As the workforce continues to evolve, keeping employees engaged, motivated, and satisfied remains crucial for organizational success. Team building activities are a proven way to foster trust, communication, and collaboration among employees, helping them form valuable relationships that benefit the organization as a whole.With the rise of hybrid and remote work models, it's more important than ever to find creative ways to bring employees together, whether virtually or in person. Gallup reported that workplace isolation can derail productivity up to 21%, meaning it's critical to keep your workforce connected and empowered. Here are some of the best team building activities that can increase employee engagement and strengthen team dynamics.
1. Virtual Pictionary & Online Team Games
Pictionary remains a popular and scalable game for team building, but digital versions are an even better fit for hybrid and remote teams. Platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams now support virtual game features, allowing team members to collaborate and engage no matter where they are located.
- Enhanced Communication: The game encourages verbal and non-verbal communication as players try to guess each other's drawings.
- Team Bonding: Pictionary fosters a fun and relaxed atmosphere, making it easier for employees to connect and build stronger relationships.
- Creativity & Quick Thinking: Drawing and guessing under time constraints boosts creativity and helps employees think on their feet.
For added motivation, reward winners with an Engage2Reward™ Choice Card, which is perfect for a virtual workplace and can be redeemed for any of the 250+ digital gift cards available through the Engage2Reward™ Gift Card Ordering Platform, providing immediate recognition and keeping employees engaged.
2. Look Up, Look Down (Virtual Adaptation)
While "Look Up, Look Down" is a simple and fun game, its effectiveness is limited in virtual settings. However, it can be adapted for remote teams by utilizing a video conferencing platform. In this virtual version, participants take turns speaking or using a fun "look-up" and "look-down" animation on screen to interact. The goal remains the same: breaking the ice and encouraging team members to engage with one another in a fun, low-pressure environment.
This is a great way to ensure that remote employees can still connect, especially if they haven't had the chance to meet face-to-face.
3. Outdoor & Hybrid Activities
Although outdoor activities have always been a hit, it's essential to make them accessible to both in-office and remote employees. Hybrid activities are a great way to engage teams regardless of location:
- Hybrid Scavenger Hunts: Organize a scavenger hunt that combines virtual clues with physical tasks. Participants at home can solve riddles or complete digital challenges, while those in the office can search for physical items.
- Team Sports: When in-person, organizing a soccer or volleyball game can build team spirit. For remote workers, you can arrange virtual sports challenges or fitness competitions, where employees track their steps, workouts, or progress in fitness apps.
For both in-person and remote teams, consider offering digital gift cards as prizes for completing challenges or winning competitions. This not only incentivizes participation but can also be used for wellness-related products or experiences that promote employee well-being. With hundreds of popular brands, the Engage2Reward Platform is the ideal solution for distributing engagement rewards and incentives quickly and seamlessly.
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4. Virtual Social Gatherings & Interactive Experiences
Social gatherings are a key component of team bonding, but they need to evolve to accommodate hybrid workforces. These events allow employees to relax, connect, and engage with their colleagues on a personal level. Not only does this facilitate harmony within a team, but can also improve communication patterns between team members by more than 50%. Here are a few ideas:
- Virtual Escape Rooms: Escape room games are ideal for fostering problem-solving, collaboration, and communication. Today, remote teams can join virtual escape rooms and work together to solve puzzles and complete challenges.
- Digital Cooking Classes: Host a virtual cooking or mixology class where employees can follow along with an instructor and create meals or cocktails from the comfort of their own homes.
- Online Game Tournaments: Organize a tournament for digital games like trivia, card games, or even esports competitions. This can be a fun way for employees to unwind and bond virtually.
To enhance these activities, you can incentivize participants with Engage2Reward Choice Cards for game victories, top team performances, or just for participating in social events.
5. Societal Contribution and Purpose-Driven Team Building
Employees continue to value purpose-driven work, and giving back to the community is one of the best ways to foster a sense of teamwork and shared values. In fact, 81% of recent survey respondents feel it's important to work for a company that integrates corporate social responsibility into its business practices. Consider these impactful options:
- Virtual Volunteering: Teams can participate in virtual charity events like online fundraisers, virtual tutoring for students, or even digital mentoring programs.
- Bike Buildathon: This classic charity event can be made hybrid, where some employees build bikes in person while others participate remotely by raising funds or contributing to the planning process.
- Corporate Retreats with Purpose: Even virtual retreats can be designed with a charitable focus, such as helping employees participate in volunteer hours remotely, donating to a cause of their choice, or creating projects that support local or global charities.
To make these activities even more meaningful, use digital gift cards to reward employees who contribute time or resources. Among hundreds of top name brands, CharityChoice gift cards are a great way to align rewards with purpose-driven events and activities.
6. AI-Driven Team Challenges
AI-driven activities are on the rise. These activities integrate advanced technologies to create interactive challenges and competitions for employees:
- AI-Powered Escape Rooms: Using AI, virtual escape rooms can offer customized, dynamic puzzles that evolve based on team performance, providing a unique challenge each time.
- Skill-Based AI Competitions: Engage employees by having them solve AI-driven puzzles or create solutions to real-world problems using AI tools.
These activities not only promote collaboration but also push teams to think critically and adapt to emerging technologies.
Conclusion
The best team-building activities go beyond the basics and integrate new technology, accessibility, and inclusivity for remote and hybrid teams. Whether you're hosting a virtual Pictionary session, participating in a hybrid scavenger hunt, or volunteering together for a purpose-driven project, there are countless ways to engage and motivate employees. Digital incentives, like the Engage2Reward Choice Card, make it easy to reward employees instantly and keep them motivated.
By incorporating these updated team-building activities, you can foster stronger relationships, improve communication, and enhance overall engagement in your team, whether they're working remotely, in the office, or in a hybrid setting.
