7 Fun Virtual Contest Ideas for Employees

BreakoutIQ Content

Virtual contests are more than a way to fill the calendar: they help remote teams bond, spark creativity and lighten the mood. When people are scattered across different locations, low‑stakes competitions can replace the impromptu laughs and coffee‑break chatter that make work enjoyable. Below are seven ideas your team can try.

1. Virtual Scavenger Hunt

A remote scavenger hunt is an excellent way to encourage teamwork and collaboration among remote teams. This game can be played using online tools and video conferencing software and can be played individually or in teams. Here, you’ll have to find a list of items within a specific time. The group that completes the list and shows the items on cam first will win.

Preparation & Materials

Send out a list of household items or clues ahead of time.
Make sure everyone has access to a video‑conferencing platform and working webcams.
Choose a clear start and end time to keep the game moving

How to Play

Divide your group into small teams and share the list.
Start the timer; teams hunt for items and return to show them on camera.
The team that completes the list first, or has the most items when time’s up, wins.

Remote‑Friendly Tips

Use breakout rooms for team collaboration.
Adapt the list based on what people might reasonably find in their homes.
Keep the list short to respect varying time zones.

2. Online Games

Online games for teams are a great way to keep them engaged and entertained. You can play many games ranging from trivia and puzzle games to multiplayer online battle arena games. These can be played using video conferencing software or online gaming platforms. Online games can help break the monotony of work and help improve employee morale.

Preparation & Materials

Pick a game that suits your team’s interests and confirm any accounts or downloads.
Ensure everyone has the necessary equipment and a stable internet connection.
Set a time limit so the session doesn’t overrun.

How to Play

Share the game link with participants.
Explain the rules and scoring.
Play and encourage friendly chat in the comments or chat channel.

Remote‑Friendly Tips

Rotate game choices to suit different tastes.
For large groups, run mini‑tournaments.
Remind people when to mute and unmute to keep audio clear.

3. Virtual Book Club

A virtual book club is an excellent way to encourage remote teams to read and discuss books together. This can be organized by selecting a book and setting a deadline for everyone to read it. Once everyone has read the book, a virtual meeting can be held to discuss the book. This competition can foster a love of reading among employees and encourage them to discuss their thoughts and ideas.

Preparation & Materials

Select a book (or allow a vote) and set a reading deadline.
Share discussion questions in advance.
Decide on an online meeting time that works for everyone.

How to Play

Announce the book and timeline.
Host a video call to discuss key themes.
Encourage everyone to share their favorite insights.

Remote‑Friendly Tips

Offer audiobook or e‑book options.
Ask participants to jot notes while reading.
Limit the discussion to selected chapters to stay focused.

4. Creative Writing Contest

A creative writing contest is an excellent way to encourage remote teams to express their creativity and imagination. You can set a theme or topic, and the employees can submit their entries. A panel of judges can select the winner. Regardless if you are in the creative industry or not, this competition will be a fun time as it encourages them to think outside the box.

Preparation & Materials

Choose a theme or prompt and communicate it clearly.
Set word limits and submission deadlines.
Arrange a judging panel or team voting.

How to Play

Announce the contest and requirements.
Writers submit their entries anonymously.
Judges or the team vote, and you announce the winner in a call.

Remote‑Friendly Tips

Use a shared folder for anonymous submissions.
Provide basic formatting guidelines
Offer small prizes or recognition to encourage participation.

5. Online Fitness Challenge

An online fitness challenge is an excellent way to encourage remote teams to stay fit and healthy. This competition can be organized by setting fitness goals for employees to achieve. These goals can be achieved through exercise videos, online fitness classes, or fitness tracking apps. The employees can track their progress and compete against each other to see who can achieve the most fitness goals.

Preparation & Materials

Pick a challenge type (e.g., steps, minutes of exercise).
Choose a tracking app everyone can access.
Define the duration and goals.

How to Play

Share the challenge details and tracking method.
Participants log their activity.
Celebrate achievements at the end.

Remote‑Friendly Tips

Encourage variety in workouts to suit different fitness levels.
Offer optional group video workouts.
Remind participants to hydrate and stretch.

6. Virtual Cooking Competition

A virtual cooking competition is an excellent way to encourage remote teams to share their culinary skills. This competition can be organized by setting a theme or ingredient for the dish. The employees can then submit their recipes, and a panel of judges can select the winner. This help fosters creativity among employees and encourages them to try new recipes.

Preparation & Materials

Decide on a theme or ingredient and communicate it.
Ask participants to gather ingredients and tools ahead of time.
Determine how dishes will be judged (presentation, creativity or participants’ household opinion).

How to Play

Announce the theme and rules.
Participants cook and record or photograph their dishes.
Share the results in a video call and vote on the winner.

Remote‑Friendly Tips

Allow recipe adaptations for dietary needs.
Collect recipes and photos in a shared document.
Keep cooking time reasonable so it fits into a lunch hour.

7. Virtual Talent Show

A virtual talent show is an excellent way to encourage remote teams to showcase their talents. This competition can be organized by setting a theme or category for the talent. The employees can then submit their video entries, and you can choose to have a panel of judges or a team survey to choose the winner. This way, your employees will be able to show their talents and bring light to their personalities outside of the work setting.

Preparation & Materials

Invite people to sign up and specify their talent.
Set time limits and ensure performers have the right equipment.
Create a running order and communicate it.

How to Play

Gather prerecorded videos or plan live performances.
Host the show and introduce each act.
Let the team vote or offer feedback.

Remote‑Friendly Tips

Encourage performers to test their tech and have a backup.
Foster a supportive atmosphere with positive chat messages.
Record the session (with consent) for those who can’t attend live.

Tips for Running a Smooth Virtual Contest

A successful virtual contest doesn’t just happen, it takes a little structure and the right tone to get everyone involved and excited. Here are a few practical tips to help things run without a hitch:

Set clear expectations: Communicate the rules, timeline, and how to participate. If there’s a prize, even better, make it known.
Keep the format simple: Choose activities that are easy to explain and don’t require technical know-how or lengthy setup.
Pick the right timing: Avoid peak workload hours and aim for times when your team is likely to be relaxed and available.
Switch up the style: Alternate between different types of contests, creative, competitive, or just plain silly to keep things interesting.
Lean on outside help: We make it easy to run fun, well-structured contests without needing to plan everything from scratch.

A little preparation goes a long way. With the right approach, virtual contests can be a highlight in your team’s week, not just another Zoom meeting.

Conclusion

In 2023, remote teams will continue to be prevalent, and businesses will need to come up with innovative ways to keep their employees engaged. Workplace competitions are an excellent way to keep employees motivated and engaged. The above workplace competition ideas for remote teams will help businesses to foster team spirit, encourage collaboration, and enhance productivity. These competitions can be played using online tools and video conferencing software, making them accessible to remote teams.

At BreakoutIQ, we specialize in creating fun and memorable virtual team-building events. Our experienced team will work with you to create a customized event that meets your team’s needs and goals. Contact us today and let us host your virtual games for work!