Participating remotely in a team meeting can sometimes feel a little uncomfortable, and literally distant. Fortunately, there are plenty of creative, simple and fun ways to break the ice and connect more with each other. We’d like to give you 10 tips!
1. Share a photo of…
There are many variations on this game and it can help everyone get to know their colleagues a little better. Ask everyone to share a photo of something based on a theme. This could be your desk layout, the view from your office or surroundings and even what shoes you are wearing.
These photos say something about yourself, and offer you a quick glimpse into where and how people work.
2. Tell me where you are from without saying it
This game requires creativity from the participants. Ask them to name the town you are from (or where they currently live) without saying the name. You can ask them to name the town’s nickname, or a special attraction or dish the town or village is known for.
3. Two truths and a lie
A classic icebreaker, ask team members to tell two truths and one lie about themselves, and have everyone else guess which statement is the lie. This not only helps build team cohesion and cooperation, but it also allows everyone to get to know each other better personally.
4. This or that?
If you’re short on time, this virtual icebreaker is quick and easy. Ask team members, “This or that?” And learn a little about their preferences along the way.
- Dog or cat?
- Hot or cold weather?
- Beach or camping vacation?
5. The good old days
Although business is all about looking ahead, you can gain insight into your team members by asking about their past. Ask questions about their childhood or teenage years, such as:
- What was your favorite band?
- Who was your favorite/least favorite teacher, and why?
- In your childhood, what was the craziest thing you wanted to be later on?
6. Home scavenger hunt
The beauty of this icebreaker is that it gives everyone a chance to get up and get moving! Ask team members to find something in their home within a set time (about 30 seconds) and share it with the group:
- For example, find something that is yellow.
- Bring an item that is older than you are.
- Show us the softest most fluffy thing you own.
7. Name that sound
This activity takes longer than others, but it can cause the creative in the team to soar. Have participants turn off their cameras but turn on the sound. Make a sound close to the microphone with an auxiliary from the workspace. Then everyone gets to guess what it is.
8. Guess who
Although there is prep work to do for this icebreaker, the results can be well worth the effort. Before the meeting, send out a survey asking the team several questions. Have them send the answers only to you. Here are some examples:
- If you had a flamingo as a pet, what would you name it?
- What destination on your bucket list have you not yet visited?
Then during the meeting, share the answers to the questions one by one while everyone else tries to guess who said what!
9. Trivia round
Trivia questions are a great way to bond as a team and learn interesting facts about each other! You can keep it simple with one round of questions and then go into the meeting. It’s also a very low-risk icebreaker because no one is asked to share personal information about themselves.
10. Virtual snack or coffee break
Consider starting the virtual meeting with a snack or coffee. To encourage participation, consider sending gift certificates to cover the cost. You might even consider going “all-in” and making it a lunch meeting.
Do you have more creative ideas and tips that others could benefit from? We’d love to hear them. Share them with us at our e-mail address: info@dutchremote.com.