If you’re working remotely or hosting Virtual meetings, you know how challenging it can be to make everyone feel connected and engaged.
Fortunately, virtual icebreakers are a great way to liven up the mood and encourage participation. These small interactive activities are typically used at the start of a meeting to help energize people and drive lively discussions.
“Building up team relationships by doing activities and encouraging collaboration can really drive up employee morale.”
Gusto reported that 37% of workers said being able to work with a great team was the top reason for staying at a company.
Virtual icebreakers can be used for a variety of purposes, such as team building, training sessions, and networking events. They can help break down barriers and encourage people to be more active throughout the meeting. Whether you’re working with a small or large group, there are plenty of online icebreakers to choose from that are both fun and effective.
37% of workers said being able to work with a great team was the top reason for staying at a company.
Click To Tweet
When done right, online icebreakers can help create a more positive and engaging virtual environment. They can also help you get to know your colleagues or team members better, even if you’re not physically in the same space.
So the next time you’re hosting a virtual meeting, consider incorporating a virtual icebreaker to help set the tone and get everyone involved.
Without further ado, let’s get started!
In a hurry? Check out some of our favorite virtual team icebreakers and challenges!
Benefits of Virtual Icebreakers
Virtual icebreakers are a great way to start a meeting, especially when working remotely. They can spark conversations, build trust, and create a sense of community among team members.
Here are some major benefits of virtual icebreakers:
Benefit 1: Increased Collaboration
Virtual or Zoom icebreakers can help to increase collaboration among team members. Some activities may require team members to work together to solve a puzzle or problem. This can encourage them to learn how to work with others productively.
Benefit 2: Improved Communication
Using virtual icebreakers is a great way to enhance communication within a team. They offer a chance for team members to interact, learn more about each other, and share personal information.
Benefit 3: Increased Engagement
Using virtual icebreakers can improve team member engagement. They can provide a fun and interactive way to start team meetings, which can help to create a positive and engaging atmosphere.
Benefit 4: Reduced Stress
Using virtual icebreaker activities can be a helpful tool in reducing stress for team members as they create a more comfortable and relaxed working environment and can assist with breaking the ice.
15 Best Virtual Icebreakers for Work
1) Virtual Office Olympics
This virtual icebreaker for large or small groups will have your employees and colleagues teaming up to complete a series of challenges in record time. With Virtual Office Olympics, you can bring friendly competition into the workplace by having teams battle against the clock to earn points with Olympic-style achievements.
Why this is a good virtual icebreaker: This team building activity promotes teamwork, healthy competition, and communication. It is also an excellent activity for introducing new team members or adding some variety to a lengthy meeting.
Start here: Virtual Office Olympics
2) Original Game Show
The Original Game Show is a unique combination of classic games such as “Family Feud,” and “Minute to Win It,” and guarantees that there’s something for everyone in your group. This 45-minute 2-hour experience will have your entire crew roaring with laughter and excitement.
Why this is a good virtual icebreaker: A professional host will guide participants through the witty challenges and lighthearted competition designed to entertain your team members and get them excited about the experience.
Start here: Original Game Show
3) Use a Virtual Icebreaker Template
If you’re short on time or ideas, or you want to make online meetings more fun, there are plenty of virtual icebreaker templates available online that you can use. These templates come with pre-made questions and activities that you can customize to fit your team’s needs.
Why this is a good virtual icebreaker: Using a template is a great way to quickly get your team engaged and have fun without having to spend too much time creating activities or questions.
Start here: Virtual Icebreaker Template
4) Would You Rather Icebreaker Questions
This classic icebreaker game is a perfect conversation starter for virtual teams. Simply ask a series of “would you rather” questions and have team members vote on their preferred option.
Why this is a good virtual icebreaker: This is a simple yet great icebreaker, and it can be used to learn more about employees and coworkers in a relaxed environment. Participants will get to know about each other’s favorite food or favorite movie. Plus, you can make it as silly or serious as you like.
Start here: Would You Rather Icebreaker Questions
5) 5 Min Cocktail Mixer
Have team members bring their favorite cocktail recipes and ingredients to the virtual meeting. Then, have everyone make their cocktails together and enjoy a virtual happy hour.
Why this is a good virtual icebreaker: Hosting this activity is an excellent way to encourage employees to socialize in a fun and laid-back manner. Additionally, individuals who like preparing cocktails are likely to enjoy it!
Start here: 5 Min Cocktail Mixer
6) Big Game Virtual Party
This interactive tool allows users to connect in real-time. With a user-friendly map view, it’s easy to see where everyone is watching from so no one misses out on all the action.
Why this is a good virtual icebreaker: This customizable party hosting panel lets employers share their watch party link with colleagues, as well as custom pre-game playlists, snack recipes, and more.
Start here: Big Game Virtual Party
7) Emotions Wheel Icebreaker
The Emotions Wheel Ice-Breaker template is a tool designed to facilitate communication and understanding among teams and colleagues, regardless of their location. It aims to start important conversations and bridge gaps between people. To indicate their current emotional state, give your team members the template and request them to pick a dot and position it on the section of the wheel that most accurately reflects their feelings.
Why this is a good virtual icebreaker: Encouraging team members to share their emotions is a great method to promote trust, understanding, positivity, and team bonding in the workplace. By playing soothing music, the atmosphere can become even more calming.
