Team Building Events - Done the Right way Virtually

Introduction

Can you recall the days when you could go on a week-long retreat in New York (or to a destination team building event)? That was before COVID-19 protocols were implemented. It was pretty amazing. We got to meet in person, go on adventures together, and have lots of fun.

Team building events and trips are still scarce in person, but there are still ways to do it virtually. These ideas will get you started!

Host team-based virtual events.

It's true: virtual team building can be just as effective as in-person events. The key is to use technology—apps, video conferencing, and other digital tools—to connect with your team. This way, you'll get the same kind of learning experience without having to leave home or office (or wherever).

Team up with your colleagues using applications like Slack and Zoom, two favorite tools that we'll discuss in more detail below. With these programs:

• You can share files and documents quickly
• Your meetings are easily recorded and transcribed
• You can do virtually anything else you would do at an in-person meeting

The best part? You don't even need a headset! You're still able to work on whatever it is that you normally do during meetings anyway; all you have to do is install these apps onto your computer or laptop (or smartphone if that's what you prefer) then invite others from around the world into the conversation. From there on out, anything goes!

Plan themed virtual happy hours.

• Decide on a theme, e.g., "All Things Wine," or "Historical Artifacts."
• Plan the location and time of day, e.g., in an old warehouse at sunset with a view of the city skyline as an accent color for decorating purposes.
• Figure out what food you want to serve and how much alcohol to buy based on your budget, taking into account that there will likely be some spillage or wastage during the course of the evening's festivities (e.g., wine stains).
• Make sure all activities are legal where they're being held (e.g., don't have anyone participate in a pie eating contest unless they have official permission from someone who is legally allowed to grant such permission).
• Decorate according to theme; make sure there are lots of candles lit so everyone can see each other well enough without stumbling over things after having had one too many drinks!

Send fun mail to all of your teammates.

You can send an email to your team with a fun subject, image, video, quote or link. You could also include a fun fact that relates to the topic at hand or challenge them by asking them to answer a question about it. Here are some ideas for what you can include:

• Fun Fact: Did you know that [insert fact here]?
• Challenge: In this lesson we will be learning about [insert subject]. Can anyone out there find out how many different kinds of animals there are in the world?

Play a game over video chat.

Games are a fun way to bond with your team, and there are tons of games you can play virtually. Some examples include

• Charades
• Pictionary
• Taboo
• Apples to Apples (and its many spin-offs)
• Cards Against Humanity (and its many spin-offs)

You can also use video game platforms like Steam, PlayStation Network or Xbox Live to get yourself some multiplayer action that everyone can enjoy.

Collaborate on a project together.

Collaborating on a project together is the key to success.

Collaboration is an important part of the workplace, and it’s something that we should all do more often. In fact, you may be surprised at just how much collaboration can help your company become stronger and more efficient. Collaboration helps build trust between coworkers, so they feel comfortable coming forward with ideas and feedback.

It also gives you a chance to learn from each other, which will improve your productivity as well as your ability to complete projects successfully. Finally, collaboration helps get things done faster because everyone has input into making sure everything goes smoothly every step of the way.

Virtual team building can be fun, especially when you know how to do it right.

If you’re looking to build trust, relationships, culture or a community, virtual team building can be an excellent way to do so.

Virtual team building can be fun!

For example: Last year my team and I were working on some new products. We decided to have a virtual scavenger hunt around town where we had to take pictures with red balloons. It was extremely successful because everyone had so much fun! We all got together over video chat and shared our photos with each other (and popcorn!). This event helped us bond as a group while working on something important at the same time.

Conclusion

Now that you know what to do, it’s time to get out there and start building.

Do you own a team building company? Do you work for one? You may be interested in coming to The Event Planner Expo 2022 in New York and get maximum exposure with the Corporate Event Planners that attend each year. Network with the professionals that who would like to use your service! Click to learn more about how to participate!