25 virtual team-building activities for remote teams

Virtual team-building activities aren’t just about awkward icebreakers or filling calendar space — they’re one of the most effective ways to build real connection across remote and hybrid teams. And with 27% of full-time employees now working remotely and another 52% in hybrid roles, the need for genuine connection isn’t going anywhere.

Whether your team is scattered across time zones or just avoiding awkward kitchen small talk, a good team-building activity can go a long way. It brings personality into meetings, breaks up the routine, and reminds people there’s a human behind the screen.

We’ve pulled together 25 of the best virtual team-building activities, from quick wins to immersive experiences. You’ll also find why these moments matter — not just for morale, but for belonging, engagement, and performance.

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Games & challenges

1. Virtual escape room: Get your team working together to break out of a digital dungeon or defuse a virtual bomb — all in the name of teamwork and team bonding. Great for flexing those problem-solving muscles without needing anyone to leave their living room.
2. Online trivia: Give your team a reason to bring their random knowledge to the surface. Trivia is fast-paced, easy to customize, and perfect for sparking some friendly competition (and maybe a little bragging rights).
3. At-home scavenger hunt: Send your team on a hunt through their own homes — first to find something blue, weird, or oddly specific wins. It’s chaotic, it’s creative, and it gets people up and moving.
4. Virtual puzzle-solving challenge: Jigsaw, crossword, logic grid — no matter the format, puzzles are a great way to get teams thinking, collaborating, and celebrating the little wins (like figuring out where that one edge piece goes).
5. Two truths and a lie: It’s a classic icebreaker question for a reason. This quick game helps teams learn hilarious, surprising, and maybe even a few surprising revelations along the way. No prep, just a camera and a little imagination.
6. Remote team bingo: Make a custom board (“said ‘can you hear me?’” or “cat walks across screen”) and see who can shout BINGO first. Simple, silly, and surprisingly effective at bringing teams together.
7. Online board games: From Catan to Codenames, digital board games are ideal for remote workers looking to unwind and reconnect. They work across time zones, skill levels, and competitive streaks.
8. Virtual game night: Roll out a mix of games — trivia, drawing, wordplay — and turn a regular Thursday into something worth logging on for. Bonus points for prizes or themed invites.
9. Murder mystery game: Let your team solve a (fictional) crime together — complete with roles, clues, and unexpected twists. It’s Clue meets team building, and yes, someone’s probably going to get way too into character.

Social & connection-building activities

10. Virtual coffee chats: Set up casual, no-agenda chats between coworkers. Think hallway conversations, minus the hallway. It’s a low-pressure way to build employee connection that helps teammates feel seen beyond the to-do list.
11. Virtual happy hour: Send a calendar invite, grab a drink of choice, and log in just to hang out. It’s not about the drinks — it’s about creating space to unwind, laugh, and catch up without talking shop.
12. Book club: Invite your team to read something that isn’t a whitepaper. Fiction, nonfiction, fantasy, memoir — whatever gets people talking and connecting on a more personal level.
13. Virtual movie night: Pick a movie, sync up the stream, and keep the group chat rolling. It’s one of the simplest ways to enhance the employee experience. Bring your own popcorn.
14. Show and tell: Give your team a chance to bring something personal to the (virtual) table. From cherished keepsakes to niche hobbies, it’s a window into what makes each person tick.
15. Picture sharing: Ask employees to share a photo — maybe from a weekend hike, a family moment, or something completely random. It’s a quick, visual way to connect beyond job titles.
16. Team playlist creation: Build a collaborative playlist full of your team’s favorite tracks. Great for bonding over shared music taste — or discovering who’s secretly into ‘90s Eurodance.
17. Culture swap sessions: Invite teammates from around the globe to share traditions, snacks, or holidays they celebrate. It’s a thoughtful way to embrace inclusion in the workplace and learn something new.
18. Virtual office games: Run fast, silly games like “Guess that emoji,” “typing races,” or “desk item charades.” These quick hits are ideal when you want to boost energy without draining calendars.

Creative & skill-sharing activities

19. Digital drawing challenge: Whether it’s a doodle duel or a shared team canvas, drawing games get people laughing and collaborating in unexpected ways — artistic skill optional.
20. Virtual talent show: Give your people the mic (figuratively or literally) and let them share their hidden talents. From musical performances to magic tricks, it’s a great reminder of who’s on your team — beyond the job title.
21. Virtual cooking class: Hire a chef or follow a recipe together in real time. It’s a delicious way to create a shared experience — even if half the team burns their garlic.
22. DIY or craft workshop: Paint nights, origami, candle-making — there’s something about creating with your hands that brings teams together. Kits optional, creativity guaranteed.
23. Online learning show-and-share: Invite employees to teach the team a quick skill: latte art, Excel hacks, basic phrases in another language. It’s connection with a side of skill-building.

Well-being & mindfulness activities

24. Virtual fitness class: Whether it’s yoga, Zumba, or a team step challenge, virtual fitness breaks give your team a reason to move — and show them you care about more than just metrics.
25. Virtual mindfulness or meditation session: Pause the Slack pings, close the browser tabs, and take ten minutes to breathe. It’s a simple way to reset, reflect, and support employee well-being as a team.

Why virtual team building activities work

You can have the best tools and processes in the world, but without real connection, teams won’t thrive — especially when they’re working from different cities, countries, or time zones. That’s where virtual team building activities come in. It’s a proven way to shape how people show up, work together, and stay engaged.

Here’s what the right activity can unlock:

• Fosters belonging: People want to feel like they’re part of something — not just showing up to check boxes. Team building creates those small but meaningful moments that help employees feel included, connected, and valued for who they are.
• Drives engagement: When employees feel like they know and trust their coworkers, they’re more likely to speak up, collaborate, and contribute. Team building builds the emotional glue that leads to true employee engagement — and keeps work from feeling transactional.
• Builds productivity: Working well together isn’t just about deadlines and workflows. Stronger relationships mean smoother communication, less friction, and faster progress. A little team fun can actually help get things done.
• Strengthens global culture: Virtual team building helps bridge the distance for global teams. Whether your people are in Tokyo, Toronto, or Tulsa, shared experiences create common ground — and a culture that feels consistent, no matter where you are.

Make virtual connection part of your culture

Remote and hybrid work aren’t temporary fixes — they’re the new reality for a growing number of teams. And while distributed work comes with plenty of perks, it also requires a more intentional approach to culture, connection, and collaboration.

That’s where virtual team building activities come in. They’re simple, effective, and — when done right — genuinely enjoyable. So, pick one from the list, add it to your next team meeting, and see what happens when connection becomes part of the company culture, not just an afterthought.

Looking for ways to keep the momentum going? Recognition can help make every connection count — no matter where your team logs in from.

Don’t stop at virtual team building activities. Recognize your people with a personalized appreciation card

Recognize a teammate

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