In the era of remote work, team building activities are essential to foster a sense of camaraderie and collaboration among team members. However, not all team building activities are created equal, and some may actually hinder genuine connection rather than facilitate it. Here are 13 remote team building activities to avoid if you want to nurture authentic bonds with your team.
1. Icebreaker Games Overload
While icebreaker games can be a good way to break the ice, overloading your team with too many of these activities can come off as forced and insincere. Instead, opt for more meaningful and interactive activities that allow team members to share personal experiences and insights. This will help build deeper connections and foster genuine interactions among team members.
2. Virtual Happy Hours
Virtual happy hours have become increasingly popular as a way to socialize with remote teams. However, these events can sometimes feel artificial and forced, especially if team members are not comfortable with the idea of drinking alcohol on camera. Consider alternative ways to socialize that are inclusive and engaging for all team members, such as virtual team lunches or coffee chats.
3. Trust Falls and Physical Challenges
Trust falls and physical challenges may be effective in traditional team building settings, but they can be awkward and impractical in a remote context. Instead, focus on building trust through open communication, active listening, and mutual support in virtual environments. Encourage team members to share their thoughts and feelings openly to strengthen bonds and create a sense of psychological safety within the team.
4. Mandatory Fun Activities
Forced fun activities that require team members to participate in games or events they are not interested in can backfire and create resentment within the team. Encourage team members to suggest and organize activities that genuinely resonate with their interests and personalities. This will make team building more enjoyable and meaningful for everyone involved.
5. Generic Team Building Exercises
Avoid generic team building exercises that do not address the specific challenges and dynamics of your remote team. Tailor activities to reflect the values, goals, and communication styles of your team members to ensure relevance and engagement. By customizing activities, you can enhance team cohesion and create a more personalized team building experience.
6. Competitive Team Games
While friendly competition can be a fun way to engage team members, overly competitive team games can create tension and foster a divisive atmosphere. Encourage collaboration and teamwork by focusing on activities that promote shared goals and mutual success. By emphasizing cooperation over competition, you can build a more cohesive and supportive team environment.
7. Outdated Team Building Trends
Stay away from outdated team building trends that no longer resonate with modern remote teams. Keep abreast of current research and best practices in remote team building to ensure that your activities are relevant, meaningful, and impactful. Embrace new and innovative approaches to team building to keep your team engaged and connected in a dynamic work environment.
8. Virtual Escape Rooms
Virtual escape rooms have gained popularity as a remote team building activity, but they may not be suitable for all team members. Some individuals may find the high-pressure and time-sensitive nature of escape rooms stressful and anxiety-inducing. Consider alternative activities that promote collaboration and problem-solving in a more relaxed and inclusive setting. Offer a diverse range of activities to cater to different preferences and comfort levels within the team.
9. Excessive Team Building Surveys
While feedback is essential for improving team dynamics, excessive team building surveys can be overwhelming and intrusive. Keep surveys concise, focused, and purposeful to gather valuable insights without burdening team members with unnecessary or repetitive questions. Use surveys strategically to gauge team morale and preferences, and implement changes based on constructive feedback to enhance team engagement.
10. Virtual Team Building Apps
While virtual team building apps can be convenient for organizing activities, relying solely on technology to facilitate team bonding can detract from the human element of connection. Balance virtual activities with offline interactions and genuine conversations to maintain a sense of authenticity and depth in your team relationships. Foster meaningful connections by combining technology with personal interactions to create a well-rounded team building experience.
11. One-Size-Fits-All Approach
Avoid adopting a one-size-fits-all approach to team building activities, as each team is unique and may require different strategies to foster genuine connection. Take the time to understand the personalities, preferences, and communication styles of your team members to customize activities that resonate with each individual. By tailoring activities to individual needs, you can strengthen relationships and create a more inclusive and supportive team culture.
12. Overly Structured Events
While structure is important for organizing team building activities, overly structured events can stifle creativity and spontaneity. Allow room for flexibility and improvisation during virtual activities to encourage organic interactions and meaningful connections among team members. Create a balance between structure and spontaneity to foster creativity, collaboration, and genuine engagement within your team.
13. Team Building Activities Without Follow-Up
Engaging in team building activities is just the first step in fostering genuine connection within your team. Follow up on activities with meaningful discussions, reflections, and action plans to reinforce the bonds created during the activities. Continuously nurture and cultivate your team relationships to sustain long-lasting connections and collaboration. By following up on team building activities, you can strengthen relationships, address any challenges, and foster a culture of ongoing growth and development within your team.
