Reviewed Oct 8, 2026·InterObservers activity library·How we verify
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Pick team building activities for work that fit your team size, the time you have and where you meet, remote or in person.
The finder searches 85 team building activities written by the InterObservers editorial team: 72 work on a video call, 75 work in the same room and 29 take 15 minutes or less. Each one lists the number of people, the minutes, the preparation, the materials and the steps. Library updated September 29, 2026.
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All 85 activities, each listed once: in the first group that fits, in this order: remote only, in person only, 15 minutes or less, icebreaker games, team building games, large groups, then the rest. The finder above filters every activity by each of these.
Quick team building activities (15 minutes or less)
These 19 work remote or in person and take 15 minutes or less, so they fit at the start of a regular meeting. The finder shows all 29 activities of 15 minutes or less, including the ones listed under the virtual and in-person groups.
One Word Check-In
Everyone describes how they are arriving at the meeting in a single word, which sets the tone and surfaces who might need support.
People
2 to 25 people
Time
3 to 10 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
None
Materials
None
Cost
Free
Kind
Icebreaker game
Energy
Calm
Good for
communication, bonding
Steps to run One Word Check-In
Explain that everyone gives one word, with no explanation required.
Go around in a set order or let people post in chat.
Thank the group and move into the agenda.
Accessibility: Words can be spoken, typed or shown on a card, and passing is always fine.
Draw Your Week
People draw a quick sketch that sums up their work week, then share it with a one-line caption.
People
3 to 15 people
Time
5 to 10 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
None
Materials
paper, pens
Cost
Free
Kind
Icebreaker game
Energy
Calm
Good for
communication, creativity
Steps to run Draw Your Week
Give everyone 2 minutes to sketch.
Share sketches on camera or on the table.
Add a one-line caption for each.
Accessibility: A written caption alone is fine, and every sketch is described aloud when shared.
Group Count Up
The group tries to count to twenty with people calling out numbers at random, restarting whenever two people speak at once.
People
5 to 30 people
Time
5 to 10 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
None
Materials
None
Cost
Free
Kind
Icebreaker game
Energy
Moderate
Good for
energy, collaboration
Steps to run Group Count Up
Explain that anyone can say the next number, but only one person at a time.
Start at one.
Restart from one whenever two voices overlap.
Celebrate when the group reaches twenty.
Accessibility: People can type numbers in chat instead of speaking, which works well in remote meetings too.
Heads or Tails Guess
Everyone guesses heads or tails before each coin toss, and people who guess wrong sit out and cheer until one guesser is left.
People
10 or more people
Time
5 to 10 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
None
Materials
coin
Cost
Free
Kind
Icebreaker game
Energy
Active
Good for
energy
Steps to run Heads or Tails Guess
Ask everyone to show a guess with a hand on the head for heads or a raised hand for tails.
Toss the coin and call the result.
People who guessed wrong become cheerleaders.
Repeat until one person remains.
Accessibility: Guesses can be typed in chat or said aloud, so nobody needs to move to take part.
Lightning Round Questions
The facilitator fires quick questions at the group, and people answer in a few words as fast as they can.
People
3 to 20 people
Time
5 to 10 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
None
Materials
None
Cost
Free
Kind
Icebreaker game
Energy
Moderate
Good for
energy, bonding
Steps to run Lightning Round Questions
Pick ten quick questions from our icebreaker list.
Read each question and take three or four fast answers.
Keep the pace high and skip freely.
Accessibility: Answers can be typed in chat, and nobody is called on by name unless they volunteer.
Raise Your Hand If
The facilitator reads light statements about work habits and anyone for whom it is true raises a hand or a reaction.
People
10 or more people
Time
5 to 10 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
None
Materials
None
Cost
Free
Kind
Icebreaker game
Energy
Calm
Good for
bonding, energy
Steps to run Raise Your Hand If
Prepare eight light statements such as I have more than twenty tabs open.
Read each statement slowly.
Let people raise a hand or post a reaction.
Comment on the biggest and smallest counts.
Accessibility: Reactions, chat replies or a colored card all count, and the facilitator reads each result aloud.
Tiny Habits Challenge
Each person picks one small work habit to try for two weeks, such as a daily plan, and checks in with a buddy.
People
3 to 30 people
Time
5 to 10 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
None
Materials
None
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building activity
Energy
Calm
Good for
collaboration, energy
Steps to run Tiny Habits Challenge
Share examples of small work habits.
Let each person pick one.
Pair people as check-in buddies.
Share results after two weeks.
Accessibility: Check-ins can be written or spoken, and habits stay about work routines.
Question Jar
A jar of question slips gets passed around or drawn from online, and each person answers the question they pull.
People
3 to 20 people
Time
5 to 15 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
Light
Materials
jar, question slips
Cost
Free
Kind
Icebreaker game
Energy
Calm
Good for
bonding, communication
Steps to run Question Jar
Print light questions and fold them into a jar, or load them into a random picker.
Let each person draw one question.
Allow a redraw or a pass at any time.
Keep answers to about 1 minute.
Accessibility: The facilitator can read slips aloud and draw on anyone's behalf, and a random picker works online.
Rock Paper Scissors Cheer Chain
People play quick rounds of rock paper scissors, and each loser becomes the cheering fan of the winner until two big crowds face off.
People
8 or more people
Time
5 to 15 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
None
Materials
None
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building game
Energy
Active
Good for
energy
Steps to run Rock Paper Scissors Cheer Chain
Pair everyone up for one quick round.
The loser follows the winner and cheers for them.
Winners find another winner and play again.
End with a final between two large cheering crowds.
Accessibility: Players can show choices by typing or saying them, and cheering can be done in chat.
Three Word Intro
People introduce themselves with their name, role and three words that describe how they like to work.
People
3 to 40 people
Time
5 to 15 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
None
Materials
None
Cost
Free
Kind
Icebreaker game
Energy
Calm
Good for
onboarding new hires, bonding
Steps to run Three Word Intro
Model it first with your own three words.
Give everyone 1 minute to think.
Go around the room or post in chat.
Invite quick follow-up questions later.
Accessibility: Introductions can be typed in chat or read by the facilitator for anyone who prefers not to speak.
Would You Rather Vote
The facilitator reads work-flavored would you rather questions, the group votes, and one person from each side explains the pick.
