Let’s face it: A company is only as good as the team behind it.
Disengaged employees are a recipe for absenteeism, low productivity and a revolving door of new hires.
Not exactly the dream, right?
That’s where team building comes in. These activities aren’t just about forced fun (although a little laughter never hurts).
They’re powerful tools for building strong, engaged teams that communicate effectively, collaborate seamlessly, and tackle problems together.
The result?
A cohesive unit that gets things done — and enjoys doing them together.
In this article, I’ll cover a range of fun and effective team-building activities, perfect for both in-person and virtual teams, that promote healthy employee engagement.
Let’s dive in.
Key Takeaways:
- Only 27% of leaders believe they are very effective at leading hybrid or virtual teams.
- Effective team-building activities can improve communication, collaboration and problem-solving.
- Variety is key — offer a range of team-building activities suitable for different team sizes, work environments and personalities.
1. Potluck Lunch
Sharing meals strengthens connections. Skip the takeout and bond with your colleagues over a potluck lunch!
Encourage everyone to contribute a dish during a social hour, promoting socialization and building a sense of community.
This activity is perfect for any team size and a relaxed way to connect. Plus, who doesn’t like free food?
You can level-up your potluck event by choosing a theme (appetizers, global cuisine, etc.) or keep it open-ended to accommodate preferences. Be sure to decorate and add good background music to create a pleasant atmosphere.
| Time | Participants | In-Person or Remote |
| 1-2 hours | 2+ | In-Person |
Quick Tip: When choosing a theme, consider dietary restrictions and allergies. Make sure everyone feels comfortable contributing and participating.
2. Office Scavenger Hunt
Tap into your inner detective with an office scavenger hunt.
This fun, fast-paced activity encourages teamwork, problem-solving and a healthy dose of friendly competition.
The more customized, the better. Create a list of clues related to your office or company culture and divide employees into teams.
Have your teams find specific objects, ask trivia questions or complete lighthearted challenges like taking a team selfie.
| Time | Participants | In-Person or Remote |
| 1-2 hours | 4+ | In-Person |
Quick Tip: Hide clues in unexpected places or incorporate inside jokes to surprise and delight your team.
3. Escape Rooms
Escape rooms offer an immersive and thrilling way to build your team. You’ll learn to collaborate effectively while solving puzzles and cracking codes under a time limit to “escape” the themed room.
They offer a unique environment that naturally encourages team building in several ways:
- Communication: Team members need to effectively share ideas, decipher clues collaboratively and ensure everyone is on the same page.
- Problem-solving: The team will need to work together, combining their skills and perspectives to find solutions.
- Building trust: Successfully navigating through challenges strengthens trust and creates a sense of “we’re in this together.”
- Celebrating success: Escaping the room within the time limit is a collective achievement that everyone celebrates. This shared victory boosts morale and reinforces the value of teamwork.
This activity pushes teams to work together creatively and efficiently, building stronger bonds that will translate back to the workplace.
| Time | Participants | In-Person or Remote |
| 45 minutes – 1 hour | 4-8 | In-Person |
Quick Tip: Keep in mind claustrophobia. Some escape rooms involve confined spaces. Be sure to consider this for team members’ comfort.
4. Trivia Games
Liven up your next team-building event with a classic favorite: trivia!
The best part? Trivia is incredibly adaptable.
This activity puts your team’s knowledge to the test. Craft trivia questions specific to your company’s history, inside jokes or team quirks. This personalized touch creates a fun and engaging experience for everyone.
Even the most challenging questions can spark laughter and friendly competition.
| Time | Participants | In-Person or Remote |
| 1 – 2 hours | 4+ | Both |
Quick Tip: To amp up the competitive spirit, offer prizes, big or small, to encourage friendly bragging rights. Or, create a special “trophy” that the person can only keep until next year.
5. Cooking Classes
I get it — not everyone is a master chef. I’m certainly not!
But these interactive sessions aren’t just about whipping up a tasty meal — they’re about enhancing teamwork and skill-building in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.
In the kitchen, teammates work together following recipes, learning new techniques and dividing tasks to create a culinary masterpiece.
This hands-on experience strengthens communication, problem-solving abilities and, of course, knife skills.
The best part? You get to devour a delicious meal you created.
Sharing a meal adds another layer of camaraderie and allows everyone to celebrate their collaborative achievement.
| Time | Participants | In-Person or Remote |
| 2 – 3 hours | 4+ | In-Person |
Quick Tip: Research in advance. Find a cuisine, skill level and format that perfectly suits your team.
