Best Ways to Do Virtual Team Building

Let’s be real—virtual teams can sometimes feel like a bunch of floating Zoom heads with questionable Wi-Fi signals. One minute, you’re discussing strategy, and the next, Bob’s frozen mid-sentence with a look of pure confusion, and Laura’s image turns into a cat. But just because you’re not in the same office doesn’t mean you can’t build a strong, engaged team.

Virtual team building is all about bringing the squad together, boosting morale, and reminding everyone that, yes, there are actual humans behind those profile pictures. So, whether your team is scattered across different time zones or just dodging the dreaded return-to-office policy, here are the best ways to bond, laugh, and keep those virtual vibes strong.

Poker Night

Online poker night? Great idea. Virtual poker platforms make it easy to set up a game, whether your team is full of seasoned card sharks or absolute newbies who still think a straight beats a flush. Can I play poker online in Nevada? Why, yes, you can. Poker expert Blaise Bourgeois says you can easily access legal sites and enjoy loads of games and tournaments. Not to mention bonuses and other perks. The best part? No one has to worry about an actual poker face—bluffing is much easier when you're behind a screen!

You can keep things lighthearted with a casual, no-stakes game or raise the excitement with small prizes like coffee gift cards or an extra-long lunch break. Either way, it’s a great way to build camaraderie, spark some inside jokes, and see who on your team has the best (or worst) bluffing skills.

Trivia Time

Want to test your team’s knowledge while fueling some friendly rivalries? An online trivia night is the perfect way to do it. It could be about general knowledge, pop culture, or company-themed questions (like “What was our biggest project last year?” or “Who accidentally sent an email to the whole company?”) trivia games can keep you all engaged and entertained.

You can use online platforms like Kahoot, TriviaMaker, or even a simple Google Meet poll to run the game. Split the team into groups or let everyone fend for themselves in a battle of wits. Bonus points if you have a dramatic host (extra dramatic pauses encouraged). At the end of the game, crown the ultimate trivia champion and maybe give them a silly virtual trophy—because who doesn’t love bragging rights?

Slay Dragons

If your team loves a little adventure (or just a good excuse to embrace their inner nerd), an online Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) session is a fantastic way to bring everyone together. Imagine tackling epic quests, battling fearsome creatures, and—let’s be honest—rolling dice like your life depends on it, all while working together as a team.

You don’t need to be a seasoned dungeon master to get started! Platforms like Roll20 and D&D Beyond make it easy to set up a game, and there are even beginner-friendly one-shot campaigns for those who’ve never played before. You can be a brave knight, a sneaky rogue, or just there for the chaotic fun, until you explore every option and just keep playing as a piece of bread. Yes, it sounds weird, but stranger things used to happen upon the D&D table.

This game is all about teamwork, storytelling, and a whole lot of laughter. Just beware of that one teammate who always insists on making questionable choices... they know who they are.

Movie Night

Sometimes, the best way to bring a team together is by kicking back, grabbing some snacks, and watching a great movie. Virtual movie nights are super easy to set up with tools like Teleparty (formerly Netflix Party), Scener, or Kast, which let everyone sync up and watch together while chatting in real time.

Pick a theme—classic comedies, office-related chaos (The Office binge, anyone?), or even a “so bad it’s good” movie to roast together. You could bring your favorite snacks, and if you want to make it extra fun, add a bingo game with things like “overly dramatic slow-motion scene” or “unnecessary explosion.” Just be prepared for some team members to aggressively defend their controversial movie opinions in the chat.

Virtual Escape Room

Who doesn’t love a good escape room? If your team thrives on problem-solving and a little bit of pressure, a virtual escape room is the perfect way to get everyone working together. These online challenges put your team in a digital “locked room” full of puzzles, riddles, and clues that must be solved before time runs out. It’s teamwork at its finest—plus, you get to see who cracks under pressure and who turns into a full-blown detective.

There are tons of escape room platforms out there, from mystery-themed ones (Who stole the company snacks?!) to thrilling heist scenarios. Divide the team into groups, start the clock, and see who can escape the fastest.

Workout Challenge

Nothing says team bonding like collectively realizing how out of shape you are! A virtual workout challenge is a fun way to get everyone moving, whether they’re fitness fanatics or just in it for the chaos. You can do quick 5-minute challenges like “Who can hold a plank the longest?” or go big with a month-long step-count contest using fitness apps like Strava or Fitbit.

For extra fun, mix in some unconventional exercises—wall sits while answering work trivia, jumping jacks every time someone says “synergy” in a meeting, or yoga poses that turn into accidental falls. The best part? Watching your coworkers attempt squats while their cat casually walks across the screen.

Coffee Breaks

Sometimes, the best way to bond with your team is over a simple cup of coffee—or tea, or whatever fuel gets you through the day. Virtual coffee breaks are a great way to take a breather from the grind, catch up on non-work stuff, and just enjoy some casual conversation. No agenda, no meetings—just a relaxing hangout where the dress code is “pajamas, but make it chic.”