People
4 or more people
Time
5 to 15 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
None
Materials
None
Cost
Free
Kind
Icebreaker game
Energy
Moderate
Good for
energy, bonding
Steps to run Would You Rather Vote
Pick five questions from our would you rather list.
Read a question and let everyone vote by hand or poll.
Ask one volunteer from each side for a reason.
Move quickly to the next question.
Accessibility: Votes work by raised hand, card, chat or poll, so everyone can join in the way that suits them.
Agree or Disagree Spectrum
The facilitator reads light statements and people place themselves on a line from strongly agree to strongly disagree.
People
6 to 60 people
Time
10 to 15 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
None
Materials
None
Cost
Free
Kind
Icebreaker game
Energy
Moderate
Good for
communication, energy
Steps to run Agree or Disagree Spectrum
Mark one end of the room or a shared slide as agree and the other as disagree.
Read a light statement such as pineapple belongs on pizza.
Let people place themselves or a marker on the line.
Ask one person from each end to explain.
Accessibility: People can place a sticky note or a digital marker instead of moving, and every statement is read aloud.
Alphabet Brainstorm
Teams list one work-related word for every letter of the alphabet as quickly as they can.
People
4 to 40 people
Time
10 to 15 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
None
Materials
paper, pens
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building game
Energy
Moderate
Good for
creativity, collaboration
Steps to run Alphabet Brainstorm
Form teams of three to five.
Pick a theme such as things in an office.
Set a timer for 5 minutes.
Compare lists and share the most creative words.
Accessibility: Teams can write on paper or a shared document, and one person can be scribe.
Appreciation Round
Each person thanks one teammate for something specific they did recently, making sure everyone is thanked at least once.
People
3 to 15 people
Time
10 to 15 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
None
Materials
None
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building activity
Energy
Calm
Good for
recognition, trust
Steps to run Appreciation Round
Explain that thanks should be specific.
Go around the group.
Make sure every person receives thanks.
Accessibility: Thanks can be written in chat or said aloud, whichever the person prefers.
Common Ground Hunt
Pairs get a few minutes to find three things they have in common that are not obvious from the job title or the team.
People
4 to 60 people
Time
10 to 15 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
None
Materials
None
Cost
Free
Kind
Icebreaker game
Energy
Moderate
Good for
bonding, onboarding new hires
Steps to run Common Ground Hunt
Split the group into pairs or breakout rooms.
Give pairs 4 minutes to find three shared things beyond work basics.
Ask each pair to share its most surprising match.
Rotate pairs once if time allows.
Accessibility: Pairs can talk, type or use a shared note, and anyone can pass on a topic without explaining why.
Doodle Round
Everyone gets one minute to sketch a simple prompt, then the group shares the drawings and enjoys the variety.
People
3 to 25 people
Time
10 to 15 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
None
Materials
paper, pens
Cost
Free
Kind
Icebreaker game
Energy
Moderate
Good for
creativity, energy
Steps to run Doodle Round
Call out a prompt such as your ideal office.
Set a timer for 1 minute.
Hold drawings up to the camera or table.
Pick a few to talk about.
Accessibility: Anyone can describe the idea in words instead of drawing, and drawings are described aloud as they are shown.
Story Chain
The group builds a silly story one sentence at a time, with each person adding a line that follows from the last.
People
3 to 15 people
Time
10 to 15 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
None
Materials
None
Cost
Free
Kind
Icebreaker game
Energy
Moderate
Good for
creativity, communication
Steps to run Story Chain
Give an opening line about an ordinary workday.
Go around in a set order, one sentence each.
Run two or three full rounds.
Let the last person give the story a title.
Accessibility: Sentences can be spoken or typed, and anyone can pass their turn to the next person.
Team Haiku
Small groups write a short three-line poem about a current project, then read them to the whole team.
People
3 to 20 people
Time
10 to 15 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
None
Materials
None
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building game
Energy
Calm
Good for
creativity, collaboration
Steps to run Team Haiku
Explain the short, medium, short line pattern.
Form groups of two or three.
Give groups 7 minutes to write.
Share poems and pick a favorite line.
Accessibility: Poems can be shared in writing and read by the facilitator.
Team Playlist
Everyone adds a song to a shared team playlist with a short note on why they picked it, and it plays during focus time.
People
3 or more people
Time
10 to 15 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
None
Materials
shared playlist
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building activity
Energy
Calm
Good for
bonding
Steps to run Team Playlist
Create a shared playlist.
Ask everyone to add one or two songs with a note.
Share the list and play it during a work block.
Accessibility: Song notes are shared in writing, and joining is always optional.
Virtual team building activities
These 10 run only online, on a video call or in team chat. Another 62 activities on this page work remote or in person, so 72 in all can run with a remote team.
Emoji Mood Round
Everyone posts one emoji that captures their week so far, and a few people explain their pick in a sentence.
People
3 to 60 people
Time
5 to 10 minutes
Setting
Remote only (video call or team chat)
Preparation
None
Materials
None
Cost
Free
Kind
Icebreaker game
Energy
Calm
Good for
communication, energy
Steps to run Emoji Mood Round
Ask everyone to post one emoji in the chat at the same time.
Invite three or four volunteers to explain theirs.
Point out any patterns in the mix.
Accessibility: People can type a word instead of an emoji, and the facilitator reads the chat aloud for anyone using a screen reader.
Gratitude Journal Thread
For one week the team posts one thing it appreciated about work each day in a shared thread.
People
3 or more people
Time
5 to 10 minutes
Setting
Remote only (video call or team chat)
Preparation
None
Materials
None
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building activity
Energy
Calm
Good for
recognition, bonding
Steps to run Gratitude Journal Thread
Open a thread and explain the idea.
Post one appreciation each day.
React to each other's posts.
Read a few highlights at the end of the week.
Accessibility: Posts are written, and people can join on any day they like.
Photo Challenge Week
Each day the team shares a photo that matches a light prompt such as something green or a view from a walk.
People
3 or more people
Time
5 to 10 minutes
Setting
Remote only (video call or team chat)
Preparation
Light
Materials
daily prompt list
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building activity
Energy
Calm
Good for
bonding, creativity
Steps to run Photo Challenge Week
Share a list of five daily prompts.
Post photos in a team thread.
React and comment on each other's posts.
Pick favorites at the end of the week.