Start here: Emotions Wheel Icebreaker
8) Virtual Scavenger Hunt
This virtual game brings teams together to solve scavenger hunt challenges! With Virtual Scavenger Hunt, you and your colleagues can test your problem-solving skills in a fun game that brings out the best in team collaboration. It’s a great way to bring focus, energy, and fun to remote meetings or a Zoom call.
Why this is a good virtual icebreaker: With levels that range from finding hidden objects to spotting the differences between two images, this game will stimulate each team member’s creativity in exciting new ways.
Start here: Virtual Scavenger Hunt
9) Draw Your Character Doodle Icebreaker
Unleash your creativity and engage with your coworkers, colleagues, and employees with Draw Your Character Doodle Icebreaker! With this interactive whiteboard game, everyone can have an individual moment to introduce themselves in an interesting way.
Why this is a good virtual icebreaker: It’s a fun way to get a conversation going while still ensuring everyone gets their chance to shine. All of the characters can then be shared on the screen so that everyone involved is introduced. This is a suitable virtual team building activity for large as well as small groups.
Start here: Draw Your Character Doodle Icebreaker
10) Murder Mystery Party
In this virtual experience, professional actors will bring a thrilling case to life and participants must use their powers of deduction to crack the case. Team members will investigate clues, decipher riddles, and unlock secrets that will lead them to the identity of the killer.
Why this is a good virtual icebreaker: Employers can use this entertaining activity as a team icebreaker, while employees will love the fun and interesting challenge of becoming detectives.
Start here: Murder Mystery Party
11) Virtual Trivia Icebreaker
This virtual game show comes with a host who will create a fun and lively atmosphere. Participants will be guided into separate breakout rooms to meet their competitors and prepare for the challenge. An excellent warm-up activity!
Why this is a good virtual icebreaker: This virtual team building activity consists of fast trivia rounds that will make everyone laugh while maintaining a friendly competitive spirit throughout the game. They will have loads of fun while making genuine connections with their colleagues.
Start here: Virtual Trivia Icebreaker
12) Happy Hour Committee Planning
Consider using a virtual happy hour as an opportunity to plan your company’s next event. This can increase enthusiasm and participation among team members. You can bring together various teams from different departments or companies and collaborate on ideas for a virtual event.
Why this is a good virtual icebreaker: This is an excellent way to get everyone excited about upcoming events! Plus, you can get valuable feedback on the planning process which can help ensure that your next virtual event is successful.
Start here: Happy Hour Committee Planning
13) Geoguessr
Geoguessr is a popular online game that allows you and your colleagues to explore different parts of the world. With this game, you will have to guess where in the world you are by looking at clues from the environment around you.
Why this is a good virtual icebreaker: This is a fun and suitable virtual icebreaker for remote teams as it allows everyone to engage in friendly competition, learn about one another, and have a blast doing it. Additionally, Geoguessr encourages collaboration as players must work together to make educated guesses about the image they’re presented with. It also has positive impacts on team morale as it provides an opportunity for everyone to connect in a virtual environment.
Start here: Geoguessr
14) Spy Hunt Game
You and your coworkers are gathered around a virtual table playing roles as either spy or spy hunter. The objective is to discover who among you is the secret agent, while the spy’s goal is to determine their location. It’s an exciting and engaging game that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Why this is a good virtual icebreaker: This virtual icebreaker for remote teams is great for corporate team building or a workspace that needs an exciting activity. By playing, you and your colleagues will have the opportunity to work together and utilize your skills to achieve a common goal of identifying the spy. The game is immersive and will leave you talking and guessing.
Start here: Spy Hunt Game
15) Coworker Feud
Coworker Feud is a fun virtual icebreaker that offers an electrifying entertainment experience that’s perfect for playing with a remote team. With easy setup, it’s easy to jump right into the action.
Why this is a good virtual icebreaker: Coworker Feud helps to break the ice and allows you to get to know your colleagues better. You’ll be faced with light-hearted questions that will require you and your coworkers to think quickly and come up with creative answers – perfect for getting everyone laughing!
Start here: Coworker Feud
People Also Ask These Questions About Virtual Icebreakers
Q: How do I choose a good icebreaker for my team?
- A: A good online icebreaker is engaging and interactive, fosters collaboration and teamwork, and breaks down barriers. It’s also important to consider who your team is composed of and the dynamic you want to create. Choose an icebreaker that suits the group size, team interests, and type of event whether in-person or online.
Q: How do I make a virtual icebreaker fun?
- A: To make a virtual icebreaker more fun, you can use digital tools and platforms. You can also add elements of competition, teamwork activities, brainstorming, collaboration challenges, and prizes to make the activity more engaging.
Q: What are some tips for effective virtual icebreakers?
- A: Some tips for running effective virtual icebreakers include setting a comfortable atmosphere, having everyone introduce themselves, and creating an environment of mutual respect. Additionally, you can make the icebreakers more interactive by using games or polls, allowing enough time for questions and comments, and encouraging team members to be creative and have fun.
Q: How do I make a virtual icebreaker successful?
- A: For a successful virtual icebreaker for team meetings, make sure that everyone is comfortable and able to participate. Set clear expectations and goals for the activity so everyone knows what to expect. Provide enough time for people to give feedback. Lastly, create an environment where everyone feels safe and valued.
The post 15 Best Virtual Icebreakers For Remote & Distributed Teams In 2023 appeared first on SnackNation.
