Remote work is here to stay. With 73% of departments expected to include remote workers by 2028, keeping teams engaged and connected is critical. Virtual events are a simple way to address challenges like isolation and disengagement while boosting morale, collaboration, and productivity.
Here are four popular types of virtual events for remote teams:
- Online Office Games: Think trivia, escape rooms, and puzzles that encourage teamwork and communication.
- Virtual Scavenger Hunts: Fun, interactive challenges that promote problem-solving and quick thinking.
- Skills Workshops: Targeted sessions to develop professional skills like leadership and technical expertise.
- Themed Social Events: Casual gatherings with creative themes like trivia nights, costume parties, or talent shows.
Quick Comparison
| Event Type | Engagement | Customization | Skill Building | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online Office Games | High | Moderate | Moderate | Budget-friendly |
| Virtual Scavenger Hunts | High | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Skills Workshops | Moderate | High | High | Variable |
| Themed Social Events | Variable | High | Low/Moderate | Variable |
Key takeaway: Choose events based on your team’s goals – whether it’s boosting morale, improving skills, or strengthening collaboration. Rotate event types to keep things fresh and gather feedback to refine your strategy over time.
9 Virtual Team Building Activities For Your Remote Team
1. Online Office Games
Online office games have quickly become a favorite way for remote teams to connect and lift spirits. Activities like trivia, virtual escape rooms, puzzles, and quizzes help break the ice and foster camaraderie among team members.
What makes these games so appealing is their accessibility – anyone with an internet connection can join in. This makes them ideal for teams spread across different time zones. Popular formats include virtual bingo, online charades, digital board games, and group problem-solving challenges, all of which encourage collaboration and teamwork.
Engagement Level
Online office games are highly effective at keeping participants engaged, which directly impacts workplace satisfaction. In fact, 65% of gamers say that gaming has improved their teamwork and communication skills. Many participants also report feeling a stronger sense of belonging and forming meaningful connections through these activities. Games that focus on team challenges rather than individual competition tend to be even more impactful. Teams involved in collaborative gaming often experience higher levels of trust and better communication – benefits that naturally carry over into their day-to-day work interactions.
Customization Options
One of the standout features of online office games is how easily they can be tailored to fit different team sizes, industries, and company cultures. Games can incorporate company-specific details or industry-related terms, making the experience feel more personal. Organizers can tweak aspects like difficulty levels, time limits, and team configurations to suit their group’s preferences. For example, a marketing team might enjoy brand-focused trivia, while a tech team could dive into logic puzzles or coding challenges. These games can also be adjusted to fit the schedule, whether as quick 15-minute icebreakers or longer team-building sessions. This flexibility makes it easy to align the games with team goals while also boosting skills like creativity and strategic planning.
Skill Development
The benefits of online office games go beyond just having fun – they also help participants build valuable skills. As players tackle challenges and work together to solve problems, they develop strategic thinking, resourcefulness, and creativity. Gaming has been shown to improve planning, problem-solving abilities, hand-eye coordination, and memory retention.
"Esports is no different to traditional sports in the sense that players need two teams of people to compete against each other with the goal to win. The teams need to be organised, have team spirit and persevere through challenges. Captains of esports teams organise meetings, plan training schedules for players, manage people and set expectations – all significant skills for the modern workplace." – Morgan Humphreys, Murdoch Esports Vice President
These transferable skills, such as communication, strategic thinking, and problem-solving, are especially beneficial for remote teams, where face-to-face interactions are limited.
Cost-Effectiveness
From a budget standpoint, online office games are an excellent investment for boosting team morale without breaking the bank. Many platforms offer free or low-cost options that can accommodate large groups, making them accessible to businesses of all sizes. Additionally, virtual games eliminate expenses like travel or venue rentals while still delivering meaningful team-building experiences. Virtual office games can enhance morale and productivity by creating opportunities for team members to connect, collaborate, and build relationships. When teams are more connected and engaged, productivity goes up, and turnover goes down – leading to long-term savings and benefits that far outweigh the initial costs.
Up next, we’ll explore another engaging activity: Virtual Scavenger Hunts.