Accessibility: People can describe the scene in words instead of posting a photo, and every photo gets a short caption.
Question of the Week Thread
Each week someone posts a light question in the team channel and people reply whenever they have a moment.
People
3 or more people
Time
5 to 10 minutes
Setting
Remote only (video call or team chat)
Preparation
None
Materials
None
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building activity
Energy
Calm
Good for
bonding, communication
Steps to run Question of the Week Thread
Pick a light question from our list.
Post it on Monday.
Invite replies through the week.
Rotate who posts the next one.
Accessibility: Replies are written, and people can answer with text, a photo or an emoji.
Team Word Cloud
Everyone submits a word to a shared word cloud about a prompt, and the group talks about the words that stand out.
People
3 or more people
Time
5 to 10 minutes
Setting
Remote only (video call or team chat)
Preparation
Light
Materials
word cloud tool
Cost
Free
Kind
Icebreaker game
Energy
Calm
Good for
communication, energy
Steps to run Team Word Cloud
Set up a word cloud with a prompt such as this week in one word.
Share the link and give people 1 minute to submit.
Show the word cloud and invite two or three comments.
Accessibility: The facilitator reads out the largest words for anyone who cannot see the screen.
Emoji Story
Each person tells the story of a recent project or task using only emojis, and the group decodes it.
People
3 to 30 people
Time
10 to 15 minutes
Setting
Remote only (video call or team chat)
Preparation
None
Materials
None
Cost
Free
Kind
Icebreaker game
Energy
Calm
Good for
creativity, bonding
Steps to run Emoji Story
Give everyone 3 minutes to compose a short emoji story in chat.
Take turns decoding each story as a group.
Let the author confirm or correct the reading.
Accessibility: Stories can be written in a few words instead, and the facilitator reads emoji names aloud for screen reader users.
Guess the Desk Object
Teammates send a close-up photo of one object from their workspace, and the group guesses who each object belongs to.
People
4 to 20 people
Time
10 to 20 minutes
Setting
Remote only (video call or team chat)
Preparation
Light
Materials
shared slides
Cost
Free
Kind
Icebreaker game
Energy
Moderate
Good for
bonding, onboarding new hires
Steps to run Guess the Desk Object
Collect one close-up photo from each volunteer before the meeting.
Show the photos one at a time.
Let the group guess the owner in chat.
Reveal the owner and ask for a one-line story.
Accessibility: Photos are optional, a short written clue can replace a photo, and every image gets a spoken description.
Guess the Sound
The facilitator plays short everyday sounds such as a stapler or a kettle and teams guess what makes each one.
People
4 to 30 people
Time
10 to 20 minutes
Setting
Remote only (video call or team chat)
Preparation
Light
Materials
sound clips
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building game
Energy
Calm
Good for
energy, bonding
Steps to run Guess the Sound
Collect ten short sound clips of everyday objects.
Play each clip twice.
Let teams post guesses in chat.
Reveal answers after each round.
Accessibility: Pair each sound with a written clue round so people who cannot hear the clip can play too.
Work From Anywhere Bingo
Everyone gets a bingo card of light remote work moments and marks squares during a relaxed team call.
People
5 or more people
Time
15 to 30 minutes
Setting
Remote only (video call or team chat)
Preparation
Light
Materials
bingo cards
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building game
Energy
Calm
Good for
bonding, energy
Steps to run Work From Anywhere Bingo
Make cards with squares such as a pet on screen or a mug with a slogan.
Share cards before the call.
Let people mark squares as they chat.
Celebrate the first lines and full cards.
Accessibility: Cards come as accessible text grids, and people can call out squares by chat or voice.
Virtual Scavenger Hunt
The facilitator calls out items to find within reach, and people show them on camera or describe them as fast as they can.
People
4 to 60 people
Time
20 to 40 minutes
Setting
Remote only (video call or team chat)
Preparation
Light
Materials
shared list
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building game
Energy
Active
Good for
energy, bonding
Steps to run Virtual Scavenger Hunt
Prepare a list of common items such as something blue or a favorite mug.
Call out one item at a time.
Give people 30 seconds to find and show it.
Award points for creativity as well as speed.
Accessibility: People can describe or name an item they have instead of fetching it, and creative answers count as much as speed.
In-person team building activities
These 13 need everyone in the same room. With the activities that work either way, 75 in all work in person.
Group Juggle
The group tosses a soft ball in a fixed pattern of names, then adds more balls to see how many it can keep going.
People
6 to 20 people
Time
10 to 15 minutes
Setting
In person only
Preparation
None
Materials
soft balls
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building game
Energy
Active
Good for
energy, communication
Steps to run Group Juggle
Stand or sit in a circle.
Pass one ball in a pattern, saying the name of the receiver.
Repeat the same pattern and add a second ball.
Keep adding balls and laugh at the chaos.
Accessibility: Balls can be handed or rolled instead of thrown, and the circle can be seated.
Paper Chain Challenge
Teams get one sheet of paper each and a short time to make the longest paper chain they can.
People
4 to 40 people
Time
10 to 15 minutes
Setting
In person only
Preparation
None
Materials
paper, scissors, tape
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building game
Energy
Moderate
Good for
collaboration, problem solving
Steps to run Paper Chain Challenge
Give each team one sheet, scissors and tape.
Allow 2 minutes of planning with no cutting.
Set a timer for 7 minutes to build.
Measure chains and share strategies.
Accessibility: Planning, cutting and taping roles let everyone take part, and a teammate can handle the scissors.
Silent Line Up
Without talking, the group arranges itself in order of the month each person joined the company, using gestures only.
People
8 to 40 people
Time
10 to 15 minutes
Setting
In person only
Preparation
None
Materials
None
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building game
Energy
Moderate
Good for
communication, collaboration
Steps to run Silent Line Up
Explain the ordering rule and that talking is not allowed.
Give the group 5 minutes to line up.
Check the order by having each person say their month.
Discuss how the group communicated.
Accessibility: People can hold up written cards instead of moving much, and the line can be formed from seats.
This or That Line Up
The facilitator calls out two options and people move to the side of the room that matches their pick.
People
8 to 80 people
Time
10 to 15 minutes
Setting
In person only
Preparation
None
Materials
None
Cost
Free
Kind
Icebreaker game
Energy
Active
Good for
energy, bonding
Steps to run This or That Line Up
Mark two sides of the room as option A and option B.