6. Icebreakers
Look, no one wants to feel awkward and uncomfortable in their workplace.
Kick off your team-building session or meeting on the right foot with engaging icebreakers.
These quick activities help team members loosen up, introduce themselves and find common ground in an interactive way.
Icebreakers are a way to warm up any team gathering and come with a wealth of benefits:
- Melt the awkwardness: New teams, or even established ones that don’t interact frequently, can fall victim to uncomfortable silences. Icebreakers help break the ice (pun intended!) and encourage interaction among team members.
- Boost camaraderie: Lighthearted activities and shared laughter create a more relaxed atmosphere, creating a sense of connection and belonging.
- Spark creativity: Icebreakers get those creative juices flowing. Engaging in a fun activity together helps strengthen communication and trust. It gets your team thinking outside the box, setting the stage for more productive brainstorming or problem-solving sessions later on.
| Time | Participants | In-Person or Remote |
| 5 – 30 minutes | 3+ | Both |
Quick Tip: When choosing icebreakers, consider the mix of personalities on your team. Offer a variety of activities to ensure everyone feels comfortable participating.
7. Workplace Wellness Challenge
A workplace wellness challenge empowers teams to prioritize their well-being.
They’re a win-win situation for both your employees and your organization — encouraging healthy habits through friendly competition and team support.
This translates to a healthier and happier workforce, with improved focus, energy levels and reduced absenteeism.
There’s a challenge out there to suit every team’s interests:
- Step it up: Walking/running challenges encourage physical activity. Teams compete for the most steps walked or the furthest distance covered.
- Desk to delight: Promote healthy eating with challenges focused on packing healthy lunches, trying new recipes or increasing water intake.
- Mindful minutes: Combat stress with challenges focused on mindfulness practices like meditation or deep breathing exercises.
After all, health is wealth.
| Time | Participants | In-Person or Remote |
| Flexible (varies by challenge) | 3+ | Both |
Quick Tip: When choosing a theme, consider your team’s interests, demographics and fitness levels. Offer options to accommodate various physical and dietary restrictions.
8. Paint and Sip
Paint and sip sessions go beyond just creating art — they’re a recipe for team bonding.
The shared experience of unleashing creativity together strengthens collaboration and strengthens relationships. Who doesn’t want that in the workplace?
This, in turn, leads to a more cohesive team that functions better both inside and outside the studio.
Many cities have paint and sip studios that offer guided sessions with all supplies included for an in-person experience, while several online platforms offer virtual classes for remote workplaces.
| Time | Participants | In-Person or Remote |
| 2 – 3 hours | 3+ | Both |
Quick Tips: When choosing what to paint, consider your team’s interests (abstract art, landscapes, pop culture). Many studios even offer private events where you can personalize the experience for your team.
9. Team Happy Hour
Sometimes, the best team building happens outside the office.
Enter the team happy hour: a relaxed social gathering that allows colleagues to unwind and connect in a casual setting.
Happy hour provides a space for informal interactions beyond work-related topics, helping team members get to know each other on a more personal level.
It can be as simple as grabbing a drink and tapas and discussing what’s happening on their favorite reality show.
| Time | Participants | In-Person or Remote |
| 1 – 2 hours | 4+ | Both |
Quick Tip: Keep it casual. Team happy hour is about strengthening connections, not mandatory attendance. Let your team know it’s an optional opportunity to relax and unwind with colleagues.
10. Company Talent Show
A company talent show is a recipe for laughter, friendship and a newfound appreciation for the diverse skills within your organization.
Encourage participation from all skill levels and interests, from singing and dancing to magic tricks and comedy routines.
To liven things up, incorporate categories for different talents and offer prizes to add to the excitement.
Since sharing a hidden talent is a vulnerable experience, maintain a lighthearted atmosphere with a focus on having fun and celebrating each other’s talents.
| Time | Participants | In-Person or Remote |
| 1 – 2 hours | 4+ | Both |
Quick Tip: Incorporate unique and memorable prizes that celebrate team spirit and company culture.
11. Blindfolded Drawing Challenge
This quick and engaging activity is a way to tighten team bonds through communication and teamwork.
A blindfolded drawing challenge breaks down into two key roles: the “artist” and the “describer.” The artist, blindfolded, attempts to recreate a chosen image based solely on the verbal instructions of their teammate, the describer.
- Communication is key: The describer needs to clearly and concisely convey the image using words that don’t reveal the actual object.
- Laughter guaranteed: The inevitable misinterpretations between the describer’s words and the artist’s interpretation will have your team in stitches.
