Team-building activities can be a great bonding experience for employees. But because so many of us work remotely now, we can’t exactly gather in a meeting room for a team-building seminar or go out to happy hour with the team. So how exactly can we connect with our coworkers during COVID-19?
Here are eight employee bonding ideas for remote workers:
1. Video-chat with your coworkers.
Video chats are a fantastic way to bond with your fellow employees. Remote workers constantly use messaging apps to communicate with each other, but when was the last time you had a one-on-one conversation with a coworker? Video chatting can help you connect with your coworkers inside and outside of remote work. You can even use teeth whitening products like a home teeth whitening kit to brighten up your smile during your office’s video-chat virtual happy hour. And be sure to keep some tooth stain erasers close at hand for those pesky wine stains.
2. Share photos with the office.
Sharing photos of your family or pets is an effortless way to bond with your coworkers. You can even ask everyone to share their favorite vacation photos or show off pictures of their home office setup.
3. Have a storytelling hour.
Everyone has a crazy story about something that has happened to them, so why not share yours with your coworkers?
Have a storytelling hour with a topic for coworkers to base their stories around. The theme can be anything from the most outrageous thing that your pet has done to the best you’ve ever taken. Your remote office mates will have a great time sharing their stories!
4. Teach your coworkers a new skill.
Share your talents with your office, and let your coworkers share theirs with a “skill share!” Ask your fellow employees to demonstrate a skill that they’re passionate about. Whether it’s showing the office how to grow a vegetable garden, teaching how to whip up a killer cocktail, or even sharing a step-by-step cookie recipe, everyone’s sure to enjoy.
5. Start a digital breakfast club.
Some employees love to arrive at work early so that they can chat with colleagues, but it’s much more difficult to chat when your office is remote. Instead of traditional workplace chatting, offer a digital breakfast club for those early risers to meet and chat. You can discuss your favorite coffee blends or your favorite TV shows. Try to limit these meetings to 10 or fewer employees so that everyone can talk.
6. Fundraise Online for a Nonprofit Organization
Fundraising for a cause is a great way for your entire office to do good from home. There are a number of digital platforms that allow you to host online fundraising campaigns, so choose an organization to support, set a fundraising goal and incentives for milestones, and fundraise away!
Even though most of the world is working remotely now, there are still plenty of ways for you to bond with your entire office. Try one of these ideas for some fun outside of work!
Featured Photo by Mateus Campos Felipe on Unsplash.