Call out a light pair such as coffee or tea.
Let people move to their side and chat briefly with neighbors.
Run five to eight rounds.
Accessibility: Participants can raise a colored card or hand from their seat instead of moving across the room.
Cup Stack Challenge
Teams stack cups into a pyramid without touching them, using only a rubber band tied to strings that each person holds.
People
4 to 40 people
Time
15 to 20 minutes
Setting
In person only
Preparation
Light
Materials
plastic cups, rubber bands, string
Cost
Low cost
Kind
Team building game
Energy
Moderate
Good for
collaboration, communication
Steps to run Cup Stack Challenge
Tie four strings to one rubber band for each team.
Place cups on the table.
Teams build a pyramid using only the band.
Discuss who led and how the team coordinated.
Accessibility: Anyone can take the caller role that directs the team instead of holding a string.
Copy the Model
One team member looks at a hidden block model and relays instructions to builders who must recreate it without seeing it.
People
4 to 30 people
Time
20 to 30 minutes
Setting
In person only
Preparation
Light
Materials
building blocks
Cost
Low cost
Kind
Team building game
Energy
Moderate
Good for
communication, collaboration
Steps to run Copy the Model
Build a small model and hide it out of view.
Let one person from each team look at it for 10 seconds.
That person returns and describes it to the builders.
Repeat looks until time runs out and compare models.
Accessibility: The viewing role can rotate or stay seated, and descriptions can be written down for builders who prefer text.
Paper Airplane Challenge
Teams design paper planes and compete in categories such as longest flight, most accurate landing and best design.
People
4 to 60 people
Time
20 to 30 minutes
Setting
In person only
Preparation
None
Materials
paper
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building game
Energy
Active
Good for
creativity, energy
Steps to run Paper Airplane Challenge
Give each team a stack of paper.
Allow 10 minutes to design and test.
Run flights for each category.
Share which designs worked and why.
Accessibility: Team members can design, fold or record results, so nobody has to throw.
Spaghetti Tower Challenge
Teams build the tallest freestanding tower they can from dry spaghetti, tape and string, with a marshmallow on top.
People
4 to 60 people
Time
20 to 30 minutes
Setting
In person only
Preparation
Light
Materials
dry spaghetti, tape, string, marshmallows
Cost
Low cost
Kind
Team building game
Energy
Moderate
Good for
collaboration, problem solving
Steps to run Spaghetti Tower Challenge
Give each team of four the same kit.
Set a timer for 18 minutes.
Measure towers that stand on their own.
Discuss how each team planned and tested.
Accessibility: Roles such as planner, maker and timekeeper let everyone contribute, including people who prefer not to handle the materials.
Bridge Building Challenge
Teams build a paper bridge between two tables and test how many coins it can hold before it sags.
People
6 to 40 people
Time
30 to 45 minutes
Setting
In person only
Preparation
Light
Materials
paper, tape, coins
Cost
Low cost
Kind
Team building game
Energy
Moderate
Good for
problem solving, collaboration
Steps to run Bridge Building Challenge
Place two tables a short distance apart.
Give teams paper and tape and 20 minutes to build.
Add coins one at a time.
Compare designs and lessons.
Accessibility: Design, build and test roles let everyone contribute in a way that suits them.
Jigsaw Trade Challenge
Each team gets a puzzle mixed with pieces from other teams and must negotiate trades to finish its own picture.
People
8 to 60 people
Time
30 to 45 minutes
Setting
In person only
Preparation
Some preparation ahead
Materials
jigsaw puzzles
Cost
Low cost
Kind
Team building game
Energy
Moderate
Good for
collaboration, problem solving
Steps to run Jigsaw Trade Challenge
Mix pieces between puzzles before the session.
Give each team a box.
Allow teams 30 minutes to build and trade.
Debrief on how teams negotiated.
Accessibility: Seated tables and a runner role mean nobody needs to move, and larger pieces help anyone with limited vision.
Office Scavenger Hunt
Teams follow a list of clues around the office, taking a photo at each spot to prove they found it.
People
6 to 60 people
Time
30 to 60 minutes
Setting
In person only
Preparation
Light
Materials
printed list, phones for photos
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building game
Energy
Active
Good for
collaboration, energy
Steps to run Office Scavenger Hunt
Write ten to fifteen clues that point to places or objects in the office.
Form teams of three to five.
Give teams 30 minutes to collect photos.
Review photos together and share the funniest finds.
Accessibility: Keep clues on one accessible floor, and let each team choose a runner and a solver so seated roles are equal.
Egg Drop Challenge
Teams design a small protective package from simple materials so an egg survives a drop from a safe height.
People
4 to 40 people
Time
45 to 60 minutes
Setting
In person only
Preparation
Some preparation ahead
Materials
eggs, straws, tape, paper
Cost
Low cost
Kind
Team building game
Energy
Moderate
Good for
problem solving, creativity
Steps to run Egg Drop Challenge
Give each team an egg and a set of materials.
Allow 30 minutes for design and building.
Drop each package from a table or low landing.
Share what worked and what the team would change.
Accessibility: Any team member can take the design or testing role, and the drop can be done by the facilitator.
Team Volunteer Afternoon
The team spends an afternoon helping a local community group, with tasks matched to what each person is comfortable doing.
People
6 or more people
Time
120 to 240 minutes
Setting
In person only
Preparation
Some preparation ahead
Materials
host group supplies
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building activity
Energy
Active
Good for
bonding, collaboration
Steps to run Team Volunteer Afternoon
Contact a local group and agree on tasks.
Offer a range of tasks from seated to active.
Share logistics and timing.
Meet afterward to reflect.
Accessibility: Offer seated and indoor tasks, and let people choose a role that fits them.
Team building games
These 12 team building games work remote or in person and take longer than 15 minutes: puzzles, quizzes and drawing or story games. The library has 29 team building games in all; choose "Games only" in the finder to see them for your team. For a bigger event, see these escape room team building ideas.
Caption Contest
The group writes captions for a few funny, work-safe images and votes on favorites in several categories.
People
4 or more people
Time
10 to 20 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
Light
Materials
funny images
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building game
Energy
Calm
Good for
creativity, energy
Steps to run Caption Contest
Pick three work-safe images such as an animal at a keyboard.
