{"id":236275,"date":"2020-09-02T07:00:24","date_gmt":"2020-09-02T11:00:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.virtualvocations.com\/blog\/?p=236275"},"modified":"2024-11-01T14:21:40","modified_gmt":"2024-11-01T18:21:40","slug":"unique-virtual-team-building-activities-introverts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.virtualvocations.com\/blog\/remote-working-tips\/unique-virtual-team-building-activities-introverts\/","title":{"rendered":"Virtual Team Building Activities for Introverts and the Camera-Shy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Updated November 2024<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remote “water cooler” sessions, video-conferencing, and other virtual team building activities<\/a> have become the norm for workers around the globe. As much as the extrovert enjoys conversing and interacting with coworkers, introverts might have a different level of interest and energy to give. But even the most introverted person needs to interact with remote coworkers for an important reason: virtual team building and camaraderie. Through virtual team building, employees feel more connected and valued. As a result, their efficiency, collaboration, and productivity improve. Here are some ideas for unique virtual team building activities for introverts and the camera-shy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n

The Brain Teaser<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The brain teaser is an old-school method of interaction, usually found in riddle books or the Sunday newspaper. But did you know that brain teasers (along with other mentally stimulating games) improve critical thinking and problem-solving in people, including remote workers?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That’s great news for employers searching for team-building activities that also enrich each employees’ mind. But don’t let employees do these teasers entirely on their own. Instead, pair them with a remote coworker and see how well they work together. You might just find a dynamic duo you didn’t know you had.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Actionable<\/picture><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Actionable Step: <\/strong>If you need some ideas, here are some brain teasers from Forbes<\/a> to get you started. But if you start to run into stagnation or employee indifference, switch it up with a word problem, riddle, math problem, or a different genre of brain teasers. You can do this daily, monthly, or weekly and offer a reward to the winning group. Just send a gentle reminder that looking up the answer online isn’t being a team player.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Fitness Contests<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Remote work provides a prime job perk and work-life balance that few \u2014 if any \u2014 employment arrangements can touch. And with the initial freedom comes plenty of good intentions from professionals who work from home. “I’m going to work out more. I’m going to meditate more. My diet’s going to get healthier.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nearly all of these comments are common to virtual workers. But unfortunately, the workload and lack of experience working from home have other ideas. Because remote workers don’t have the need to walk around or leave the home office, they become sedentary. In turn, this leads to more desk-bound activities. One team-building activity that requires no face-to-face time and is perfect for introverts is a fitness contest. Not only will this help your employees feel more accomplished and energized, but it will also reduce stress and improve mood<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Actionable<\/picture><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Actionable Step: <\/strong>Ask your employees if they’d be interested in a fitness challenge, and what kind they’d prefer. Examples might include a push-up challenge, running distance challenge, or just who can take the most steps in the day. Add a “fitness challenge” channel to Slack or a similar collaborative program, and let everyone add their stats for a virtual team building activity that also fosters encouragement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n
\n\t
\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n
\n
\"Learn<\/picture>
Find out how to keep yourself in good shape, even if you live a sedentary life behind the computer screen<\/a><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n
\n\t
\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n<\/div>\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Virtual Group Seminars<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Group seminars are another superb virtual team building activity that can bring some knowledge and insight to your employees. Plus, you don’t need your team to use video-conferencing software to get the most out of the seminar, making this activity ideal for introverts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The good news is that the seminars don’t have to revolve specifically around remote work. In fact, employees can get something out of seminars with inspirational speakers, sports heroes, CEOs, or just about anyone with a message. If possible, gear the seminar toward your specific industry, but it’s not entirely necessary. When your team gets a touch of motivation or a fresh idea, the seminar has been a successful venture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Actionable<\/picture><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Actionable Step:<\/strong> The internet is rife with companies that will put on virtual seminars or conferences for your company. But if you don’t have the budget, don’t stress. Even YouTube has TED Talks videos and other motivational clips and speeches that will get the job done based on your goals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Guess That Baby Photo<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A long time office favorite, Guess That Baby Photo is still alive and well in an increasingly remote world. Plus, it’s a great team-building activity that also provides a much-needed chuckle in an anxiety-inducing global pandemic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To play, all you need to do is have everyone upload a baby photo to your team collaboration platform. Then, turn it into a game (most correct guesses wins) or just let people browse at their leisure. Not only will your team interact, but they’ll also learn a bit more about each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Actionable<\/picture><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Actionable Step: <\/strong>While this may seem like a one-off team-building activity, you don’t have to let it end there. Try Guess That Photo with grade school pictures, high school senior pictures, or even Halloween costumes. You can even make it themed each month. The key is to keep it fresh and entertaining for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n

Fun, Team Building Slack Channels<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you use Slack or another collaborative program for remote work, you have access to a world of different possibilities for virtual team building. For introverts or those who don’t love video chats, these channels are amazing ways for your team to interact with a bit of friendly competition thrown in. Most of these will involve posting pictures based on the title of the group. Examples might include:<\/p>\n\n\n