The Best Team Building Activities… While Everyone’s Working From Home

It’s Business as Unusual.

Companies around the world have been flipped upside down. Team building has been pushed aside as a priority as more people are working from home than ever before and employee morale has plummeted. Team building activities are desperately needed in the workplace… but nobody is in the workplace.

While you can never substitute the benefits of in-person experiential team building activities, it’s important people don’t forget they’re part of a team. Through Urban Quest’s experience of team building activities, we’ve compiled some of our favourite NON-CRINGEY team building activities to keep the team spirit up while everyone’s working from home.

1. Guess the Artist

Let’s start with a simple one that never fails. Before a meeting, you ask everyone to anonymously pick and send in a picture (this could be a picture online of something that resonates with them, a picture of a pet, their desk or something they drew themselves). Everyone goes around and guesses who they think chose each picture. You go around again as everyone reveals what picture they chose and why. Whoever picked the most right wins! A great way to understand your co-workers better, which should make this game easier and easier the more often you play.

2. Kahoot 

Kahoot.com is an awesome DIY trivia game that lets anyone create their quiz and play with whoever they want! Take it in turns writing a quiz each week as the host picks their topic (or something company-related) and quizzes their co-workers. Games can run for as long or as short as you like and are a great way to add a pinch of competition into the office.

virtual team building kahoot zoom

3. Iron Chef Lunch

Once a week the manager picks a secret ingredient (e.g. carrots, rice, basil, etc) and cooks at home or ordered in, everyone’s lunches must contain that ingredient. Jump on your video conferencing software of choice and talk through what everyone’s eating and how they incorporated the ingredients – points for creativity. Food brings people together and a weekly Iron Chef lunch is a great way to forget about work for a while and get to know your co-workers.

4. gif Battles

Sometimes it’s good to test out the other side of your brain, let loose and have a laugh. Using this Trello template (which will talk you through the rules) you can square your workers off in a good old fashion .gif battle. See who has the quick wit and who has the most wicked sense of humor.

5. Collaborative Playlists

Wanting to maintain the fun without the competition? See what makes people tick and create a collaborative playlist on Spotify. Everyone can listen along and add their songs. You can go for a theme, or a particular mood or just see what everyone else’s favourites are. This is a great way to create a sense of community and space even when divided across the city, country or even the world.

It’s safe to assume that once the dust has settled a portion of employers will discover that they can save on a range of costs by allowing their employees to work from home going forward. This will come with many benefits for both the employer and employee while increasing the importance of corporate team building events, to ensure people are still working and growing together as a team.

Team building and in-person events are the glue that not only keeps a team together but keeps them thriving. It is essential to keep employees challenged and entertained if you want to get the most out of them, and the best way to do that is with an engaging team building event. But with the world caught in the middle of an international pandemic, we’ll have to make do with alternatives.

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  • Previous Post

    Team Building
    June 8, 2019

    5 Key Benefits of Team Building Activities: Unlocking Immediate Success

    Is your team feeling disconnected and less productive lately?

    Before considering drastic measures, like restructuring or replacing team members, consider a simpler solution: team building.

    Team building activities offer a powerful way to reinvigorate your team, fostering camaraderie, motivation, and collaboration. By sharing experiences and working together towards common goals, teams can reap numerous benefits that translate into improved performance and a more positive work environment.

    Here are five standout benefits your team can immediately gain from participating in professionally organised team building activities:

    1. Confidence Building

    Stepping out of comfort zones and overcoming challenges during team building activities boosts both individual and team confidence. Witnessing colleagues tackle obstacles instils trust in each other's abilities, leading to increased cooperation and productivity back in the office.

    Team building activities provide an ideal environment for team members to challenge themselves and push beyond their comfort zones. Whether it's conquering a high ropes course, solving a complex puzzle, or participating in a role-playing exercise, these activities offer opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery.