Show each image and give people 2 minutes to write captions.
Collect captions without names.
Vote on favorites and read the winners.
Accessibility: Every image is described aloud, and captions are collected in writing so nobody has to perform.
Lateral Thinking Riddles
Teams solve short riddles by asking yes or no questions until they find the explanation behind a strange situation.
People
3 to 40 people
Time
10 to 20 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
None
Materials
riddle list
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building game
Energy
Calm
Good for
problem solving, communication
Steps to run Lateral Thinking Riddles
Prepare five short riddles with clear answers.
Read a riddle aloud and share it in writing.
Let teams ask yes or no questions.
Reveal the answer after a few minutes.
Accessibility: Riddles are read aloud and shared in writing, and questions can be typed in chat.
Yes And Story
Pairs plan an imaginary team offsite, where every new idea must build on the last one with the words yes and.
People
4 to 20 people
Time
15 to 20 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
None
Materials
None
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building game
Energy
Moderate
Good for
creativity, communication
Steps to run Yes And Story
Split the group into pairs.
One person proposes an idea for an imaginary offsite.
The partner replies starting with yes and.
Continue for 4 minutes and share the wildest plans.
Accessibility: Pairs can type the exchange in chat, and anyone can pass a turn.
Back to Back Drawing
One partner describes a simple picture without naming it while the other draws it, then they compare the results.
People
2 to 40 people
Time
15 to 25 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
None
Materials
paper, pens, simple picture cards
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building game
Energy
Calm
Good for
communication, trust
Steps to run Back to Back Drawing
Form pairs and give one partner a simple picture.
Have the describer give instructions for 5 minutes without naming the object.
Compare the drawing with the original.
Swap roles with a new picture.
Accessibility: Remote pairs can use audio only, and a partner who cannot draw can place shapes on a shared board or describe instead.
Sketch and Guess
One person sketches a work-related word while teammates guess it before the timer runs out.
People
4 to 30 people
Time
15 to 30 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
Light
Materials
paper, pens, prompt list
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building game
Energy
Moderate
Good for
creativity, energy
Steps to run Sketch and Guess
Prepare a list of work-related words.
Split into teams.
Give each sketcher 1 minute per word.
Rotate the sketcher every turn.
Accessibility: Anyone can describe with words instead of sketching, and remote teams can use a shared whiteboard.
Work Charades
Teams take turns acting out everyday work tasks such as a frozen screen or a long meeting while teammates guess.
People
6 to 40 people
Time
20 to 30 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
Light
Materials
prompt cards
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building game
Energy
Active
Good for
energy, creativity
Steps to run Work Charades
Write prompts of common work moments on cards.
Split into two or more teams.
Give each actor 1 minute to act out a prompt.
Swap teams after each turn.
Accessibility: Players can describe with words only and no forbidden terms, or draw, instead of acting.
Cipher Challenge
Teams decode a series of short encrypted messages, each one giving a hint for the next.
People
4 to 40 people
Time
20 to 40 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
Light
Materials
printed ciphers
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building game
Energy
Calm
Good for
problem solving, collaboration
Steps to run Cipher Challenge
Prepare four short coded messages with a simple key.
Form teams of three to five.
Release the next message when a team solves one.
Share how each team cracked the codes.
Accessibility: Messages come as text that works with screen readers, and codes never rely on color alone.
Pitch the Product
Teams invent a silly office product, give it a name and a slogan, and pitch it to the group in two minutes.
People
6 to 40 people
Time
30 to 45 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
None
Materials
paper, pens
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building game
Energy
Moderate
Good for
creativity, collaboration
Steps to run Pitch the Product
Form teams of three to five.
Give teams 15 minutes to invent and name a product.
Each team pitches in 2 minutes.
Vote on categories such as most useful and most creative.
Accessibility: Pitches can be presented by any team member or as a short written ad, so nobody has to present.
Survival Ranking
People rank a list of items for surviving on a remote island, then their team agrees on a shared ranking and compares.
People
4 to 40 people
Time
30 to 45 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
Light
Materials
item list
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building game
Energy
Calm
Good for
problem solving, communication
Steps to run Survival Ranking
Share a list of about twelve items.
Give everyone 5 minutes to rank alone.
Give teams 15 minutes to agree on one ranking.
Compare individual and team lists and discuss.
Accessibility: The list is shared as text and can be read aloud, and teams can agree by chat or by voice.
Team Trivia Quiz
Teams answer rounds of general knowledge and company questions, with a mix of topics so everyone has something to add.
People
6 or more people
Time
30 to 60 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
Some preparation ahead
Materials
question list, answer sheets
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building game
Energy
Moderate
Good for
bonding, collaboration
Steps to run Team Trivia Quiz
Write four rounds of five questions with mixed topics.
Form teams of four to six.
Read each question aloud and show it on screen.
Score each round and announce totals kindly.
Accessibility: Every question is both read aloud and shown in writing, and teams answer in writing so nobody needs to shout.
Escape Room Style Puzzle
Small teams solve a chain of linked puzzles against the clock to open a final lock or reveal a final code.
People
4 to 40 people
Time
45 to 90 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
Some preparation ahead
Materials
printed or digital clues, envelopes or shared folder, final unlock code
Cost
Low cost
Kind
Team building game
Energy
Moderate
Good for
problem solving, collaboration
Steps to run Escape Room Style Puzzle
Write four to six linked puzzles with a clear final answer.
Split the group into teams of four to six.
Give teams 40 minutes and one hint card each.
Debrief on how each team shared the work.
Accessibility: Clues can be shared as text documents and read aloud, and puzzles can avoid relying only on color or sound.
The Missing Stapler Mystery
Teams interview characters and read clue cards to work out who borrowed the office stapler and never returned it.
People
6 to 30 people
Time
60 to 90 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
Some preparation ahead
Materials
printed clue cards, suspect cards
Cost
Low cost
Kind
Team building game
Energy
Moderate
Good for
problem solving, collaboration
Steps to run The Missing Stapler Mystery
Write a short case with five characters and a set of clues.
Hand out character cards to volunteers.
Let teams ask questions and swap clues for 45 minutes.
Reveal the answer and the chain of clues.
Accessibility: Clues come in printed and digital form, and character roles are optional reading parts.
