10 Global Team Building Activities for Your Employees
Are you in search of some global team building activities?
Team building is essential for fostering collaboration, improving communication, and boosting morale within a diverse workforce. When your employees belong to multiple locations and cultures, it is crucial to implement activities that bring everyone together, regardless of where they are.
In this article, let’s see 10 global team building activities for your employees. They can help your team connect, bond, and work better together regardless of their geographical locations.
10 Global Team Building Activities for Your Employees
Here are some team building exercises that can be easily adapted to a global setting.
#1. Global Trivia Challenge
This activity tests participants’ knowledge about different countries, cultures, and global facts. It promotes learning and teamwork in a fun, competitive setting.
Time: 10-15 minutes
Materials: Prepared trivia questions, and video conferencing tool
Participants: 4-8 people per team
Instructions
- Divide the participants into small teams and assign each team a name.
- Share the trivia questions screen or read them aloud for everyone to see/hear.
- Ask the teams to submit their answers via chat or a shared document within a set time limit for each question.
- Include a mix of easy and challenging questions, such as “What is the capital of Brazil?” or “Which country is known as the Land of the Rising Sun?”.
Debrief
Discuss which types of questions sparked the most interest or challenged the team. Identify how the employees collaborated and where knowledge gaps emerged for future learning opportunities.
#2. Virtual Scavenger Hunt
A virtual scavenger hunt is a creative way to engage remote employees and encourage teamwork. It’s an activity that gets everyone thinking and moving while promoting collaboration.
Time: 15-20 minutes
Materials: A prepared list of scavenger hunt items or tasks that participants can find or complete within their own homes or surroundings
Participants: 3-8 individuals in a team
Instructions
- Share the scavenger hunt list with the teams through a shared document or display it on the screen during a video call.
- Set a time limit for the teams to find the items or complete the tasks. Example tasks could include “Find something that represents your culture” or “Show your favorite coffee mug.”
- Team members can share their findings live via video or take photos and upload them to a shared platform.
- Award points for creativity, speed, or quality, depending on the nature of the items or tasks.
Debrief
Discuss the most unique or interesting items found and how they reflect individual personalities or cultural backgrounds. Highlight teamwork and celebrate the creativity showcased during the activity.
#3. Cultural Show-and-Tell
This activity allows employees to share an aspect of their culture, fostering deeper connections and understanding within a global team. It’s a great way to celebrate diversity and learn from each other.
Time: 15-20 minutes per session
Materials: None, though participants may prepare items or visuals to share
Participants: 2-10 individuals in a group
Instructions
- Ask the group members to prepare a short presentation on something unique from their culture. This could be about a tradition, a recipe, a holiday, or a piece of art.
- During the session, group members take turns presenting their chosen topic via video call.
- Encourage questions or discussions after each presentation to make the session more interactive.
- Consider recording the session to share with the group members unable to attend live or for future reference.
Debrief
Reflect on what participants found most surprising or interesting. Discuss how cultural awareness can improve team collaboration and foster mutual respect.
#4. Time Zone Quest
This activity helps global teams develop an appreciation for each other’s time zones while solving a fun puzzle. It builds problem-solving skills and enhances awareness of international time differences.
Time: You decide
Materials: A prepared puzzle or series of tasks that involve solving time-zone-related challenges
Participants: Any number of people per group
Instructions
- Split the participants into small teams and give each team the same puzzle or challenge. For example, you could ask them to plan a mock virtual meeting that accommodates everyone’s time zones, or solve riddles based on world clocks.
- Provide tools such as world time zone maps or online time zone converters to assist them.
- Announce a time limit to ensure the task stays engaging and fast-paced.
- The first team to solve the challenge or come up with the best solution wins.
Debrief
Discuss the difficulties faced during the activity and the strategies teams used to solve the challenges. Highlight the importance of being considerate of colleagues in other time zones in day-to-day work.
#5. Global Recipe Exchange
Food brings people together, and a recipe exchange is a perfect way to bond over culinary traditions from around the world. It promotes cultural appreciation and encourages employees to try new dishes.
Time: Flexible – organize as a one-time event or ongoing activity
Materials: Recipe submissions, and optional visual aids (photos or videos of the dishes)
Participants: Any number of people per group
Instructions
- Invite the team members to share a favorite recipe from their country or culture in a shared document or online workspace.
- Optionally, ask the participants to include a story or memory connected to the recipe.
- Create a digital recipe book with contributions from the entire team to share and enjoy together.
- For an added layer of fun, encourage the participants to cook recipes shared by others and discuss their experience in a follow-up session.
Debrief
Talk about the flavors and stories that stood out the most. Share what participants learned about each other’s cultures through the recipes and how food creates opportunities for connection.
#6. Virtual Talent Show
A virtual talent show provides an opportunity for employees to showcase their unique talents while creating a fun and supportive environment. It’s a great way to break the ice and celebrate individuality within the team.
Time: You decide
Materials: None, though participants may need personal instruments, tools, or props for their performances
Participants: Groups of any size
Instructions
- Invite the group members to prepare a short performance or demonstration of their special talent. This could range from playing an instrument, singing, dancing, or even displaying creative skills like painting or storytelling.
