online collaborative challenges. Activities such as virtual escape rooms or group brainstorming sessions can put your team’s collective creativity to the test. These challenges also require members to work together towards a common goal, enhancing their ability to collaborate effectively. For managers who are interested in fostering more of a team-based environment, look to Escapely or Elevent for virtual escape rooms.
Tools and Platforms for Hosting Virtual Team Building Activities
The right tools can make a huge difference in the success of virtual team building exercises. Platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Slack offer features that facilitate interaction and engagement.
Best Practices for Implementing Team Building in Remote Work
Scheduling and Facilitating Remote Team Building Activities
Managers should schedule team building exercises at a time that is convenient for all team members, considering different time zones if necessary. It’s important to communicate the purpose of the activity clearly and to encourage participation from everyone.
During the activities, facilitators should ensure that everyone is engaged and has an opportunity to contribute. This can involve using breakout rooms for smaller group discussions or assigning roles to team members to keep them involved.
Making Virtual Events Inclusive and Accessible
Inclusivity should be a priority when planning virtual team building activities. Ensure that activities are accessible to all team members, considering factors such as language barriers, cultural differences, and physical abilities. Providing clear instructions and being open to feedback can help make the experience enjoyable and inclusive for everyone.
Strategies for Measuring Effectiveness
To measure the effectiveness of team building efforts, managers can collect feedback from participants through surveys or informal discussions. This feedback can provide valuable insights into what worked well and what could be improved for future activities. Additionally, tracking metrics such as employee engagement levels and team performance can help assess the long-term impact of team building initiatives.
Why Team Building Is Imperative for Remote Workers
Team building is not just a buzzword; it’s a necessity in today’s remote work environment. By investing in creative and engaging team building exercises, managers can foster a sense of unity and belonging among remote workers. These efforts lead to improved communication, higher morale, and a more productive team.
Work-life balance is imperative and is the core of what we do here at ONE18MEDIA. By investing in team-building exercises — whether it’s virtual icebreakers for the week or games for us all to play — we foster a healthy and happy environment that is ultimately conducive to delivering clients results they need.
You deserve a motivated and energized team to deliver you the leads and profits you deserve. That’s why you can always count on ONE18 ! For the past decade, we have helped elevate clients across many industries — from education to HVAC — to financial success with our digital marketing efforts. To learn how we can do that for you, please visit our website and request a strategy call today.