Each person names three things they would bring to a desert island and the group spots patterns and surprises.
People
3 to 20 people
Time
10 to 20 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
None
Materials
None
Cost
Free
Kind
Icebreaker game
Energy
Calm
Good for
bonding, creativity
Steps to run Desert Island Picks
Ask everyone to pick three things for a desert island stay.
Give people 2 minutes to decide.
Share picks one by one or in chat.
Vote on the most practical and the most creative list.
Accessibility: Picks can be typed or spoken, and the facilitator can read typed lists aloud for anyone who is listening only.
Show and Tell Object
People pick one object within reach and share a quick story about why it matters to them or how it helps them work.
People
3 to 15 people
Time
10 to 20 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
None
Materials
None
Cost
Free
Kind
Icebreaker game
Energy
Calm
Good for
bonding, communication
Steps to run Show and Tell Object
Give everyone 1 minute to choose an object near them.
Take turns showing it and telling a short story.
Keep each turn to about 1 minute.
Invite one follow-up question per object.
Accessibility: Anyone can describe the object in words instead of showing it on camera or holding it up.
Two Truths and a Tale
Each person shares three short statements about their work life or hobbies, and the group guesses which one is made up.
People
3 to 30 people
Time
10 to 20 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
None
Materials
None
Cost
Free
Kind
Icebreaker game
Energy
Calm
Good for
bonding, communication
Steps to run Two Truths and a Tale
Give everyone 2 minutes to write three statements, one of them invented.
Take turns reading the statements aloud or posting them in chat.
Let the group vote on the made-up one.
Reveal the answer and invite a one-line story behind the true ones.
Accessibility: Statements can be typed in chat or read by the facilitator, so nobody has to speak if they prefer not to.
Venn Diagram Trios
Groups of three draw overlapping circles and fill in what they share and what makes each of them different.
People
3 to 45 people
Time
10 to 20 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
None
Materials
paper, pens
Cost
Free
Kind
Icebreaker game
Energy
Calm
Good for
bonding, collaboration
Steps to run Venn Diagram Trios
Form groups of three.
Draw three overlapping circles on paper or a shared board.
Give groups 8 minutes to fill in shared and unique items.
Invite each trio to share one surprise.
Accessibility: Groups can list items in a shared document instead of drawing, and one person can act as scribe.
Find Someone Who
People get a grid of work-safe prompts and find a different colleague who matches each square, collecting names as they go.
People
10 to 80 people
Time
15 to 25 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
Light
Materials
printed grid, pens
Cost
Free
Kind
Icebreaker game
Energy
Active
Good for
bonding, onboarding new hires
Steps to run Find Someone Who
Make a grid of prompts such as has tried three project tools or can whistle a tune.
Hand out the grid or share it online.
Give people 12 minutes to fill squares by chatting.
Celebrate the fullest grids without ranking anyone last.
Accessibility: Remote groups can use breakout rooms or chat threads, and people who prefer to stay seated can let others come to them.
Speed Pairing Questions
People meet in quick pairs, answer one light question each, then rotate to a new partner for a fresh question.
People
6 to 80 people
Time
15 to 25 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
Light
Materials
question cards
Cost
Free
Kind
Icebreaker game
Energy
Moderate
Good for
bonding, onboarding new hires
Steps to run Speed Pairing Questions
Prepare a list of light questions.
Form pairs in person or in breakout rooms.
Give each pair 3 minutes per question.
Rotate partners three to five times.
Close with a quick round of the best answers heard.
Accessibility: Seated rotation works well in person, and the facilitator can move pairs between rooms online so nobody needs to walk.
Team building activities for large groups (40 people or more)
These 8 work for 40 people or more, and 3 of them have no upper limit. For a big group, split into small teams for the parts that need talking.
Kudos Wall
The team fills a wall or shared board with specific thank-you notes to colleagues, then reads a few aloud.
People
3 or more people
Time
10 to 20 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
Light
Materials
sticky notes, wall or shared board
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building activity
Energy
Calm
Good for
recognition, bonding
Steps to run Kudos Wall
Set up a wall or shared board.
Give everyone 5 minutes to write specific thanks.
Read a handful aloud.
Leave the board up for the week.
Accessibility: Notes can be typed on a shared board, and the facilitator reads them aloud.
Mystery Appreciation Buddy
For one week each person quietly sends kind notes to a colleague they drew at random, then everyone guesses their buddy.
People
4 to 60 people
Time
10 to 20 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
Light
Materials
name slips
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building activity
Energy
Calm
Good for
recognition, bonding
Steps to run Mystery Appreciation Buddy
Draw names at random and keep them private.
Send two or three thoughtful notes during the week.
Keep notes about work and effort.
Reveal buddies at the end of the week.
Accessibility: Notes can be written, spoken or sent by chat, and nobody needs to buy anything.
Random Coffee Pairs
Colleagues are paired at random each week for a short, relaxed chat with no agenda and no work talk required.
People
4 or more people
Time
15 to 30 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
Light
Materials
pairing list
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building activity
Energy
Calm
Good for
bonding, onboarding new hires
Steps to run Random Coffee Pairs
Collect volunteers who want to join.
Pair people at random each week.
Suggest a few light starter questions.
Let pairs pick a time that suits them.
Accessibility: Pairs choose video, voice or chat, and anyone can skip a week.
Future Headlines
Teams write the headline and short story they would love to read about the team a year from now.
People
4 to 40 people
Time
20 to 30 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
None
Materials
paper, pens
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building activity
Energy
Moderate
Good for
creativity, collaboration
Steps to run Future Headlines
Form teams of three to five.
Give 10 minutes to write a headline and three bullet points.
Share each headline.
Pick ideas the team can act on now.
Accessibility: Headlines can be typed and read aloud by the facilitator.
Team Recognition Awards
The team hands out light, positive awards such as most helpful reviewer or calmest under deadline, nominated by peers.
People
6 or more people
Time
20 to 30 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
Light
Materials
award list
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building activity
Energy
Calm
Good for
recognition, energy
Steps to run Team Recognition Awards
Collect nominations in writing ahead of time.
Make sure every person gets an award.
Read each award with a specific reason.
Share the list afterward.
Accessibility: Awards are read aloud and shared in writing, and nobody has to go on stage.
Demo Day
Teammates show something they built, fixed or learned recently in a short demo, followed by questions and applause.
