Two Truths and a Lie
How it works: Each participant thinks of two true things about themselves and one false thing. They then share these three statements with the group. The group has to guess which one is the lie.
Remote adaptation: Use a video conferencing tool where each participant can share their statements. Remote participants can type their statements into the chat, and local participants can share verbally. You can use online polling tools or simply have team members raise hands or type their guesses in the chat.
Show and Tell
How it works: Participants pick an item from their workspace or home and share it with the group, explaining its significance. This activity offers personal insights and often sparks light-hearted conversations.
Remote adaptation: Remote employees have an advantage here, as they are already in their personal space. On-site participants can bring an item from home, or pick something from their workspace. Everyone showcases their item in turn on the video call.
Virtual Escape Room
How it works: Teams work together to solve puzzles and challenges to "escape" within a set timeframe.
Remote adaptation: There are many online platforms that offer virtual escape rooms specifically designed for team-building. Both on-site and remote participants can join the game via a shared link. This is a fun and collaborative way to challenge everyone's problem-solving skills.
Map It Out
How it works: Participants place a pin on a virtual map showing where they are joining from or a place that means something to them. It's a great way to visually see the team's diversity and learn fun facts about different locations.
Remote adaptation: There are online tools like Google Maps or Padlet where you can create a collaborative map. Everyone can add their pins simultaneously, whether they're remote or in the office.
Group Storytelling
How it works: Start a story with a sentence, then each participant adds on with their own sentence. The aim is to build a unique, often funny, story by the end.
Remote adaptation: This can be done using a shared document where each participant types in their sentence or can be done verbally over a video call.
Remember, the key is to ensure that everyone can participate on an equal footing, whether they're remote or on-site. It's always beneficial to ask for feedback after team-building activities to learn what worked best and where improvements can be made for next time.