2. Virtual Scavenger Hunts
Virtual scavenger hunts bring the thrill of treasure hunting to remote teams through digital platforms. These events challenge participants to find items, solve clues, or complete creative tasks – all from the comfort of their homes or workspaces. Unlike traditional scavenger hunts that require a physical location, virtual versions use tools like video calls, mobile apps, and online platforms, making them accessible for teams spread across different time zones.
Teams are typically given a list of challenges that might include locating household objects, snapping photos, answering company-related trivia, or completing fun tasks within a set timeframe. The race against the clock adds an exciting, real-time element, encouraging collaboration as team members work together to achieve their goals.
Engagement Level
Virtual scavenger hunts are consistently engaging. The competitive nature keeps participants motivated, while the variety of challenges ensures everyone stays involved. These activities often spark laughter, teamwork, and shared celebrations, creating lasting memories that extend well beyond the event.
Customization Options
One of the standout features of virtual scavenger hunts is their flexibility. Challenges can be tailored to reflect a company’s culture or goals, such as incorporating questions about a client’s location, products, or mission. Themes, clues, and even tasks can be adjusted to align with specific team-building objectives like boosting creativity, collaboration, or productivity.
Some platforms go a step further by offering custom branding options. For instance, companies can include their logos, team colors, and personalized leaderboards. A great example comes from the Town of Jupiter, FL, which used Eventzee’s white label program to create a custom digital platform. Shawn Reed, the Community Relations Manager/PIO, shared that "Eventzee was able to take their vision of the app and put it into a platform that was easy to use".
Skill Development
These hunts are more than just fun – they also build essential workplace skills. The time-sensitive nature of the challenges encourages quick thinking and decision-making. Teams improve communication and collaboration as they delegate tasks based on individual strengths and adjust strategies when plans don’t work out. These activities promote creative problem-solving and help participants build confidence in managing remote teamwork effectively.
Cost-Effectiveness
Virtual scavenger hunts deliver excellent team-building results without breaking the bank. Many platforms offer predictable pricing models, either charging per participant or providing flat rates for events. By eliminating costs like travel, venue rentals, and physical materials, companies can keep expenses low while still fostering meaningful connections among team members. The improvements in teamwork and communication that follow can have a lasting positive impact on workplace productivity.
Next, we’ll look at how Skills Workshops can further support professional growth for remote teams.
3. Skills Workshops
Skills workshops are an excellent way to strengthen remote team capabilities through targeted virtual training. Much like virtual games or scavenger hunts, these workshops focus on professional growth by honing specific skills such as leadership, communication, technical expertise, or industry knowledge.
These sessions are designed to be interactive and practical, combining live instruction with hands-on exercises and multimedia tools. Features like chat, polls, and collaborative activities make learning more engaging and dynamic for participants.
Engagement Level
Virtual skills workshops keep participants highly engaged by incorporating interactive elements and offering flexibility. Studies indicate that most employees prefer flexible, self-paced learning formats, which naturally encourage higher participation compared to rigid, in-person schedules.
Experiential learning plays a big role in maintaining interest. According to Accenture, learning through experience can enhance learning quality by up to 75%. Virtual workshops achieve this by using simulations, role-playing activities, and real-world case studies that participants can apply directly to their work. Micro-learning techniques – breaking lessons into bite-sized segments – further improve engagement, retention, and overall efficiency.
Customization Options
One of the biggest advantages of virtual workshops is their ability to be tailored to specific needs. Organizations can customize content to address particular skill gaps or industry-specific challenges. The digital format allows for seamless adjustments, such as incorporating company examples, modifying difficulty levels, or adding team-specific goals.
These workshops can also be delivered in various formats: an intensive single-day session, a weekly series, or a self-paced program spread over several weeks. This flexibility ensures that training aligns with team schedules and learning objectives, speeding up skill acquisition.
Skill Development
Virtual skills workshops have proven highly effective in building both hard and soft skills. Studies show participants retain up to 60% more information compared to traditional training sessions, thanks to features like revisitable materials, digital note-taking, and a distraction-free environment.
For technical training, tools like screen sharing and live demonstrations enhance understanding. Meanwhile, soft skills development benefits from interactive breakout rooms, practice sessions, and peer feedback. Additionally, the virtual format helps participants become more comfortable with remote collaboration tools and virtual communication methods – essential skills for today’s remote workforce.