You can set up a regular time each week for everyone to grab their favorite beverage, hop on a video call, and chat about anything from weekend plans to the latest TV obsession. To spice things up, have themed coffee breaks—maybe a “Mug Show & Tell” where everyone shares their favorite mug or a “Coffee & Compliments” session where you have to give a genuine compliment to the person next to you.

Virtual Scavenger Hunt

Ready for a challenge that gets everyone racing around their homes like it’s a game show? Create a list of random items for your teammates to find—things like “a spoon with your favorite brand on it,” “something that makes you laugh,” or “a childhood souvenir.”

Once the list is set, send everyone off to find the items, and the first person to gather everything and show it on camera wins! Want to spice it up? Add some riddles or themed clues for extra brain power. It’s fast-paced, hilarious, and guaranteed to get your team moving. Bonus points for anyone who finds an item they didn’t even know they still owned—hello, dusty old trophy from a middle school talent show!

Pet Show

It's time to show off those furry (or scaly, or feathered) companions in a virtual pet show! Everyone loves to talk about their pets, so why not make it official? Set up a virtual meeting where team members introduce their pets to the group—bonus points if you have a cat who’s somehow trying to join your video call or a dog that insists on stealing the spotlight.

You can even make categories for your pet show: “Best Trick,” “Most Dramatic Pet,” “Fluffiest Feline,” or “Cutest Puppy Eyes.” Everyone votes (except for their own pets, of course), and the winner gets bragging rights as the team’s official Pet Superstar. It’s a perfect way to get some laughs, share some adorable moments, and maybe even discover who has the most mischievous pet in the group.

Talent Show

Ready to discover hidden talents (or hilarious lack thereof)? A virtual talent show is a perfect way to showcase what your team members can do when the spotlight is on them. Maybe it’s a magic trick, a musical performance, or the world’s worst rendition of “Let It Go.” The goal is to have fun and cheer each other on.

Give everyone a few minutes to prepare and perform their talent via video call. You’ll be amazed by what you might discover—who knew that Gary from accounting had a killer stand-up routine or that Sarah from marketing could juggle? Make sure to have some silly “awards” ready at the end, like “Best Effort” or “Most Likely to End Up on America’s Got Talent,” just to keep things lighthearted.

Karaoke Battle

If your team is ready to show their talents, a virtual karaoke battle is another way to go. It’s a pretty known fact that somebody just has to try classics like “I Will Survive” or to hit those impossible high notes in “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and you can laugh (or cringe) together.

Pick a karaoke platform like Karaoke Party or Smule, or just use YouTube for a DIY session. Set up a bracket system if you’re feeling competitive, or just have fun with impromptu performances. The rules are simple: sing your heart out, and try not to accidentally mute yourself halfway through. You can even have a voting round for the best (or most hilariously bad) performance. Bonus points if anyone tries to perform in character—think Elvis or Lady Gaga—because why not?

Writing Challenge

Unleash your inner writer! But not for the whole story–all you need to do is to add a sentence, and every one of you adds another sentence, and the story goes wherever it takes you. The rules are simple: someone starts with a sentence, and each person adds to it, one sentence at a time. You can set a theme (like “sci-fi adventure” or “office mishap”), or let the story completely surprise you.

By the end, you’ll have a wild, unpredictable story that’s sure to leave everyone laughing or scratching their heads. It could start with something like, “John accidentally found a time machine in the break room,” and end up with, “And then they were all turned into frogs, but only in the office bathroom.” Who knows what could happen? The fun is in the journey—just don’t be surprised if it turns into a masterpiece (or a glorious mess).

The Best Teams Have Fun Together

The key to a successful virtual team-building experience is having fun together. These activities are perfect for breaking the ice, building stronger connections, and creating memories that will last long after the workday ends. So, get creative, embrace the chaos, and remember: the best teams don’t just work hard—they play hard too!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do We Need Special Software Or Tools to Do These Activities?

Nope! Many of these activities can be done with just your trusty video conferencing tool (like Zoom or Google Meet) and a bit of creativity. For games like online poker or trivia, you can use apps and websites designed for that, but most of the time, all you need is a good internet connection and a team ready to have fun.

What If Someone’s Shy Or Not Comfortable Participating in These Activities?

No problem at all! Team-building activities should always be fun and inclusive. If someone’s a little shy, encourage them to join in at their own pace. Maybe they start with a more low-pressure activity like a virtual coffee break or storytelling challenge, where they can ease into it. And if they’re not feeling a particular activity, it’s totally fine to skip it.

How Do We Make Sure These Activities Stay Fun and Don’t Feel Like a Work Meeting?

The secret is keeping the vibe light and relaxed. These activities are all about having a good time together, so make sure everyone knows it's not about performance or perfection—just a chance to laugh and bond. And maybe add a little friendly competition to keep things lively, like awarding funny “best effort” prizes for whoever has the most epic fail in karaoke or scavenger hunts.