Here are some team building games you can share with your remote employees to help them form stronger alliances. 

Many companies are taking advantage of opportunities presented by the global economy to build teams based around the world, including in New Zealand. 

However, the challenge of having geographically distant teams is that it can be difficult for people to get to know each other. As a result, things can be lost in translation and it isn’t always easy for teams to get in ‘flow’ together.  

When there is no water cooler for people to gather around, you need to find other ways for them to connect. A great solution is to make time for online activities and games, where everyone can come together, relax and interact in a casual environment.

Here are some fun ideas to help your New Zealand team get to know their international peers:

 

Online Q&A Sessions

Sometimes, simple conversations are a great way for people to get to know each other so they can work better together.

Arrange for some icebreaker sessions by getting everyone together in a zoom meeting or online chat environment and asking simple questions about hobbies, interests and passions. It can be amazing how quickly people find ways to relate to each other.

Find a way to turn this activity into a game or simply ask people to answer four or five different  questions within 1 or 2 minutes. As long as everyone gets to have their turn, it is a great way to start building connections.

 

Quizzes and challenges

Online team building games for remote employees can be lots of fun. Some ideas to look into include virtual escape rooms or online trivia sessions. These give people the opportunity to share their skills and have fun with their colleagues. 

Have a look online; you will find so many different online games for remote workers out there, from lip-sync battles to virtual Amazing Race experiences.

 

Gift exchange

Gift exchange is a lovely way for people to get to know each other. Set a dollar limit and your team can mail small gifts to each other. Hold an online meeting where everybody can open the item they have received.

Another idea is to use virtual gifting platforms. You can allow people to nominate gifts that interest them, which can then be ordered online. Add to the excitement by making the gifts Anonymous. Elfster is an example of a platform you can use. 

 

Invite a guest speaker

An entertaining guest speaker can be a powerful way to inspire and engage your team. This is especially the case when they have a story to share as well as a lesson. Some speakers really are memorable; they tell incredible tales and will give your team something to chat about after the session has ended.

The best thing about our modern digital world is that you can find speakers from almost anywhere in the world. If time differences are a problem, record the presentation so people in satellite offices can watch it later.

 

Tastings and ‘pub crawls’

Time zones permitting, why not have your own Friday night cocktail or wine hour? You can arrange to have ingredients sent to your team’s remote workplace so everyone can join in on the fun.

 

Online channels

Not all your online team building activities have to include games and Zoom sessions. 

Setting up Slack or chat channels that are dedicated to people’s pets, weekend activities, memes and silly GIFs or a joke of the day can help to improve culture and camaraderie. Your team will have a place where they can share their personalities and be a little bit less professional. 

 

Why you need online team building games and activities for remote workers

Building an international team is exciting but it can lead to people feeling disconnected. 

By arranging some fun online team building games for remote employees and having ways for people to connect regularly online, you can create a positive workplace culture for everyone. 

 

Want to know more about hiring a remote team to work from New Zealand? Contact ANZPEO today.