Cost-Effectiveness
Virtual workshops are not just effective but also economical. By cutting costs associated with travel, venue rentals, printed materials, and catering, organizations can save up to 50% compared to traditional training methods. For instance, one study found that virtual training saved $399 per clinician while achieving 12–14% higher proficiency rates.
"Experiential learning has long been argued as the most effective way to learn, and studies have shown that learning through experience increases learning quality by up to 75 percent." – Accenture
Scalability further enhances the cost-effectiveness of virtual workshops. Once developed, training content can be reused across teams in different time zones without additional expenses for venues or instructor travel. This makes professional development accessible to remote teams, no matter where they’re located.
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4. Themed Social Virtual Events
After sharpening skills in workshops, teams can strengthen their connections through themed social virtual events. These gatherings bring a fresh twist to traditional meetings, focusing on fun and camaraderie rather than professional development. The secret to success? Picking themes that resonate with your team’s personality and align with company values.
Some popular themes include holiday celebrations, Hollywood Glamour nights, retro parties, murder mystery events, and cultural showcases.
The best events strike a balance between structured activities and spontaneous interaction. For example, virtual costume parties spark creativity and serve as great conversation starters. Casino nights with virtual blackjack, poker, and roulette deliver excitement without any financial stakes. DIY craft parties, where participants follow tutorials to create items like mugs or ornaments, leave everyone with a personal keepsake to remember the event.
"There is no greater predictor of human well-being than the amount of social time we spend with one another." – Tom Rath
Engagement Level
Themed social events often feel more like entertainment than work, which naturally boosts participation. Take Virtual Trivia Nights, for instance: custom quizzes about the company’s history, industry facts, or fun tidbits about team members encourage friendly competition while reinforcing shared knowledge. Virtual Talent Shows let employees shine by showcasing hidden skills – be it stand-up comedy, singing, dancing, or even magic tricks. Game show-inspired events like “Jeopardy!”, “Wheel of Fortune,” or “Family Feud” keep energy levels high and build camaraderie through playful rivalry.
Customization Options
Themed events are incredibly flexible, allowing teams to tailor them to reflect company values and employee preferences. For example, a “Living Our Values” town hall could feature employees sharing stories about how they embody the organization’s principles, fostering deeper connections to the company’s mission.
Teams can also weave in meaningful initiatives, such as eco-friendly themes or virtual community service days, which promote shared goals while building bonds. The digital format makes it simple to adjust themes or add personalized touches based on feedback.
Sending themed care packages – like ingredient kits for a cooking class or art supplies for a paint-and-sip session – adds an extra layer of excitement. These thoughtful gestures build anticipation and ensure employees feel included, even from afar.
Cost-Effectiveness
One of the biggest advantages of themed social virtual events is their cost efficiency. Compared to in-person gatherings, virtual events eliminate expenses for venues, catering, and travel while still offering engaging and scalable experiences.
The scalability factor is a major plus. For example, a Virtual Escape Room Challenge can be reused across departments and time zones without additional costs. Similarly, Virtual Office Bingo games can be tailored for various group sizes and occasions, making the initial investment go a long way. These events prove that meaningful team-building doesn’t have to break the bank.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Breaking down the pros and cons of various virtual event types can shed light on their effectiveness in keeping remote teams engaged. Each option brings its own set of strengths and challenges, making it easier to choose the right format while staying within budget.
Online Office Games are excellent for sparking quick engagement and healthy competition. Their appeal lies in familiar game mechanics, and they’re often budget-friendly. However, the downside is their limited customization, which can make them feel repetitive over time. They also provide only moderate opportunities for skill development.
Virtual Scavenger Hunts strike a balance between fun and teamwork. These activities encourage creative thinking and can be tailored with company-specific elements, offering moderate customization. While their interactive nature boosts engagement, they can be tricky to coordinate and may exclude team members who lack access to certain home resources. Costs can also vary widely depending on the setup.
Skills Workshops excel at fostering professional growth. With high customization options, they can align closely with business goals and employee development needs. When the subject matter is relevant and the facilitator engaging, participation tends to be strong. However, these workshops don’t always appeal to everyone and can be expensive, with fees ranging from $500 to $5,000 per session.
