Remote working is now part of daily life for many of us, across all kinds of teams. But keeping people feeling connected when they are behind a screen can still be difficult. Quick check-ins and team catch-ups help, but they often don’t go far enough. When teams are spread out, we need virtual team building activities that actually bring us together.
As the days grow darker and winter closes in, we tend to spend even more time indoors. This can add to the sense of disconnection, especially in December, when everyone is juggling deadlines and holiday plans. A bit of fun, laughter and shared energy can go a long way. That is where properly planned virtual team sessions make all the difference. Not every idea will stick, but with the right guidance, remote team building can be genuinely meaningful.
Why virtual engagement often falls flat
Many of us have sat through online sessions that felt awkward or like a box-ticking exercise. Long calls, slow activities and little interaction. It is easy to see why people tune out. Energy drops fast if the session is not run well. Sometimes the trouble starts with a lack of a plan, or an idea that only works in person but does not translate on screen.
These things can make remote sessions feel forced:
- Activities that stretch on too long without a break
- Hosts who are not engaging or do not involve everyone
- Confusing rules that leave people unsure how to join in
- Tech hiccups that disrupt the flow
The structure of a session matters just as much as the activity itself. Without shared focus or room for real interaction, people lose interest. Virtual experiences work better when they are run by someone skilled in guiding a session and keeping energy up. When someone else takes on the hosting, the rest of the team can relax and enjoy being present with each other.
Virtual team building ideas that work
Quizzes can spark a bit of healthy competition and timed challenges can add energy and momentum. The best ones get people talking, thinking fast and laughing together.
Some types of virtual team building activities that hold attention well:
- Hosted quizzes with themed rounds or team-versus-team play
- Game show-style contests with buzzers, music and visual challenges
- Short creative activities where teams guess, act, draw, or tell stories
What these all have in common is clear structure, time limits and shared end goals. During the shorter days of December, this format works well. It gives just enough excitement without taking up too much headspace. Midweek afternoons or early Friday sessions are often the sweet spot for engagement.
Boosting connection through storytelling and shared tasks
Some teams work best when the activity calls for teamwork and listening. Virtual escape rooms, puzzles or memory activities hit a different note. These formats work well when large teams are divided into smaller groups to allow them more time to communicate and reflect.
What makes these formats work over video is the need for strong communication. Often, different team members hold different clues or pieces of the puzzle. It encourages a mix of speaking and listening and often makes space for quieter people to shine.
Tips to help everyone feel involved:
- Pick experiences with varied task types – ones that need logic, memory, humour and creativity
- Choose formats that give each player a turn or a role
- Let people play in pairs or small groups to build stronger personal links
This kind of activity helps real connection grow, because people talk the way they naturally would while working through something shared.
Bringing seasonal cheer to remote teams
Hosting something festive in December doesn’t have to mean a big production. Short, themed sessions or events that tie in with the season can give your team a lift without taking too much time.
Keeping things flexible helps. Not everyone celebrates the same seasonal holidays, so the more the activity focuses on shared joy than tradition, the better. Mixing in optional festive dress-ups or background music helps the mood without needing a fully themed event.
Expertly Hosted Virtual Team Building Activities
With over 20 years of experience, we deliver a diverse portfolio of virtual experiences designed to engage and unite remote teams. Among our most popular winter offerings are real-time hosted quizzes, creative online activities and engaging business simulations. Every activity is managed by our tech team to ensure it runs smoothly and facilitated by experienced professionals who ensure the session is interactive and inclusive so your team can simply enjoy the experience. As a trusted partner to leading organisations in the UK and beyond, we tailor each event to match group preferences, industry challenges and team dynamics.
Building Better Bonds From a Distance
Virtual team building doesn’t need to feel flat or staged. It can be full of special moments that stay with us long after we log off. The right ideas, mix of people and good hosting can turn another meeting into something worth remembering.
We know how much shared time can mean for remote teams. That is why we put care into designing virtual team building activities that keep things engaging without feeling like just another meeting. These sessions are built to spark real connection and give everyone a place to contribute, laugh and recharge. At Team Challenge Company, we believe the small moments of teamwork add up to something bigger. If you’re planning something this winter and want support shaping the experience, contact us.