As remote work becomes more common, the need for virtual water cooler moments is increasing. These moments are essential for team building and maintaining a healthy work culture. However, simply scheduling a virtual meeting for a water cooler chat is not enough. In 2023, employers need to get creative with their virtual water cooler ideas to keep their employees engaged and happy in their remote work environment. 

Virtual Office Games

One of the best ways to create a virtual water cooler moment is by including virtual office games. These games can be played during lunch breaks or at the end of the workday to help employees unwind and bond with their colleagues.

1. Online Trivia: Trivia games are a great way to challenge your employees’ knowledge and stimulate their brains. Many online trivia platforms, such as Kahoot! and Quizlet Live, allow you to create custom quizzes and compete with others in real-time. You can even create themed trivia games based on your company’s history or current projects.
2. Virtual Escape Room: Escape rooms have become increasingly popular in recent years, and now they can be enjoyed virtually. Virtual escape rooms for groups are a fun way to test your employees’ problem-solving skills while also encouraging teamwork and communication. There are many virtual escape rooms available online, such as The Escape Game and Escape the Room, that can be played remotely.
3. Online Multiplayer Games: Multiplayer games, such as Among Us and Minecraft, can be a great way for employees to bond and have fun. These games allow players to work together towards a common goal, promoting teamwork and collaboration. Additionally, you can play them on various devices, including computers, smartphones, and gaming consoles.

Virtual Water Cooler Talk Shows

Another unique virtual water cooler idea is to create virtual talk shows. These shows can be hosted by employees or outside guests and cover a variety of topics related to work and personal interests. Here are a few ideas for virtual talk shows:

1. Professional Development Talk Show: This talk show can be hosted by employees who have expertise in various areas of the company. The show can cover topics such as career development, leadership skills, and industry trends. This can be a great way for employees to learn from their colleagues and grow in their careers.
2. Diversity and Inclusion Talk Show: This talk show can be hosted by employees who are passionate about diversity and inclusion. The show can cover topics such as unconscious bias, microaggressions, and cultural awareness. This can be a great way for employees to learn about different perspectives and promote a more inclusive work culture.
3. Pop Culture Talk Show: This talk show can be hosted by employees who are passionate about pop culture. The show can cover topics such as movies, TV shows, music, and books. This can be a great way for employees to bond over shared interests and have fun in a relaxed setting.

Virtual Wellness Activities

Finally, virtual wellness activities can be a great way to promote employee well-being and create virtual water cooler moments. These activities can be done individually or as a group. Here are a few virtual wellness activities that can be done in the office:

1. Virtual Yoga Classes: Yoga is a great way to reduce stress and improve flexibility. Virtual yoga classes can be hosted by a professional instructor or employees who have experience with yoga. These classes can be done individually or as a group.
2. Guided Meditation: Meditation is a great way to reduce stress and improve mental clarity. Guided meditations can be done individually or as a group and can be led by a professional meditation instructor or an employee who has experience with meditation.
3. Mindfulness Exercises: Mindfulness exercises, such as deep breathing and body scans, can be done individually or as a group and can be a great way to reduce stress and improve focus. These exercises can be led by a professional mindfulness instructor or an employee who has experience with mindfulness.

Conclusion

In 2023, virtual water cooler moments will become even more important as remote work continues to grow. Employers need to get creative with their virtual water cooler ideas to keep their employees engaged and happy in their remote work environment.

Virtual games, virtual talk shows, and virtual wellness activities can all be great ways to create virtual water cooler moments and promote a healthy work culture. By implementing these ideas, employers can help their employees feel connected and supported in their remote work environment.

Bring your remote team together with BreakoutIQ’s virtual team-building events. Our team of experts will help you coordinate a memorable and engaging experience for your employees. Book now and give your team the gift of connection!