In today's fast-paced, remote working environment, maintaining team cohesion and employee engagement can be a challenge. One effective way to foster a sense of camaraderie among remote workers is through organising regular virtual social activities. In this blog, we explore why companies should encourage these activities and how we employ virtual team building to strengthen our international team.
Why Virtual Fun?
Boost
"Virtual team building activities lead to an increase in employee performance rate, claiming 41% lower absenteeism and 21% higher profitability.” - Gallup Research.
Trust
"Poor communication practices and communication barriers have cost companies upwards of $37 billion dollars, globally. Organisations that invest in building better communication will have employees who trust each other, speak up when necessary, and aren’t afraid to give and receive feedback." - Holmes Report
Connect
“Despite the comfort that working from home can bring, remote workers are susceptible to feeling disconnected and excluded, owing to the lack of face-to-face interaction and the casual ‘water-cooler’ talk that usually breaks up a normal working day and offers brief periods of respite and relaxation to staff.” - CEO Review
What activities can we run for remote workers?
Seasonal Delights
Pumpkin Carving Competition
One of the best parts about remote working is the ability to bring globally celebrated holiday traditions to your team. Organising a virtual pumpkin carving contest in the lead up to Halloween can be a fantastic way to boost team morale. Encourage your team to display their hidden artistic talents and share their carved creations during a video call unveiling. The international element here throws some unique challenges of which creativity can thrive, as shown by the amazing spooky watermelon, carved by Lexsynergy brothers Elad and Tom Kinstler!
Secret Santa
Bringing the spirit of giving to your team is essential, especially during the holiday season. Organising a Secret Santa gift exchange where team members draw names in secret and send thoughtful gifts to their chosen colleagues, grows connections beyond that of work. As we all know, finding a date where everybody is in for a video call can be difficult during these times, so chose a date early and create a space for those who cannot make it to upload a video of them unwrapping their gift.
Sports Enthusiasts Unite
World Cup Sweepstakes:
Whatever the sport, a World Cup Sweepstakes is an easy way to get remote workers around the world involved in a shared activity. Have a random selector assign teams, choose a prize and follow the tribulations of the tournament as a team.
Game Week Predictor
A Premier League "Game Week" (GW) predictor connects the whole team on a weekly basis. Nominate a host to maintain the league and invite everyone to predict the outcomes of Premier League matches. The Premier League is unpredictable, it allows for non-football fans to take part and go far in the competition too! Celebrate the season champion with prizes ranging from a lineal company trophy to the home shirt of their favourite team.
Fantasy Football League
For the football fanatics and data-led decision makers, Fantasy Premier League (FPL) gives season-long competition for participants. This is one for those who love to strategise, as shown by the calibre of its high ranking participants such as five-time World Chess Champion, Magnus Carlsen, who finished the season in 10th place out of over 7,500,000 in 2020.
Get in Sync
Create a Shared Playlist
Music is a universal language that brings team members together regardless of their physical locations. Create a shared playlist and invite everyone to collaborate by adding their favourite tunes. Each song creates an opportunity to connect over an undiscovered shared love, giving a virtual space for your team to get to know each other on a more personal level.
Karaoke Night
Host virtual karaoke nights with designates themes such as 80's hits, modern pop or international tunes, where team members can unleash their inner rock stars. Encourage remote workers to sing their hearts out, showcase their singing skills or lack thereof! A fantastic way to let loose, create memorable moments, and bond over a boogie.
More to Explore
Online Trivia Nights
One from the lockdowns! Challenge your team's knowledge with virtual trivia nights. Select a variety of topics including history of your business and divide your remote workers into teams. An enthusiastic host fires off questions and teams compete for the chance to showboat until the next night.
Book Club
Create a virtual book club where team members can read and discuss a selected book each month. This not only promotes team bonding but also encourages personal and professional development.
Cooking Competitions
Host virtual cooking or baking competitions where team members prepare a dish or dessert in real-time. Choose a theme or ingredient and have everyone whip up their creations. Share recipes, cooking tips and of course, the most delectable part – sharing your culinary masterpieces together during a virtual meal.
Regular virtual social activities can breathe new life into remote work culture, strengthening team bonds, and improving overall morale. Whether it is celebrating the seasons, embracing sports, harmonising through music, or exploring various creative avenues, these activities have the power to transform your remote team into a tight-knit community that thrives on collaboration and shared experiences. Do not hesitate to implement these ideas and see the positive impact they can have on your remote workforce, just as we have seen at Lexsynergy.
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