    As individuals overcome obstacles and achieve success, they gain a newfound sense of confidence in their abilities. This confidence not only boosts morale but also fosters a positive mindset that translates into the workplace. Moreover, witnessing their colleagues tackle challenges and support each other builds trust and mutual respect within the team, further enhancing confidence and cohesion. In essence, team building activities catalyse individual and collective empowerment, laying the foundation for a more resilient and self-assured team dynamic.

    2. Role Reversal

    Team building exercises often involve role-playing scenarios, allowing team members to step into different roles and gain new perspectives. This fosters empathy, understanding, and appreciation for each other's responsibilities, leading to less conflict and more effective collaboration in the workplace.

    Couples counsellor Glen Munt explains why this is beneficial. He says “Role reversals allow people to experience someone else’s problems and pain points, rather than just observe and react to them. This can be confronting to enact in a professional work environment. So to use it in corporate team building is a creative and highly innovative way to grow trust and compassion.”

    Gaining this perspective often results in more cooperation and less confrontation in the office.

    3. Networking Opportunities

    Team building activities go beyond mere camaraderie-building; they also serve as invaluable networking platforms within organisations. In many workplaces, employees from different departments or teams may rarely interact outside of their immediate circles.

    However, team building activities provide a unique setting for individuals to break down silos and forge connections with colleagues they may not regularly encounter. Whether collaborating on a team challenge, strategising during a problem-solving activity, or simply engaging in casual conversation, participants have the chance to expand their professional networks and cultivate new relationships.

    These connections can lead to enhanced communication, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing across departments, ultimately strengthening the overall fabric of the organization. Moreover, by fostering a culture of inclusivity and interconnectedness, team building activities create a sense of belonging and unity among employees, bolstering morale and organisational cohesion.

    Thus, investing in team building not only facilitates individual growth but also cultivates a robust and interconnected workforce capable of tackling challenges and achieving collective success.

    4. Fostering Team Spirit

    Building a strong sense of team spirit is essential for cultivating a positive and cohesive work environment. Team building activities play a crucial role in fostering this spirit by bringing employees together to work towards common goals and objectives. Through collaborative tasks, problem-solving challenges, and group-oriented games, team members learn to rely on each other's strengths, support one another, and celebrate collective achievements. These activities create opportunities for individuals to bond over shared experiences, build trust, and develop a deeper understanding of each other's capabilities and perspectives.

    Furthermore, team building activities often emphasise the importance of communication, cooperation, and mutual respect, all of which are fundamental elements of a strong team dynamic. By encouraging open dialogue, active listening, and constructive feedback, these activities promote a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and support within the team.

    Moreover, team building activities can help instil a sense of pride and belonging among team members, as they come together to overcome challenges and achieve common objectives. Whether it's completing a challenging task, winning a group competition, or simply enjoying each other's company, these shared experiences create lasting memories and bonds that extend beyond the workplace.

    Ultimately, by fostering team spirit through team building activities, organizations can create a positive and supportive work environment where employees feel valued, motivated, and empowered to work together towards shared goals. This sense of unity and camaraderie not only boosts morale and employee satisfaction but also enhances productivity, creativity, and overall organisational success.

    5. Enhancing Teamwork

    Ultimately, the goal of team building activities is to improve teamwork and collaboration. As team members develop trust, communication, and mutual respect, they become more effective at working together towards common objectives, leading to greater productivity and job satisfaction.

    Investing in team building activities is investing in the future success of your company. By prioritising team cohesion and morale, organisations can create a positive and productive work environment that drives long-term success.

    Ready to boost your team's motivation and energy?

    Contact Urban Quest to learn more about our tailored team building solutions!

    Read more

  • Next Post

    Team Building
    June 2, 2020

    Top 13 Post-COVID Team Building Activities in Melbourne

    Things in Australia are slowly going back to normal. Pubs are re-opening, people are catching up again and people are starting to go back into the office. Team morale at the workplace is at an all-time low. Productivity and teamwork have taken a massive hit, making now the perfect time to focus on team building activities and bring the squad back together with a bang.

