10 Team Building Activities for Hybrid Meetings
Are you in search of team building activities for hybrid meetings?
In the ever-evolving landscape of remote and hybrid work, it’s more important than ever to find ways to keep your team engaged. With hybrid meetings becoming the new norm, it can be a challenge to come up with activities that will bring both in-person and virtual employees together.
But worry not! In this article, let’s see 10 effective team building exercises you can incorporate into your hybrid meetings. These activities can be done both in-person and virtually, making them perfect for hybrid teams.
10 Team Building Activities for Hybrid Meetings
Here are some exciting and inclusive team building exercises that are perfectly suited for hybrid meetings.
#1. Digital Scavenger Hunt
In this activity, employees can participate from anywhere as long as they have internet access. It encourages collaboration and teamwork while also giving everyone a chance to show off their creativity.
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: None
Participants: Groups of 4-8 people (both in-person and virtual)
Instructions
- Ask each team to come up with a list of items for the scavenger hunt (e.g. something red, something round, etc.)
- Share the list of items with all team members.
- Set a timer for 10 minutes and ask each team to find the items on the list, either in their own space or by taking pictures online.
Debrief
Discuss how team members approached the task and collaborated to complete the scavenger hunt. Reflect on the creativity and problem-solving skills demonstrated during the activity.
#2. Two Truths and a Lie
This classic icebreaker game is easily adaptable for hybrid meetings. It helps team members get to know each other better, fostering trust and camaraderie.
Time: 10-15 minutes
Materials: None
Participants: Groups of 4-8 individuals (both in-person and virtual)
Instructions
- Ask each group member to prepare three statements about themselves—two of which are true and one that is a lie.
- Each person takes turns sharing their three statements with the group.
- The rest of the group discusses and votes on which statement they think is the lie.
- Reveal the lie and proceed to the next participant.
Debrief
Discuss how the team members were able to identify the lie and how well they know each other. Encourage them to share more about themselves beyond their work roles.
#3. Virtual Escape Room
Escape rooms have become increasingly popular in recent years, but now they can be done virtually too! This activity challenges teams to work together and think outside the box while having fun.
Time: You decide
Materials: Online escape room game
Participants: Groups of 4-8 people (both in-person and virtual)
Instructions
- Divide the participants into smaller groups. Next, assign each group to an online escape room game.
- Set a time limit for each group to complete the challenge.
- Groups can communicate through a video conferencing platform or messaging app to work together and solve clues.
Debrief
Discuss how teams worked together, communicated, and solved problems during the activity. Encourage them to reflect on any challenges they faced and how they overcame them.
#4. Group Storytelling
This activity allows employees to flex their creativity and collaboration skills by crafting a story together. It’s a fun way to break the ice and bring different perspectives to the table.
Time: 10-15 minutes
Materials: None
Participants: Groups of any size
Instructions
- Start by selecting a group member to begin the story with an opening sentence (e.g., “Once upon a time, there was a mysterious island…”).
- Each participant then takes turns adding a sentence to continue the story.
- Alternate between in-person and virtual group members to ensure equal participation.
- Continue until everyone has contributed or the story reaches a natural conclusion.
Debrief
Reflect on how the group collaborated to create a cohesive and imaginative story. Discuss how different ideas were incorporated, and celebrate the creativity demonstrated by the group.
#5. Show and Tell
This is a simple yet impactful activity. It allows participants to share something meaningful to them, building personal connections within the team.
Time: 10-15 minutes
Materials: Optional (depending on what participants choose to bring)
Participants: Groups of any size
Instructions
- Ask each participant to bring an item that’s meaningful to them or prepare a story about something they would like to share.
- Each team member takes turns showing their item on camera or in the room and sharing why it is important to them.
- Encourage questions or positive feedback from the group after each presentation.
Debrief
Discuss the value of learning more about teammates on a personal level. Highlight how activities like these build trust and strengthen relationships within the team.
#6. Pictionary
This is a classic drawing and guessing game. It is a light-hearted way to promote teamwork and creativity, making it a perfect fit for hybrid meetings.
Time: 15-20 minutes
Materials: Online drawing tool or physical drawing materials for in-person participants
Participants: 4-8 individuals per group
Instructions
- Divide the participants into smaller groups with a mix of in-person and virtual employees.
- Assign one participant as the “artist” for each round and provide them with a word or phrase to draw.
- The “artist” has a limited time (e.g., 1-2 minutes) to draw the word or phrase without using letters or numbers. Team members must guess what is being drawn before the time runs out.
- Rotate the role of the “artist” to give everyone a chance to participate.
