10 Team Building Activities for Newly Remote Teams to Foster Connection

As of May 2026, remote work has become the norm for many teams, with a staggering 70% of employees working remotely at least part-time. This shift has created a pressing need for innovative team-building activities that foster connection and collaboration among team members who may never meet in person. Here’s a list of 10 practical and engaging activities designed specifically for newly remote teams, ensuring you can strengthen relationships no matter the distance.

1. Virtual Escape Room

• Time Needed: 1-2 hours
• Group Size: 4-10 people
• Cost: Approximately $25/person
• Energy Level: Moderate
• Description: Teams work together to solve puzzles and escape from a virtual room within a set time limit. This activity promotes problem-solving and communication skills.
• Logistical Notes: Choose a reputable company like Escape Room Live for a seamless experience.

2. Online Cooking Class

• Time Needed: 2-3 hours
• Group Size: 10-20 people
• Cost: Around $50/person
• Energy Level: Low to moderate
• Description: A professional chef guides the team through a recipe, allowing them to bond over food preparation and share a meal together, virtually.
• Logistical Notes: Use platforms like Cozymeal to find experienced chefs who can cater to various dietary restrictions.

3. Virtual Trivia Challenge

• Time Needed: 1-1.5 hours
• Group Size: 5-50 people
• Cost: $15-30/person
• Energy Level: High
• Description: Teams compete in a trivia game, answering questions on various topics. This fosters friendly competition and collaboration.
• Logistical Notes: Platforms like Kahoot! or QuizBreaker offer easy-to-use interfaces for hosting trivia.

4. Remote Book Club

• Time Needed: Ongoing (1 hour/month)
• Group Size: 5-15 people
• Cost: Free (book purchase varies)
• Energy Level: Low
• Description: Teams select a book to read and discuss monthly. This encourages deeper conversations and understanding of each other's perspectives.
• Logistical Notes: Use Zoom or Microsoft Teams for discussions and consider providing a list of recommended books.

5. Virtual Team Fitness Challenge

• Time Needed: Ongoing (1 hour/week)
• Group Size: 5-30 people
• Cost: Free to $20/person for a fitness app subscription
• Energy Level: High
• Description: Teams set fitness goals and track progress through a shared app. This promotes health and wellness while fostering camaraderie.
• Logistical Notes: Consider using apps like Strava or Fitbit for tracking and sharing progress.

6. Online Art Class

• Time Needed: 1.5-2 hours
• Group Size: 8-20 people
• Cost: $40/person
• Energy Level: Low to moderate
• Description: Teams can explore their creativity by participating in a guided art class, such as painting or pottery.
• Logistical Notes: Platforms like Skillshare or Paint Night offer options for group classes.

7. Virtual Coffee Breaks

• Time Needed: 30 minutes
• Group Size: 2-10 people
• Cost: Free
• Energy Level: Low
• Description: Schedule informal coffee breaks for team members to chat and connect without a formal agenda.
• Logistical Notes: Use video conferencing tools to facilitate these meetings regularly.

8. Online Team Building Games

• Time Needed: 1-2 hours
• Group Size: 5-50 people
• Cost: $20-50/person
• Energy Level: High
• Description: Engage in fun online games designed for team building, such as Jackbox Games or Skribbl.io.
• Logistical Notes: Ensure all participants have access to the game platform beforehand.

9. Virtual Volunteer Day

• Time Needed: 2-4 hours
• Group Size: 5-30 people
• Cost: Free (donations may be encouraged)
• Energy Level: Moderate
• Description: Teams can collaborate on a virtual volunteering project, such as creating care packages or tutoring students online.
• Logistical Notes: Partner with local charities that have virtual volunteering options.

10. Online Networking Mixer

• Time Needed: 1-2 hours
• Group Size: 10-50 people
• Cost: Free to $15/person for facilitation
• Energy Level: Moderate
• Description: Organize a mixer where team members can meet colleagues from different departments in a casual setting.
• Logistical Notes: Use breakout rooms in video conferencing software to facilitate smaller group conversations.

Conclusion

Fostering connection among remote teams is crucial for maintaining engagement and productivity. By incorporating these activities into your team’s calendar, you can create opportunities for collaboration, creativity, and camaraderie. Start by selecting a few activities that resonate most with your team, and plan to execute them in the coming weeks.

Action Items:

1. Choose 2-3 activities to implement within the next month.
2. Set specific dates and times for these activities.
3. Communicate the plan to your team and encourage participation.