8 Virtual Team Building Ideas That Aren't Awful
If the idea of sharing a “fun fact about yourself” makes your team cringe, you’re not alone. Remote workers everywhere have endured awkward icebreakers, forced Zoom trivia nights, and “fun” activities that feel like work with a side of embarrassment.
But here’s the good news: virtual team building doesn’t have to be painful. Done right, it can create genuine connection, laughter, and a much-needed break from the workday. Whether you’re a People & Culture lead, a remote team manager, or just someone desperate to see coworkers smile (without asking them to share their “spirit animal”), this list is for you.
Why Most Virtual Team Building Sucks
Before we jump into solutions, let’s address the elephant in the Zoom room: why do so many virtual team building efforts flop?
- It’s forced. No one likes “Okay, everyone go around and tell us something fun about yourself.”
- It’s repetitive. After the seventh round of Two Truths and a Lie, engagement tanks.
- It’s not inclusive. Introverts and neurodivergent team members may hate on-camera spotlight activities.
The solution? Choose experiences that are fresh, engaging, and respect people’s time and comfort zones.
Virtual Team Building Activities That Aren’t Awful
1. Escape From The Meeting (Satirical Virtual Escape Room)
How it works: Imagine if The Office met an online escape room… Your team’s objective is to get out of the world’s most hilarious meeting. Players solve puzzles, uncover hidden clues, and send hilarious fake excuses to a fictional executive assistant in order to “escape.” No cameras required – just sharp thinking, collaboration, and a sense of humor.
Why it works: Immersive, hilarious, and collaborative without awkward icebreakers. Perfect for introverts and teams who want to laugh together.
2. Meet My Pet
How it works: Host a show-and-tell where teammates introduce their pets. Who can resist cracking a smile when seeing a cute animal? Simply impossible.
Why it works: Low-pressure, personal, and fun across cultures and time zones.
3. The Meme Off
How it works: Pick a theme (e.g., “How my Monday feels,” “Describe this project,” or “Your weekend in one meme”). Teammates respond with the funniest or most creative meme they can find. Do a quick vote for the winner.
Why it works: Fast, funny, and super low-effort. It’s inclusive (no talking required), and sparks hilarious side conversations. Bonus: the best memes become reaction staples in Slack/Teams.
4. Podcast Club
How it works: Pick a podcast episode and create time for people to have have casual discussions about it (either on a meeting or async over chat).
Why it works: Builds culture around shared interests and works well for distributed teams.
5. Snack Crate Tasting Party
How it works: Send snack boxes to the team, then meet virtually to taste and rate them. A company like Universal Yums lets you try snacks from around the world.
Why it works: Food is the ultimate icebreaker: fun and universally appealing.
6. Virtual Comedy Show
How it works: Hire a professional comedian who performs a 20–30 minute set tailored for virtual audiences. Some comedians even customize jokes to your industry or company culture.
Why it works: Laughter is an instant morale boost. Unlike trivia or icebreakers, this lets the team relax and enjoy something genuinely entertaining together.
7. Virtual Escape To Nature
How it works: Book an immersive, real-time virtual nature tour led by expert local guides. You can explore vibrant cities, tranquil forests, or cultural landmarks as if you were really there (include storytelling, trivia, and Q&A).
Why it works: Provides a refreshing mental escape from the digital grind and is a unique “wow” experience.
8. Chat Roulette Friday
How it works: Post a fun question (e.g., “What’s your go-to karaoke song?”) in Slack, Teams, or Discord every Friday. Let people respond on their own time – no calling anyone out.
Why it works: No video call pressure, inclusive for introverts and multiple time zones, and easy to run. Over time, it builds organic conversations and connection.
How to Make Virtual Team Activities Actually Work
Rotate activities: Keep things fresh and engaging.
Mix async and live events: Not everything needs a call.
- Keep it during work hours: Make it part of the day, not an extra obligation.
Lean into humor: A shared laugh builds instant connection.
- Make it optional: FOMO beats forcing participation.
Why This Matters
Strong team culture doesn’t just happen. It’s intentionally built. In remote and hybrid environments, thoughtful team building is one of the best ways to:
Boost morale and reduce burnout
Help employees feel connected and valued
Improve collaboration and trust
Retain top talent
When done well, virtual team building isn’t just “fun”. It’s an investment in your team’s happiness and performance. The right activity can spark laughter, connection, and creativity even in a fully remote setting. Start with one of these ideas, mix them up, and most importantly, keep your team’s comfort and energy in mind.