People
4 to 40 people
Time
30 to 45 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
Light
Materials
screen sharing
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building activity
Energy
Calm
Good for
recognition, communication
Steps to run Demo Day
Invite volunteers to sign up.
Keep each demo to 3 minutes.
Allow two questions per demo.
Close with thanks for every presenter.
Accessibility: Demos can be recorded ahead of time or presented in writing, and captions are turned on.
Lunch and Learn
A teammate teaches a short session on a skill or topic they know well while others eat lunch and ask questions.
People
4 to 60 people
Time
45 to 60 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
Some preparation ahead
Materials
slides or notes
Cost
Low cost
Kind
Team building activity
Energy
Calm
Good for
onboarding new hires, communication
Steps to run Lunch and Learn
Invite a volunteer to prepare a short talk.
Share the topic ahead of time.
Keep the talk to about 20 minutes.
Leave time for questions and discussion.
Accessibility: Sessions are recorded with captions where possible, and slides are shared in advance.
Mini Hackathon
Small teams spend a few hours building a quick fix or prototype for a real team pain point, then demo it.
People
6 to 60 people
Time
120 to 240 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
Some preparation ahead
Materials
shared board
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building activity
Energy
Moderate
Good for
creativity, collaboration
Steps to run Mini Hackathon
Collect pain points ahead of time.
Form teams around the ideas people choose.
Build for a set block of time.
Demo results and pick ideas to keep.
Accessibility: Teams can include non-technical roles such as testing and writing, and demos can be written or recorded.
More team building activities for work
These 17 take longer than 15 minutes and work remote or in person: sessions built around a work goal such as planning, feedback or learning.
Rose Bud and Thorn
Each person shares a highlight, something they are looking forward to and a challenge from their work week.
People
3 to 15 people
Time
10 to 20 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
None
Materials
None
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building activity
Energy
Calm
Good for
communication, trust
Steps to run Rose Bud and Thorn
Explain rose as a highlight, bud as something ahead, thorn as a challenge.
Give people 2 minutes to think.
Go around the group.
Note any thorns the team can help with.
Accessibility: People can share in writing, and anyone can share just one of the three parts.
Worst Idea First
The team brainstorms the worst possible solutions to a real problem, then flips each bad idea into a useful one.
People
4 to 20 people
Time
15 to 25 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
None
Materials
whiteboard
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building activity
Energy
Moderate
Good for
creativity, problem solving
Steps to run Worst Idea First
State the problem clearly.
Collect bad ideas for 5 minutes.
Pick a few and flip them into good ideas.
Choose one to try.
Accessibility: Ideas can be typed on a shared board, and the facilitator reads them aloud.
Customer Story Swap
Team members share a recent customer or user story that taught them something, then the group spots common lessons.
People
4 to 30 people
Time
20 to 30 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
None
Materials
None
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building activity
Energy
Calm
Good for
communication, collaboration
Steps to run Customer Story Swap
Ask people to prepare one short story.
Share stories in 2 minutes each.
List lessons on a board.
Pick one lesson to act on.
Accessibility: Stories can be written in advance and read aloud by the facilitator.
Learning Goals Circle
Each person shares one skill they want to learn this quarter and teammates offer resources or practice help.
People
3 to 15 people
Time
20 to 30 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
None
Materials
None
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building activity
Energy
Calm
Good for
communication, trust
Steps to run Learning Goals Circle
Give everyone 2 minutes to pick a goal.
Share goals one by one.
Invite offers of help after each.
Write down goals and offers.
Accessibility: Goals can be shared in writing, and anyone can keep theirs private.
Mission Remix
Small groups rewrite the team purpose in plain words for a new teammate, then merge the best lines into one version.
People
4 to 20 people
Time
20 to 30 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
None
Materials
whiteboard
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building activity
Energy
Calm
Good for
communication, creativity
Steps to run Mission Remix
Share the current team purpose.
Form groups of two or three.
Give 10 minutes to rewrite it simply.
Merge the best lines together.
Accessibility: Ideas can be typed in a shared document and read aloud.
Offsite Planning Challenge
Teams plan an imaginary dream offsite with a set of silly constraints, then present their plan to the group.
People
4 to 30 people
Time
20 to 30 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
None
Materials
None
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building activity
Energy
Moderate
Good for
creativity, collaboration
Steps to run Offsite Planning Challenge
Share constraints such as it must include a llama.
Form teams of three to five.
Give 10 minutes to plan.
Present plans in 2 minutes each.
Accessibility: Plans can be written and read out by any team member.
Project Timeline Wall
The team maps the key moments of a project on a timeline, marking highs and lows to share what everyone experienced.
People
4 to 30 people
Time
20 to 30 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
Light
Materials
sticky notes, wall or shared board
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building activity
Energy
Calm
Good for
collaboration, communication
Steps to run Project Timeline Wall
Draw a timeline across a wall or board.
Give everyone 7 minutes to add moments.
Walk through the timeline together.
Highlight lessons to keep.
Accessibility: Notes can be added to a shared digital board, and the timeline is read aloud as it is reviewed.
Work Style Cards
Each person fills in a card about how they like to work, communicate and get feedback, then the team shares them.
People
3 to 20 people
Time
20 to 30 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
Light
Materials
card template
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building activity
Energy
Calm
Good for
onboarding new hires, communication
Steps to run Work Style Cards
Share a card with prompts such as best time to reach me.
Give everyone 10 minutes to fill it in.
Share cards in pairs or as a group.
Store cards where the team can find them.
Accessibility: Cards can be filled in writing or talked through, and every prompt is optional.
Problem Solving Circles
One person shares a current work challenge and the group offers questions first, then ideas, while the owner listens.
People
4 to 20 people
Time
30 to 45 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
None
Materials
None
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building activity
Energy
Calm
Good for
problem solving, trust
Steps to run Problem Solving Circles
Invite a volunteer to share a challenge in 3 minutes.
Give the group 5 minutes of questions only.
Give the group 10 minutes of ideas.
Let the owner share what will be tried.
Accessibility: Ideas can be written in chat, and the owner can reply in writing if preferred.
Process Map Puzzle
The team maps a real work process step by step, marks the slow spots and agrees on one improvement to test.
