Team-building exercises are crucial for the success of any team, and this is especially true for those working remotely. These exercises help to foster trust, improve communication, and enhance collaboration among employees, all of which are essential for effective remote work.
Additionally, team-building exercises can boost morale and increase productivity, making them a valuable investment for any remote team. Below, we have compiled a list of six fun team-building exercises that you can use to strengthen your remote working platform.
Two Truths and a Lie
This is a classic icebreaker game that is perfect for remote teams. Have each team member come up with three statements about themselves, two of which are true and one that is a lie. Then, have the other team members try to guess which statement is the lie. This exercise helps team members to get to know each other better and can foster a sense of connection and trust.
Escape Room
Escape room games are a popular team-building activity, and many online versions are now available. In this exercise, team members must work together to solve puzzles and riddles in order to “escape” a virtual room. This activity promotes problem-solving and collaboration skills.
Remote Scavenger Hunt
Set up a scavenger hunt for your team members to complete remotely. This can be done in person or online, depending on your team’s location and preference. The scavenger hunt can be designed to encourage team members to explore their local area or to complete tasks using online tools. This activity promotes teamwork, creativity and problem-solving.
Team Trivia
Host a virtual trivia night for your team. You can use a website or app like TriviaMaker to create custom trivia questions. This activity promotes teamwork and helps team members to learn more about each other’s interests and expertise.
Virtual Book Club
Start a virtual book club for your team. Choose a book that relates to your team’s work or mission, and have team members read it on their own time. Then, schedule a virtual discussion session to share thoughts and insights about the book. This activity promotes critical thinking and communication skills.
Online Team-Building Workshop
There are many online team-building workshops available that can be tailored to your team’s needs. These workshops often include activities and exercises that promote teamwork, communication and leadership skills.
Team building exercises are beneficial for remote teams for several reasons.
Improves Communication and Collaboration
Team-building exercises help team members to get to know each other better and build trust. They encourage open and honest communication, which is important for remote teams where everyone may not have the opportunity to interact face-to-face on a regular basis.
A survey conducted by TINY Pulse found that 53% of employees who feel connected to their colleagues through team-building activities are more likely to stay with their current employer.
Increases Productivity
Team-building exercises can help to improve morale and motivation, which can lead to increased productivity. In a study by the University of Pennsylvania, team-building activities can increase team productivity by up to 20%. When team members feel connected and supported, they are more likely to be engaged and focused on their work.
Boosts Morale
Team-building activities can help to foster a positive team culture, even when team members are not physically together. A survey by Gartner found that 87% of employees believe that team-building activities can improve communication within a department or company. They provide an opportunity for team members to connect and have fun together, which can help to improve morale and reduce feelings of isolation.
Enhances Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Skills
Many team-building exercises require team members to work together to solve problems or make decisions. Research by the Journal of Applied Psychology found that employees who participate in team-building activities have higher levels of trust and cohesion, leading to increased performance and productivity. This can help to improve these skills and make the team more effective in their work.
Builds Trust
Trust is an important component of any company, and it is especially important for remote teams. Team-building exercises can help employees build trust and learn to rely on each other, which is essential for successful remote work. Also, a survey from Achievers found that 86% of employees believe that team-building activities have a positive impact on the overall culture of an organization.
Conclusion
There are many fun and effective team-building exercises that can be done remotely. Team-building is a valuable investment for remote employees and the company for which they work. They can help to improve communication, increase productivity, boost morale, and build trust among team members. By incorporating these activities into your group’s routine, you can foster a stronger sense of connection and collaboration among your employees.