Themed Social Virtual Events offer the most flexibility, allowing teams to design experiences that reflect their company’s values and employees’ interests. Engagement levels, however, can vary greatly depending on the chosen theme and group dynamics. While some employees thrive in these settings, others may find them uncomfortable. These events typically provide low to moderate skill-building opportunities and range from free DIY setups to professionally hosted events costing over $100 per participant.
Here’s a quick comparison of the key features of each event type:
| Event Type | Engagement Level | Customization Options | Skill Development | Cost-Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online Office Games | High | Low | Moderate | High |
| Virtual Scavenger Hunts | High | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Skills Workshops | Moderate | High | High | Moderate/Low |
| Themed Social Virtual Events | Variable | High | Low/Moderate | Variable |
The numbers back up the value of these activities. A 2022 Gallup report found that highly engaged teams are 21% more profitable. Additionally, regular virtual team-building events can boost employee engagement by up to 50%.
However, challenges like coordinating across time zones and overcoming technical limitations – such as poor internet connections or outdated devices – can hinder participation.
To get the most out of these activities, many companies rotate between different event types and rely on feedback surveys to fine-tune their approach. This strategy not only keeps engagement fresh but also highlights areas for improvement, helping to refine future events.
These findings naturally lead into the next topic: blending virtual and in-person experiences for even greater impact.
Combining Virtual and In-Person Experiences
Hybrid events are reshaping how remote teams connect. With 70% of events now adopting a hybrid format and 40% of participants preferring this approach, the combination of virtual and in-person elements offers the flexibility that modern teams need. This format seamlessly ties into the team-building strategies mentioned earlier, creating opportunities for deeper engagement.
One of the major benefits of hybrid events is their ability to expand attendance by up to 50%, as they cater to both live and online audiences simultaneously. This dual approach helps address practical challenges like travel expenses, scheduling conflicts, and geographic barriers, while still preserving the personal touch that can sometimes be lost in fully virtual settings.
However, pulling off a smooth hybrid event requires meticulous planning and well-equipped venues. For 71% of event organizers, the biggest challenge is bridging the gap between in-person and virtual audiences, while 67% highlight technology as a significant hurdle. Choosing venues with the right infrastructure is critical to overcoming these obstacles.
To meet the growing demand for hybrid events, many venues have made technology upgrades – 32% reporting major investments and 49% making smaller enhancements globally. A great example is Aloft Trophy Club Westlake, which offers contemporary meeting spaces designed with hybrid experiences in mind.
The Tactic Meeting Room at Aloft Trophy Club Westlake is a standout option, featuring high-speed WiFi, professional AV equipment, and flexible layouts. These features not only ensure smooth technical execution but also foster stronger team connections, aligning with the goals of virtual event strategies. This attention to detail is especially important given that 38% of event organizers note hybrid events require more preparation time than single-format events.
"A hybrid meeting is only as strong as its tech backbone", says Arch Meetings & Events.
Creating a unified experience for both in-person and virtual attendees is key to hybrid event success. This includes designing content that resonates equally well with participants in the room and those tuning in remotely. For example, sending identical gifts or curated food and beverage packages to both audiences can create shared moments that bridge the physical divide. The W XYZ Lounge at Aloft Trophy Club Westlake supports this idea by offering catering options tailored to enhance the experience for all attendees.
Technical rehearsals are another crucial element, requiring extra time to test internet connections, digital platforms, and AV equipment to ensure everything runs smoothly.
"Creating a successful hybrid event requires planning and creative brainstorming across the entire team", explains Darren Chuckry, Regional Vice President of Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, PCMA.
Hospitality plays a pivotal role in hybrid events. Venues that provide comprehensive support – like technical assistance and catering coordination – allow organizers to focus on engaging their audience rather than worrying about logistics. Having dedicated tech support for both live and virtual components helps ensure a seamless experience.
Hybrid events also bring environmental benefits. By reducing the need for travel, they help lower carbon footprints while still fostering meaningful connections – a meaningful advantage for companies committed to sustainability.
The investment in hybrid-ready venues pays off in the long run. Spaces with advanced technology and solid partner networks can effectively bridge the gap between in-person and virtual attendees, making them invaluable for companies with distributed teams that require regular touchpoints throughout the year.