People
4 to 20 people
Time
30 to 45 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
Light
Materials
sticky notes, wall or shared board
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building activity
Energy
Calm
Good for
problem solving, collaboration
Steps to run Process Map Puzzle
Pick one process to map.
Write each step on a note in order.
Mark delays and handoffs.
Agree on one change to try.
Accessibility: The map can be built on a shared digital board, and steps are read aloud.
Project Pre-Mortem
The team imagines a project has gone badly, lists every reason why, then plans ways to prevent the top risks.
People
4 to 15 people
Time
30 to 45 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
None
Materials
whiteboard
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building activity
Energy
Calm
Good for
problem solving, trust
Steps to run Project Pre-Mortem
Describe the project and imagine it has failed.
Give everyone 5 minutes to list reasons alone.
Group similar reasons.
Agree on actions for the top three risks.
Accessibility: Reasons can be written or typed, and the list is read aloud as it grows.
Shared Goals Map
The team maps its goals for the quarter and draws lines to show how each person's work connects to them.
People
3 to 20 people
Time
30 to 45 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
Light
Materials
whiteboard
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building activity
Energy
Calm
Good for
collaboration, communication
Steps to run Shared Goals Map
Write the team goals on a board.
Ask each person to add their main projects.
Draw connections between projects and goals.
Spot gaps and overlaps.
Accessibility: The map can be built on a shared digital board and described aloud.
Sticky Note Retrospective
Team members write what went well, what did not and what to try next, group the notes and agree on actions.
People
3 to 15 people
Time
30 to 45 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
Light
Materials
sticky notes, wall or shared board
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building activity
Energy
Calm
Good for
problem solving, communication
Steps to run Sticky Note Retrospective
Set up three columns.
Give everyone 7 minutes to write notes alone.
Group similar notes.
Agree on two or three actions with owners.
Accessibility: Notes can be typed on a shared board and read aloud, and names on notes are optional.
Team Crossword Build
The team writes clues and answers about its own projects and tools, then builds a small crossword for another team.
People
4 to 20 people
Time
30 to 45 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
Light
Materials
grid paper
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building activity
Energy
Calm
Good for
creativity, collaboration
Steps to run Team Crossword Build
Collect project words and tools.
Write simple clues together.
Fit words into a small grid.
Swap puzzles with another team.
Accessibility: Clues are shared as text, and one person can handle the grid while others write clues.
Team Values Sort
The team sorts a set of value cards into must have, nice to have and less important, then agrees on a top five.
People
4 to 15 people
Time
30 to 45 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
Light
Materials
value cards
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building activity
Energy
Calm
Good for
trust, communication
Steps to run Team Values Sort
Prepare about twenty value cards.
Sort alone for 5 minutes.
Sort together and discuss differences.
Agree on a top five and write them down.
Accessibility: Cards can live on a shared digital board, and each card is read aloud.
Welcome Buddy Walkthrough
A new teammate and a buddy walk through tools, people and routines together using a short checklist.
People
2 to 3 people
Time
30 to 45 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
Light
Materials
onboarding checklist
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building activity
Energy
Calm
Good for
onboarding new hires, trust
Steps to run Welcome Buddy Walkthrough
Share a checklist of tools and routines.
Meet for a relaxed walkthrough.
Let the new teammate ask anything.
Agree on a follow-up chat a week later.
Accessibility: Meetings can happen by video or in person, and the checklist is shared in writing.
Skill Swap Session
Teammates offer short lessons on skills they have, and others sign up to learn in small groups.
People
4 to 30 people
Time
30 to 60 minutes
Setting
Remote or in person
Preparation
Light
Materials
sign-up sheet
Cost
Free
Kind
Team building activity
Energy
Calm
Good for
collaboration, onboarding new hires
Steps to run Skill Swap Session
Collect skills people are happy to teach.
Build a short schedule of sessions.
Keep each lesson to 15 minutes.
Rotate groups between teachers.
Accessibility: Sessions can happen by video with captions or in person, and materials are shared in writing.
How to pick a team building activity
Start from the time and the setting. A short activity at the start of a regular meeting is easier to repeat than a long event, and it works for remote teams across time zones.
Match the goal. Pick for what the team needs now: getting to know a new hire, talking across teams, solving a problem together or saying thank you. For a new hire, choose "Onboarding new hires" in the finder and plan the rest of the first weeks with the employee onboarding checklist.
Make it opt-in. Let people pass or watch without giving a reason, never grade or rank people, and keep personal questions light.
Plan for accessibility. Read the accessibility note on each card, offer a typed or seated way to take part, and avoid activities that need physical contact.
Keep it inclusive. Hold it during work hours, at no cost to employees, and not centered on alcohol; offer food and drinks everyone can have.
Ask how it went. A quick question at the end tells you what to repeat and what to drop next time.
Questions people ask
What are good team building activities for work?
Good team building activities for work fit the size of the group, the time available and the setting, and give everyone an easy way to take part. The finder on this page filters 85 activities by team size, time, remote or in person, goal and preparation, and sorts them by how well they fit your time.
What are some quick team building activities?
29 of the 85 activities take 15 minutes or less, such as One Word Check-In, Draw Your Week and Group Count Up. Choose 15 minutes in the finder to see the ones that fit your team size.
What are good virtual team building activities?
72 activities work with a remote team: 10 run only online, such as Emoji Mood Round and Gratitude Journal Thread, and 62 work remote or in person. Choose Remote in the finder.
How do you play Two Truths and a Lie at work?
The version in this library is called Two Truths and a Tale. Give everyone 2 minutes to write three statements, one of them invented. Take turns reading the statements aloud or posting them in chat. Let the group vote on the made-up one. Reveal the answer and invite a one-line story behind the true ones. It works remote or in person; see Two Truths and a Tale in the list.
What is the difference between icebreaker games and team building games?
In this library, icebreaker games (24) are ways to learn about each other, often at the start of a meeting; team building games (29) give the group a shared challenge to solve or play together; and team building activities (32) are sessions built around a work goal such as recognition, planning or learning.
Do these activities cost anything?
76 of the 85 activities are free, and 44 need no preparation. The others list their materials on the card, such as paper, pens or printed clues.
General information, not legal advice. Not a substitute for the advice of an attorney. This page is for general information only and isn’t legal, financial or tax advice. Laws vary by state and change; check the official source or talk to a qualified professional about your situation. Report an error