Debrief
Reflect on the team’s communication and creativity during the game. Discuss how the employees worked together to interpret the drawings and come up with answers, even in a time-constrained environment.
#7. Trivia Challenge
Trivia games are excellent for testing knowledge, sparking friendly competition, and building team spirit. They are also easy to adapt for hybrid setups.
Time: 15-20 minutes
Materials: Prepared trivia questions (or an online trivia platform)
Participants: 4-8 individuals per group
Instructions
- Divide participants into teams that combine in-person and virtual members.
- Prepare a list of trivia questions covering a mix of general knowledge, pop culture, or work-related topics.
- Using a moderator, ask each team a series of questions, giving them a fixed amount of time to respond (e.g., 30 seconds per question).
- Keep score and announce the winning team at the end.
Debrief
Discuss how the team members worked together to answer questions and how the activity encouraged collaboration across locations. Highlight any fun or surprising moments that occurred during the challenge.
#8. Photo Caption Contest
This activity combines creativity and humor to bring teams closer together. It can lighten the mood of a hybrid meeting.
Time: 10-15 minutes
Materials: Funny or interesting photos (shared on screen or in the room)
Participants: Any number of people in a group
Instructions
- Share an image with the team, either by displaying it on a shared screen or in the meeting space.
- Give the participants a few minutes to come up with a caption for the photo.
- Each participant shares their caption with the group. Then, the group members vote on their favorite.
- Continue with additional rounds if desired.
Debrief
Reflect on how humor and creative thinking brought the team together. Discuss the importance of moments of levity in fostering a positive group atmosphere.
#9. Virtual Coffee Chats
Building personal connections is essential for team cohesion, and virtual coffee chats are a simple yet effective way to achieve this.
Time: 10-15 minutes
Materials: None, just a video conferencing platform
Participants: Pairs or small groups
Instructions
- Pair up the participants randomly, mixing in-person and remote employees.
- Assign a few casual topics to discuss during the chat (e.g., favorite hobbies, weekend plans, or a recent favorite show or book).
- After the allotted time, rotate pairs or groups for additional rounds.
Debrief
Encourage the teams to share their experience and any interesting things they learned about their teammates. Highlight how this activity strengthens bonds within the group.
#10. Virtual Fitness Challenge
Inject some energy into the group by incorporating fun, light physical activities that everyone can participate in.
Time: 10-20 minutes
Materials: Video examples of exercises (optional)
Participants: Any number of individuals per group
Instructions
- Choose a set of simple physical challenges (e.g., stretching, desk yoga, or a plank competition) that accommodate all fitness levels.
- Have a team leader or instructor guide the participants through the exercises, ensuring everyone stays engaged.
- Encourage participation by celebrating effort rather than performance.
Debrief
Discuss how getting active, even briefly, can improve energy levels and focus during meetings. Encourage the group members to incorporate small movement breaks into their daily routines.
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Final Words
Keep in mind that these activities are just a few examples of what you can do with your team. Get creative and come up with your own unique activities that cater specifically to your team’s dynamics and goals. Remember, the key to successful activities is to tailor them to your group’s preferences and needs. Have fun, be open to new ideas, and watch your team grow stronger together!
FAQ: Hybrid Team Building Activities
You might have these questions in mind.
How do I choose the right activity for my team?
It’s important to consider your team’s preferences, goals, and dynamics. For instance, if your team enjoys creative exercises, opt for activities like Group Storytelling. If they prefer problem-solving challenges, a Virtual Escape Room might be a better fit. Always prioritize inclusivity so every group member, whether in-person or remote, can actively participate.
Can these exercises be adapted for larger teams?
Absolutely! For larger teams, you can divide the participants into smaller groups to ensure everyone has a chance to contribute. This works particularly well for activities like Virtual Escape Rooms or Two Truths and a Lie. Smaller groups foster better collaboration and communication.
How can I ensure remote team members feel included?
Make use of video conferencing tools or apps to bridge the gap between in-person and remote participants. Activities like Group Storytelling or Virtual Coffee Chats are great for fostering equal participation, as they don’t require physical materials. Plus, they rely on communication and engagement.
What if my team is not responsive to these activities?
It is natural for some team members to feel hesitant at first. Start with simpler, low-pressure activities to ease them into participating. Encourage openness and create a supportive environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing. Adjust or rotate activities to maintain interest and engagement over time.
How often should I conduct team building exercises?
The frequency depends on your team’s needs. Some teams benefit from weekly check-ins with short activities, while others may prefer monthly or quarterly sessions. The key is to maintain consistency without overwhelming your group, keeping the activities fun and meaningful.