Additionally, creating smaller breakout groups – both in-person and online – encourages more intimate discussions and collaboration. Venues like Aloft Trophy Club Westlake, with flexible meeting spaces, make it easy to transition between large presentations and smaller, interactive sessions.
Conclusion
Picking the ideal virtual event for your remote corporate team depends on your goals and the resources you have available. The key is to align your objectives with an event format that fits your budget, schedule, and team dynamics.
Begin by clarifying your primary goal. If your focus is on boosting morale and encouraging casual connections, activities like themed social events or online office games are excellent choices. For teams seeking professional development, skills workshops provide more value. On the other hand, if strengthening teamwork and collaboration is your priority, virtual scavenger hunts that promote group problem-solving can be highly effective.
Take into account the costs involved – materials, facilitators, and participant stipends – as well as whether the event should be live or allow for asynchronous participation. Flexible options are especially useful for teams spread across different time zones.
A recent study found that 94% of employees view mutual respect and connection as vital to their team’s success, with 19% naming it the most important factor for workplace well-being. To ensure your event aligns with your team’s preferences, use employee engagement tools to gather feedback before making a final decision.
"We have a dedicated team-building day where our team plays classic strategy games like Hearts and Spades online. The games require critical thinking and are great for bringing our team together." – Neal Taparia, Founder of Cribbage-Online
When choosing a platform, prioritize those with user-friendly interfaces, interactive features, and dependable support. This is especially relevant as 91% of employers are planning to invest in improving employee mental health in 2023.
If your team is ready to explore beyond fully virtual formats, hybrid events could be the next step. These events blend virtual and in-person experiences seamlessly, especially when hosted in venues like Aloft Trophy Club Westlake, which offers advanced technical infrastructure to support such setups.
Ultimately, the most effective virtual events are those tailored to your team’s specific needs and adaptable as those needs change. Start small, collect feedback, and refine your strategy based on what works best. This thoughtful approach not only ensures successful events but also strengthens the foundation for building engaged and resilient remote teams.
FAQs
What are the best ways to measure if virtual events improve team engagement and morale?
To understand how virtual events influence team engagement and morale, businesses can track a few important metrics. Start by gathering attendee feedback through post-event surveys. This feedback can highlight overall satisfaction and provide insights into the experience. Tools like satisfaction scores and Net Promoter Scores (NPS) are especially useful for determining how likely participants are to recommend the event.
You can also analyze engagement metrics during the event itself. Look at factors like how long attendees participated, activity in chat, responses to polls, and involvement in Q&A sessions. These real-time stats offer a clear picture of how engaged the team was.
For a long-term perspective, consider tracking changes in team communication, productivity, and collaboration. Use follow-up surveys or monitor progress toward specific team goals to assess the event’s impact over time. Together, these methods provide a well-rounded understanding of how virtual events influence both immediate engagement and ongoing morale.
How can virtual events be tailored to support team goals and reflect company culture?
To design virtual events that resonate with your team, start by pinpointing the event’s purpose and ensuring it ties back to your company’s objectives. The key is to craft interactive experiences that not only engage participants but also embody your organization’s values. Think about adding personalized touches, team-building exercises, or themes that align with your company’s identity.
Leveraging technology can take your event to the next level. Tools like live polls, breakout rooms, or gamified elements can inject energy and make the experience more memorable. When the event structure is thoughtfully designed to meet your team’s specific needs, it can strengthen bonds and reinforce your company’s character, even in a virtual environment.
How can hybrid events enhance team-building for remote and in-person employees?
Hybrid events offer a powerful way to strengthen team-building by providing spaces where remote and in-person employees can connect and collaborate. By adding interactive elements like live Q&A sessions, polls, and moderated chats, virtual participants can stay actively engaged and feel like an integral part of the experience.
To create a seamless connection between remote and on-site attendees, companies can organize virtual networking sessions, team challenges, or shared activities that everyone can participate in. Recognizing achievements and celebrating milestones with all attendees helps build a sense of unity and belonging. Additionally, clear communication and regular check-ins throughout the event ensure everyone remains engaged and connected.