Tech companies with high-performing teams are more successful and see a significant boost in their bottom line. Yet, creating a team that’s effective and successful does not just happen overnight by hiring qualified people – you need to invest in building them through various activities designed to bring employees together. Naturally, the best way to do that is by regularly investing time and effort in team-building exercises. But how do you encourage bonding and collaboration between colleagues when thousands of miles separate them? The answer – virtual team building.
Virtual team building is the same as in-person, with the main difference being that it is in a virtual setting. Since the format is different, team-building ideas include activities such as a virtual murder mystery game designed to bring more interaction and collaboration to your remote employees.
So, if you want to know more about the best tried-and-true practices for increasing your remote team engagement and boosting their motivation, read on!
#1 Group Improv Games
One of the best team-building ideas for large and small remote tech teams is improvising games that are in their essence acting exercises with no script. Virtual improv games are entertaining and flexible regardless of whether your team is into dramatical expression, fantasy, or board games. From virtual clue murder mystery parties to space escape, the sky is the limit with improvisation games. They will help your employees improve their mutual communication, encourage social interaction, increase engagement, and above all, entertain them.
#2 Two Truths and One Lie
This is a trendy in-person team-building game and one that we all know. The great thing is that it can be equally fun and easy to execute virtually. You need to use a few of your managing skills here to coordinate your team players, and you can do it via video calls or messaging apps. So how do you do it? Give your team players two minutes to concoct two truths and one lie. Then, participants must figure out which of the three sentences is a lie by taking a turn. The added value here is that your team will have a great time learning about each other.
#3 A Virtual Vacation
We doubt that any of your employees will have something against kicking back on a tropical beach, wearing summer shirts, and sipping on Blue Hawaii. Virtual vacation team-building activity, regardless of whether you buy it or make one on your own, will transport your team to a fantasy island where they must work together to survive and navigate the waters and return home. The best thing about this exercise is that they will have an opportunity to work together through fun challenges, learn about each other, connect and laugh.
#4 Sweat it Out Together
Another tried-and-true activity for building togetherness (and improving health) in remote tech teams is exercising together. What can be better than a group fitness or kickboxing class for an energetic start of the day or a group yoga class to wind down at the end of a hard working day? This team-building activity is easy to execute, promotes healthy habits between your team, and most importantly, reduces stress and increases connection and motivation between your employees. To make the most out of it, include trained instructors to lead a session.
#5 Express Yourself Afternoon
Who said tech people have no artistic affinity? So, why not organize a crafty team-building afternoon? There are plenty of creative activities that are perfect for bonding team members. The options are endless, from painting and playing with clay to pottery and mosaic. However, this exercise requires a bit of prep in advance. First, make sure you think of an overall theme and send everyone the supplies they need in advance. Then, log into a video conference, explain the general idea and rules (if any), play some music, and start creating. Book a teacher if you want an expert to lead the way and focus the overall project. This team-building activity is excellent since it helps reduce stress, improves mental health, increases happiness, and encourages creativity.
The Bottom Line
Regardless of where your teams are based, keeping them connected, engaged, motivated and productive is key to building a successful business. Virtual team-building activities can help remote teams experience what it means to be together, help increase their collaboration and encourage their creativity: the result- positive company culture and thriving business.