Remote Team Building That Actually Works

Remote work has changed the way we collaborate, but it hasn’t removed our need for human connection. In fact, building trust and connection in distributed teams is harder than ever. That’s why remote team building isn’t just a “nice to have”, it’s essential.

We’ve seen the biggest struggle in retention rates since the remote working era began, particularly with new employees who keep in the background. Without the natural culture that comes from working together in a physical environment, it can be hard for people to connect, and without this connection, company culture suffers and this leads to people looking to move on to other roles.

Companies have tried many ways to combat this, like in person meet ups every once in a while, 1-1 catch ups over Zoom, or expensive one-off team building activities.

The challenge? Most remote team building activities don’t actually work. Awkward icebreakers, one-off online events, or forced “fun” often leave people disengaged, and the more introverted team members even more quiet. Real connection requires something different.

Here’s what actually works for team building in remote teams

1. Keep it short and consistent

Nobody wants another long Zoom session added to their calendar. Many remote workers dread these, and will do the bare minimum throughout just to ensure they don’t stick out as not engaging. This is not helpful for them or the team.

So instead, think micro-sessions: short, repeatable activities that take anywhere from 10-30 minutes. Research shows that regular shared play builds stronger bonds than rare, one-off events. The inclusion of play refreshes the team and gives them a space to laugh and bond without pressure.

2. Make it inclusive for all personality types

The best team building for remote workers creates a level playing field. Games and activities should allow everyone to participate at their own comfort level, without putting individuals on the spot. This makes engagement natural, not forced.

Try different games, and see how people engage. If you notice people not giving their 100%, don’t try to force them into giving more, instead look at other games and activities that could bring them closer into the team-building. 

3. Tie fun to real team skills

The most effective remote team building games don’t just make people laugh, they also strengthen communication, problem-solving, and collaboration. When fun aligns with meaningful skills, team building has lasting impact.

Many leaders, and employees, struggle to get motivated for a team-building session because of the lack of perceived impacts on their work and progress. Use a system where your games and activities show results and progress, to encourage everyone to prioritise team bonding. Teem Camp has this feature built in, so you can check how your team is doing in real time across multiple categories.

Final thoughts

Remote team building is no longer optional, it’s the glue that holds distributed teams together. By making it short, inclusive, and purposeful, you’ll move beyond awkward icebreakers and create culture that sticks.

That’s exactly why we built Teem Camp: to give remote teams quick, science-backed activities that actually work. If you’re ready to try team building that works, start your free trial today.