It’s an easy stress reliever and offers a chance to bond over shared laughter.
| Time | Participants | In-Person or Remote |
| 30 – 45 minutes | 3+ | In-Person |
Quick Tip: Have a timer and a set of pre-chosen images (or have players describe objects in the room for in-person teams).
12. Show and Tell
Remember the excitement of sharing your favorite toy or childhood treasure during Show and Tell?
This classic activity gets a grown-up twist in the world of team building.
Stories matter. Encourage participants to share a story about their chosen item to add depth and personal connection to the activity.
Sharing a personal object or story is a great conversation starter, especially for new teams or those with introverted members.
You might be surprised by the shared experiences or interests revealed through seemingly ordinary objects.
| Time | Participants | In-Person or Remote |
| 20 – 30 minutes | 4+ | Both |
Quick Tip: Set a time limit for presentations (2-3 minutes) to keep the activity focused and allow everyone to participate.
13. Serve the Community
I firmly believe we all should give back to our community. It betters ourselves and the people around us.
Choose a cause or organization that aligns with your company’s core values and team interests to create a more meaningful experience for everyone.
Helping others is a mood-lifter. Volunteering helps create a more positive and engaged work environment, reducing stress and increasing feelings of accomplishment.
| Time | Participants | In-Person or Remote |
| Flexible (varies by opportunity) | Flexible (varies by opportunity) | In-Person |
Quick Tip: Document the experience. Take photos or videos (with permission) to share the experience with your team and company.
14. Company Sports League
Lace up your shoes and unleash your inner athlete with a company sports league!
This team-building activity promotes friendly competition, physical activity and a sense of harmony among colleagues.
Regular physical activity betters physical and mental well-being, leading to a more engaged and productive workforce.
Besides, who doesn’t like a little healthy competition?
Look for gyms, parks or courts suitable for your chosen sport. Consider factors like commute time, amenities (showers, changing rooms) and whether they offer leagues or rent equipment.
While competition can be motivating, prioritize an inclusive environment where everyone feels comfortable participating.
| Time | Participants | In-Person or Remote |
| Varies (based on league schedule, practice times, commute) | 8+ (depending on sport) | In-Person |
Quick Tip: Gauge employee interest in different sports and activity levels before finalizing the league choice.
15. Company Cookbook
Don’t you wish you could mimic that delicious-looking lunch that one coworker always has?
Lucky for you, a company cookbook is a recipe for team bonding.
It allows for creativity and collaboration and is a lasting keepsake that celebrates the culinary talents within your team.
Celebrate diversity and cultural exchange. Encourage a diverse range of recipes to cater to different dietary needs and preferences.
| Time | Participants | In-Person or Remote |
| Varies | 4+ | Both |
Quick Tip: Utilize online recipe collection tools and collaborative document editing platforms and consider a digital cookbook format for easy sharing and accessibility.
16. Team Game Night
Let’s face it: Work gets stressful at times.
A team game night offers a way to unwind, connect with colleagues on a deeper level and conquer some friendly competition — all outside the usual work routine.
It’s not all about winning. It’s about building a stronger team through shared experiences.
Choose classic board games, cooperative games for strategy, charades, trivia or video game tournaments. Pick games that cater to diverse interests and allow everyone to participate and shine!
| Time | Participants | In-Person or Remote |
| 1 – 2 hours | 4+ | Both |
Quick Tip: For online game nights, utilize platforms designed for online tournaments to add a competitive edge.
17. Office Amazing Race
The Amazing Race has become a hot favorite for team-building activities.
This high-energy activity combines team engagement and adventure, suitable for team members of all interests and abilities.
But a successful race requires careful planning, not just speed.
Set up a course throughout the office with various challenges, puzzles and missions for teams to solve to move on in the game.
Teams need to be smart and strategic and work together to navigate the course efficiently.
| Time | Participants | In-Person or Remote |
| 1 – 2 hours | 8+ | In-Person |
Quick Tip: Get creative and design challenges that utilize everyday office supplies or objects to keep costs down and add a unique office twist to the race.
18. Book Club
There’s no doubt that a good book sparks engaging conversations and opens our minds to new ideas.
A company book club leverages this power of literature to spark conversation and collaboration among colleagues.
Imagine — lively debates and a newfound understanding that promotes empathy and respect. This is the magic of a team book club. It builds intellectual connections and strengthens the foundation of trust within your team.
The shared experience translates back to the office, creating a stronger sense of fellowship and a more cohesive team culture.
| Time | Participants | In-Person or Remote |
| Flexible (over 1 week) | 4+ | Both |
Quick Tip: To accommodate different schedules and reading preferences, consider offering audiobook options or hosting discussions during lunch breaks.