- Host a video call and provide each group member a designated time slot to perform.
- Encourage positive feedback and applause through chat or reactions to create an encouraging atmosphere.
- Optionally, hold a vote for “audience favorite” or other light-hearted awards to make the event more engaging.
Debrief
Reflect on the hidden talents discovered within the team and how this activity built camaraderie. Discuss how such creative outlets can foster stronger bonds and encourage vulnerability in the workplace.
#7. Storytelling Workshop
A storytelling workshop fosters creativity and builds communication skills by encouraging employees to share experiences in an engaging way. It also creates a personal and empathetic space for colleagues to connect on a deeper level.
Time: You decide
Materials: None, although prompts or themes can be provided to guide the storytelling
Participants: 4-10 individuals per group
Instructions
- Begin by introducing the importance of storytelling and its role in communication and connection.
- Provide a theme or prompt, such as “A moment that changed my perspective” or “A memorable experience from my career.”
- Allow time for participants to prepare their stories before sharing them with the group through a video call.
- After each story, encourage others to share what they found impactful or relatable. Consider recording the session to preserve the stories for future inspiration.
Debrief
Discuss how storytelling helps humanize team members and build empathy. Highlight common themes or lessons shared and how they can be applied in professional or personal contexts.
#8. Virtual Wellness Challenge
A wellness challenge promotes physical and mental health while providing a shared goal for the team to work toward. It encourages accountability and helps prioritize well-being in a busy work environment.
Time: Ongoing over a week or month
Materials: Wellness tracking tools or apps, and challenges tailored to the team’s preferences or goals
Participants: Groups of any size
Instructions
- Outline specific wellness challenges, such as daily step goals, hydration targets, or meditation streaks.
- Use a shared platform or app to log progress and encourage interaction, such as sharing tips or motivational updates.
- Offer small incentives or recognition for milestones achieved or for the most consistent group members.
- End the challenge with a group discussion on the experience and personal wellness takeaways.
Debrief
Talk about how maintaining wellness impacted participants’ energy and focus. Encourage team members to share habits they plan to continue and identify how the workplace can better support overall health and well-being.
#9. Online Escape Room
An online escape room is an exciting way to challenge problem-solving skills and encourage collaboration. Through puzzles, riddles, and teamwork, participants can bond in a high-energy, immersive experience.
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: Access to a virtual escape room platform or a set of pre-designed puzzles
Participants: 4-8 people per group
Instructions
- Divide the participants into teams. Next, provide each team access to an online escape room platform or host the session with custom puzzles.
- Encourage the teams to communicate openly and divide responsibilities to solve clues efficiently.
- Set a time limit and motivate them to “escape” before time runs out. For additional fun, introduce a theme that aligns with a shared interest or company culture.
- For larger groups, organize a leaderboard to track performance and foster friendly competition.
Debrief
Discuss how the teams collaborated to solve the puzzles and identify strategies that were the most effective. Highlight how the challenge mirrors workplace situations requiring problem-solving and quick thinking.
#10. Language Exchange
This exercise allows employees to learn from each other and build cultural understanding through language learning. It’s a fun way to break down barriers and promote diversity within the workplace.
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: None, but participants may need access to online translation tools or dictionaries
Participants: 2-6 members per team with different native languages
Instructions
- Invite the participants who are fluent in different languages to pair up for a conversation session. If possible, match individuals based on their interests or professional roles to create an engaging discussion.
- Encourage the use of both languages throughout the conversation and provide time for partners to explain any unfamiliar words or phrases.
- Consider incorporating a cultural aspect, such as discussing traditional food or customs from each language’s country of origin.
Debrief
Talk about the experience of learning and practicing a new language with a colleague. Discuss how this activity fosters cross-cultural understanding and opens opportunities for future collaborations.
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Final Words
Building a cohesive global team requires creative approaches to overcoming physical and cultural barriers. These activities are not only fun but also pivotal in creating an inclusive, respectful, and engaged workforce. By investing time and effort in these global initiatives, you’ll lay the foundation for a thriving, collaborative, and productive team. So, why not try one of these activities today and see the positive impact it has on your team?
FAQ: Global Team Building Activities
You might have these questions in mind.
How do I ensure that all team members feel included in these global initiatives?
It’s important to communicate openly with your team and gather feedback on their preferences and comfort levels. Be mindful of cultural sensitivities and make sure that activities are inclusive and respectful of all team members. Encourage everyone to participate, but also provide the option for individuals to opt-out if they feel uncomfortable.
How often should these global activities be conducted?
The frequency of these activities will depend on your team’s needs and preferences. It may be helpful to schedule them quarterly or biannually to keep the momentum going and allow for a variety of activities. However, it’s important to regularly check in with your team and gather feedback on their experiences to determine the best frequency for these initiatives.
How do I measure the success of these activities?
Measuring success can be achieved through post-activity surveys, feedback sessions, and team performance assessments. Ask the participants about their experience, what they enjoyed, and what could be improved. Additionally, monitor team dynamics and collaboration in the weeks following the activity to observe any positive changes. Regularly gathering insights will help refine future initiatives and ensure they align with team goals.