    This begs the question – what do team building activities look like in a post-COVID Australia? Here are our 13 recommendations for the best socially distancing post-COVID Team Building Activities in Melbourne.

    1) Urban Quest

    Urban Quest Team Building Activities Melbourne

    What better way to bring the team together when restrictions ease than an amazing outdoor adventure around the city?

    Watch your employees battle in the fierce competition in a race around the city reading maps, solving puzzles and cracking clues as they get closer and closer to glory. Imagine your version of the Amazing Race personalised to the Melbourne hidden lanes.

    Urban Quest is outdoors and utilises technology we all have in our own pockets so social distancing won’t affect the fun. Everyone on the team is connected to their device and the tasks are designed in line with current government guidelines.

    Kickstart your team with the perfect mental and physical challenge all while staying safe.

    Make sure to check out the different quests on offer.

    Best group size: for groups of 10 to 500 (subject to current social gathering restrictions)

    Investment: from $45 per person

    Type: outdoors, CBD, park or on-site

    2) Paintball

    Effective Teamwork Paintball

    Test what your team is made of and put them out in the warzone with nothing but their wits and their nerve to pull them through.

    Paintball is a classic team building activity that is a great way to create memories with your team that you’ll never forget. Make sure to pay attention to provider and government recommendations when it comes to what is safe to do and when.

    But remember paintball isn’t just a physical challenge but a mental game of chess as well. Effective teamwork is most critical when in the battle environment so what better way to discover the secret warzone mastermind in your team?

    Best group size: for groups of 10 to 100 (subject to current government restrictions)

    Investment: from $100 per person

    Type: outdoors

    3) Board Games

    Small Groups Team Building Activities Melbourne

    Want to keep the party indoors? Why not try to pump a dose of nostalgia into the office and have everyone bring in their favourite board game, set up some tables and have yourself a whole office round-robin?

    Tina from finance is the Queen of Monopoly, Trevor from sales just got knocked back to the start of Snakes and Ladders and you don’t want to miss Michelle from HR set off Mouse Trap - all part of a fun night of team building activities.

    We know the best place to get your next board game in Melbourne.

    Best group size: small groups of 3-5

    Investment: from $10 per person

    Type: indoors

    4) Tough Mudder-type Obstacle Courses

    Team Challenge Obstacle Course

    Board games are not your speed?

    Then it's time to turn it up with a battle of the fittest. Tough Mudder and other fitness challenges will test your team’s strength, agility and most importantly – their loyalty. ‘You’re only as strong as your weakest’ is a sentiment that’s true in business, life and Tough Mudder.

    When a team knows they can count on each other, they’re at their strongest.

    Check out the next event near Melbourne.

    Best group size: groups of 5 to 100 (subject to current government restrictions)

    Investment: from $105 per person

    Type: outdoors

    5) Volunteering

    Volunteering Team Building Activities

    It’s important to remember that while many of us are fortunate enough to get back into the swing of in-person work, some people have been hit harder by COVID-19 and need help more than ever. There’s strength in numbers.

    Starting a charity drive or volunteering to help the less fortunate can be a great way to not only bring the team closer together but also help out those who need it. There are currently many charities throughout Melbourne looking for volunteers a helpful list can be found here.

    Best group size: groups of 5 to 100 (subject to current government restrictions)

    Investment: free

    Type: outdoors, indoors

    6) Sip and Paint

    Painting Team Building

    Let’s get creative. Grab a canvas and paint for everyone, get a couple of drinks and have a big group painting session.

    You can have a leader in front to take everyone through step by step, chuck Bob Ross on TV and follow along or just let everyone do their own thing at their own pace. Some beer and wine are a nice touch to let the creativity flow and ensure nobody gets too nervous about showing off their work.

