With the shift to remote work, virtual meetings have become a staple of our work lives. While virtual meetings bring their own set of advantages, they also come with several challenges. Keeping team members engaged and connected can be challenging, especially when meeting for the first time. 

This is where virtual icebreakers come in. Virtual icebreakers are activities that help team members bond with each other and build rapport. The article below will explore some tips for running great virtual icebreakers.

Tip 1: Keep it Short and Sweet

Virtual icebreakers should be short and straightforward. Keep in mind that team members are likely to have several meetings throughout the day, so it’s important to keep the icebreaker brief. The standard should be under 10 minutes.

Tip 2: Choose the Right Activity

When selecting an icebreaker activity, consider the size of your team, their interests, and the purpose of the meeting. If you have a large team, consider activities that can be completed in smaller groups. If you’re meeting for the first time, consider activities that help team members get to know each other.

Tip 3: Be Clear and Concise

When introducing the icebreaker activity, be clear and concise. Provide clear instructions and make sure team members understand what they need to do. If the activity involves technology, make sure everyone knows how to use it beforehand.

Tip 4: Make it Engaging

Virtual icebreakers should be engaging and fun. Consider incorporating elements of friendly competition or using multimedia like videos or images. The more engaging the activity, the more likely team members will be to participate.

Tip 5: Use Icebreakers to Build Connections

Virtual icebreakers are a great way to build connections and establish rapport between team members. Consider activities that help team members share personal information, such as hobbies or interests. This will help team members find common ground and build connections inside and outside of work.

Tip 6: Be Respectful of Time Zones

With remote work, team members may be working in different time zones. When scheduling meetings and icebreakers, be respectful of everyone’s time zones. Avoid planning meetings early in the morning or late at night for team members in different time zones.

Tip 7: Follow Up

After the icebreaker, follow up with team members to see how they felt about the activity. That way, you can gauge the effectiveness of the icebreaker and make adjustments for future meetings.

Tip 8: Don’t Force Participation

While icebreakers are meant to be engaging and fun, not everyone may feel comfortable participating. Avoid forcing team members to join if they don’t want to. Instead, provide alternative activities or options for team members who choose not to participate.

Tip 9: Consider Accessibility

When selecting icebreaker activities, consider accessibility for team members with disabilities. Make sure activities are inclusive and accessible to all team members.

Tip 10: Practice, Practice, Practice

Like any skill, running great virtual icebreakers takes practice. Try out different activities and see what works best for your team. Use feedback from team members to make adjustments and improve future icebreakers.

The Bottomline

Virtual icebreakers are a great way to build connections and rapport between team members in remote work environments. By following the tips mentioned earlier, you’ll be running engaging and successful virtual icebreakers.

At BreakoutIQ, we offer a variety of fun virtual team-building activities, including icebreakers, designed to enhance communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Our facilitators can help you choose the right activity and guide your team through the process. Reach out to us to learn how we can help your team stay connected and engaged.