19. Random Acts of Kindness Week
Positive reinforcement like compliments and recognition fuels employee fulfillment, strengthens their confidence and builds a more positive self-image.
The result? A happier and more engaged workforce.
It’s a win-win!
The goal is to cultivate a positive and supportive work environment, which is essential for employee retention.
People quit bosses and environments they can’t grow in. And happy employees are less likely to look for greener pastures elsewhere.
Examples of random acts of kindness to perform include:
- Leaving positive sticky notes for colleagues
- Buying coffee for the person behind in line
- Writing thank-you notes to support staff
Throughout the week, have team members choose acts from a pre-made list or come up with their own. Encourage them to share photos or stories of their kindness deeds via a designated communication channel.
| Time | Participants | In-Person or Remote |
| 1 week | 4+ | Both |
Quick Tip: Brainstorm a variety of acts to cater to different personalities and comfort levels. This ensures everyone can participate meaningfully.
20. Thank You Bingo
People long for recognition and thanks.
Thank you Bingo nurtures a culture of appreciation by encouraging team members to recognize employees’ contributions.
It’s a great conversation starter, especially for introverts, as the bingo squares provide a structured way to approach colleagues and highlight their strengths.
Overall, thank you Bingo is a quick and engaging way to build team spirit, strengthen relationships and cultivate an environment of gratitude.
| Time | Participants | In-Person or Remote |
| 30 – 45 minutes | 4+ | Both |
Quick Tip: Encourage players to personalize their “thank you” messages when marking someone’s square. A specific example of how someone exhibited a positive quality goes a long way in building appreciation.
21. Virtual Pet Introductions
Calling all remote teams with furry (or feathered or scaled) friends!
Virtual pet introductions are the “purrfect” icebreaker to boost morale and promote a more inclusive team culture.
Schedule a video call, share pet photos and fun facts and watch the team building blossom as you celebrate the adorable companions who brighten your team’s days.
This is a lighthearted activity for team bonding and appreciating the critters that bring us joy.
| Time | Participants | In-Person or Remote |
| 30 – 45 minutes | 4+ | Remote |
Quick Tip: Consider incorporating a “Best Trick” or “Most Unique Pet” category with a fun (virtual) prize to add a touch of lighthearted competition.
22. Map Your Travels
Looking for a team-building activity that celebrates diversity and sparks conversation?
Embark on a virtual journey around the globe with “Map Your Travels,” a team-building activity that celebrates shared experiences.
Here’s how it works:
- Gather your supplies: A large world map (physical or digital), markers, stickers or pins — anything to mark locations on the map.
- Explore and share: Each team member gets a chance to mark a place they’ve traveled to or dream of visiting. Encourage them to share a brief story or anecdote about their chosen location. This sparks conversation and allows colleagues to learn about each other’s backgrounds and interests.
- Connecting the dots: Look for commonalities. Do any team members share travel dreams or past experiences? This is a great opportunity to discover shared passions and build rapport.
| Time | Participants | In-Person or Remote |
| 30 – 45 minutes | 4+ | Both |
Quick Tip: Utilize video conferencing and screen-sharing for remote teams. Team members can use their webcams for a virtual “show and tell” of travel keepsakes.
Tips for Boosting Employee Engagement in the Workplace
Disengaged employees hinder productivity and morale. Here are some impactful strategies to boost employee engagement and create a thriving workplace culture:
- Recognize and appreciate: Celebrate achievements, big or small. Public recognition, personalized notes or rewards show employees their contributions matter.
- Foster open communication: Encourage regular check-ins, feedback sessions and open communication channels. Employees who feel heard are more invested.
- Empower and promote growth: Provide opportunities for skill development, challenging projects and contributing ideas. This encourages a sense of ownership and purpose.
- Promote work-life balance: Respect boundaries and offer flexible work arrangements to help employees manage their personal and professional lives effectively.
- Invest in wellness: Promote employee well-being with wellness programs, healthy workplace snacks or gym memberships. A healthy workforce is a happy and engaged workforce.
Building trust and fostering a strong team culture is an ongoing process. While these team activities for employee engagement are a fantastic starting point, remember that trust is built through consistent communication, collaboration and appreciation.
Implementing these activities can not only boost morale and productivity but also lead to a happier and more engaged workforce, ultimately contributing to higher employee retention.
For even more ideas and strategies for building a successful team, keep exploring resources like the Better Leader Newsletter. Happy team building!
To stronger connections,
Thomas
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