    Best group size: small to medium groups of 5 to 50 (subject to current government restrictions)

    Investment: from $70 per person

    Type: indoors

    7) Camping

    Camping Teamwork

    As the office rebuilds and gets back into the swing of things, what better time to get out of the city and embrace the great outdoors?

    Pack the tents and the air mattresses and head out to the country to bond your team for the foreseeable future. Fun sports and activities all day, then roasting marshmallows and campfire stories by night.

    Outer Melbourne is known for some incredible camping spots from the Dandenongs to the Macedon ranges, so check them out for some socially distant, fun team building activities.

    Best group size: groups of 10 to 100 (subject to current government restrictions)

    Investment: from $100 per person

    Type: outdoors

    8) Escape Room

    Escape Room Team Building

    An oldie but a goodie. How does your team hold up under pressure? How do they operate as a team? What better way to find out than sticking them in a room together and seeing who can get out first?

    After their first hour of trying to get out of a locked room, your co-workers might even find work relaxing.

    We heard there are some great escape rooms in Melbourne.

    Best group size: small groups of 5 to 10

    Investment: from $40 per person

    Type: indoors

    9) Quest in a Box

    Quest in a Box Team Building

    Want the riddles and puzzles but don’t want to spend too much time outside?

    Bring the adventure to you, with new ideas like ‘Quest in a Box’.

    Place your order and receive a box that will walk you through everything you need to do to win. You won’t believe the number of tasks, riddles and puzzles that can fit in one little box. Like an escape room on the go, a Quest in a box is a terrific way to test your team in the safest way possible.

    Best group size: small groups of 3 to 5

    Investment: from $10 per person

    Type: indoors

    10) Team Building Workshops & Conferences

    Want to spend time with the team but have no time to relax?

    Then maybe it’s time to upskill your team together. Have a look at programs focused on team building activities in Melbourne, maybe have a vote among co-workers or pick a course that you know will give employees the skills to take the business to the next level.

    Best group size: groups of 5 to 100 (subject to current government restrictions)

    Investment: from $100 per person

    Type: indoors

    11) Disc Golf

    Want the social outdoor nature of golf without the expensive clubs and weird rules? Disc Golf is the perfect option for team building activities in Melbourne.

    With three locations around Melbourne, disc golf is ideal for the experienced pro or for those just picking it up for the first time. Who knows, you might have a hidden talent and be on your way to the world championship in no time.

    Disc golf has similar rules to golf while replacing balls and clubs with frisbees. Feel free to add your own rules as you ride the highs and lows of this fun outdoor activity,  that’s perfect for all ages and fitness levels around the office.

    Best group size: small groups of 3 to 5

    Investment: free (with a valid library card) for small groups or varied rates for larger groups

    Type: outdoors

    And don't forget about online team building activities…

    12) Zoom Quiz

    Just because restrictions are relaxing doesn’t mean everyone feels comfortable to go out and socialise just yet. One of the biggest company hits through isolation has been a Zoom Quiz. You can hire a host from a trivia company or have someone in the company write a general knowledge quiz or even trivia about the company, divide everyone into teams and the highest score wins!

    13) Urban Quest Virtual Online Team Building Games

    Most people have been overexposed to online team building games and are keen for something different. If so, look no further than Urban Quest’s brand new Mission Impossible Digital Team Building activities Melbourne!

    If you’re not up to running around the real world you’ll be tasked to explore every corner of the internet, searching for clues and using your experience on the web to save the day. The perfect replication of the real-life Urban Quest experience. The Amazing Raceat your fingertips.

    Second to none team building activities online in Melbourne. It is an ideal team building activity for conference calls too!

    Urban Quest Virtual Team Building Activities Melbourne

    Bring everyone back to work with an exciting start, to remind them of what they’ve been missing at home.

    While we encourage having a fun time with these team building activities Melbourne, what’s most important is staying safe and only coming back to work when advised by the government that it is safe to do so.

    Read more
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