4 effective team building exercises at a distance

Remote work is the new black — that’s just the way it is.

Over the past year, we’ve embraced working from home and everything that comes with it.

But as you’ve probably noticed, a digital workplace doesn’t just appear overnight.

It takes time to normalize new routines, and we still have a long way to go.

Yet, in the “future workplace,” there’s one thing we can’t forget: the social connection within the team.

So… what’s the first thing you think of when you hear teambuilding ?

Is it a five-person team solving a puzzle together?

Or maybe building a go-kart or hopping around in potato sacks?

Usually, teambuilding happens once or twice a year — often tied to a kickoff or company retreat.

But here’s the question: is that really enough?

Nope.

Teambuilding — whether remote or in person — is one of the best ways to get to know your coworkers, show sides of yourself they haven’t seen before, and create a stronger, more connected team.

Remote Teambuilding

Pandemic or not, you shouldn’t wait until someone says,

“It’s been a while since we did something fun as a team… maybe it’s time for a teambuilding exercise.”

Teambuilding only works if it’s done regularly.

Consistent activities build teams that are more cohesive, helpful, and genuinely care for one another.

In a world where collaboration and communication are more important than ever, the team itself has sometimes been forgotten — partly because we’re not used to remote work yet, and partly because we’ve lacked creative ways to keep the team spirit alive.

Searches for “virtual teambuilding activities” have skyrocketed — and that’s a good thing!

Sure, some skeptics might dismiss it as silly modern nonsense (“In my day…”), but that’s just because they don’t know any better.

Small, Simple Teambuilding Activities (That Aren’t Cringe)

Getting to know your coworkers doesn’t have to be awkward, time-consuming, or forced.

When people hear teambuilding, they often think of full-day workshops — ugh.

The secret is consistency.

Short, recurring exercises will help your team grow closer, feel more comfortable, and collaborate more naturally.

Research even shows that employees are more likely to ask colleagues for help in companies that regularly practice teambuilding.

Here are four easy remote teambuilding ideas that actually work:

1. Show Your View or Give a Home Tour

This one’s a favorite — a bit like scrolling through a live version of real estate listings.

One of the perks of video meetings is getting a glimpse into your coworkers’ worlds.

Remote teams are often scattered — one person might live near the northern border, another in downtown Gothenburg.

Those contrasts are fun! And it’s always interesting to see the difference between city life and countryside calm.

A virtual home tour helps people connect and understand each other’s work environments — including why some meetings have more background noise than others.

(Like my colleague in Stockholm, who shares 31 square meters with his partner and a dog that also “works from home.” Yes, really.)

Just make sure to give people a heads-up so they can tidy up first!

2. Two Truths and a Lie

A classic from Jimmy Fallon’s talk show that works perfectly for remote teams.

The rules are simple:

Write down three statements — two true, one false.

Read them out loud, and let the team guess which one’s the lie.

It’s quick, easy, and gets more fun the more you play.

Before long, you’ll all be better at spotting who’s bluffing — and learn surprising things about each other.

3. Virtual Coffee or Lunch

Sharing a meal builds connection — it’s a fact.

You’ve probably felt it after a company event or kickoff: suddenly, everyone feels a little closer.

And just because you can’t meet in person doesn’t mean you have to skip this tradition.

Schedule a virtual lunch or coffee break via video.

Eat together, chat, and let the conversation flow naturally.

It might feel strange at first, but it works — promise!

4. The 60-Second Story

Everything gets more interesting when there’s a time limit.

Ask each team member to summarize how they ended up “here” — in just 60 seconds.

It’s a fun way to share background stories without long-winded monologues.

Next time, you can mix it up — maybe have everyone tell a funny or little-known story about themselves (still in 60 seconds, of course).

The more sides of each other you see, the stronger your bond becomes.

Teambuilding in Baby Steps

These are just a few examples of simple remote teambuilding activities — but they work.

The key is to spark conversation and make them a regular habit.

You don’t climb Mount Everest in a day — start small.

Try doing one of these every week or every other week.

You’ll be surprised how much of a difference it can make for your team’s connection, energy, and communication.

Good luck — and have fun with it!

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