Just because your employees are working remotely, it doesn’t mean team-building should go by the wayside. There are plenty of ways to engage with your staff – either online or at a safely distanced in-person event – and considering how stressful 2020 has been, it’s more important than ever to make sure your employees are happy and motivated. In this episode of Promo Insiders, ASI staffers Sara Lavenduski, Theresa Hegel and Melissa Newman share some creative strategies for team-building, from virtual talent shows to scavenger hunts.

Podcast Chapters
5:00: Keep the activities simple, like virtual charades or other party games.
8:14: Consider hosting a Netflix watch party.
14:27: Create drive-in and drive-through experiences for employees.
19:44: Make your events “no pressure.” The last thing workers need right now is more stress.
21:10: Appreciation gifts, even small ones, go a long way.
23:40: Try a virtual field trip.
31:10: Don’t ignore your people. Be sure to check in with them regularly.

There are so many fun ways to show appreciation and build rapport with your team, even at a distance. Here are a couple of ideas discussed in the podcast:

1. Host virtual game nights. These can be “about me” questions to learn more fun facts about co-workers, Quizzo-style trivia, or party classics like Pictionary and charades.

2. Send out appreciation gift bundles. Everyone loves to get a gift. You can show your employees that you care without breaking the bank. Pair self-care items with sweets. Or package kitchen tools with gift cards for eating out. Another great idea bundling leisurewear with home items, like a soft blanket.

3. Plan socially distant drive-through experiences. If you have access to a large parking lot, consider hosting a drive-in movie night. Or, replace your holiday party with a drive-through light display. There are plenty of ways to get together in-person without getting too close.

4. Take a virtual field trip. So many museums are offering virtual tours right now. Why not take a trip to the Louvre with everyone on staff? Mail themed swag (matching apparel or food and drink to enjoy during the event) ahead of time to get everyone excited.

5. Have a virtual scavenger hunt. Come up with a list of fun, random items and then have your employees look for them in their own houses during a Zoom call. It gets people moving and doesn’t require them to spend a lot of time, effort or money ahead of time to prepare.