Building a strong team doesn’t happen by chance — it requires trust, communication, and genuine connection. That’s where team-building activities come in. While the term may conjure memories of awkward icebreakers or forced games, the truth is that thoughtfully designed activities can boost collaboration, spark creativity, and strengthen workplace culture.
With tools like the Municorn Fax App, you can easily share event documentation, whether your team is gathering online or in a large office. No matter if your team is in-person, remote, or somewhere in between, the right activities can transform the way colleagues work together — and even make the experience enjoyable.
Why team-building matters in the workplace
At first glance, team-building may feel silly or even childish. But research shows it plays a critical role in fostering collaboration and innovation. Much like games in the classroom, workplace team-building activities help employees learn about one another, strengthen communication, and build psychological safety — a key driver of creativity.
When done well, team-building activities give colleagues the chance to better understand each other’s personalities, communication styles, and problem-solving approaches.
According to one report, 39% of workers said that building trust and empathy is the most effective way to improve creative teamwork. The right software also plays a key role in keeping collaboration efficient — for example, many teams rely on leading iPhone fax app to quickly share documents and instructions.
That trust creates ripple effects across the company, leading to:
- Better decision-making.
- Clearer alignment on team vision and company culture.
- Greater connection and engagement among employees.
- More creative problem-solving (even in remote or hybrid teams).
- Higher job satisfaction.
When colleagues truly know each other, they collaborate more smoothly on complex projects and support one another’s professional growth.
The challenge with team activities at work
Unlike childhood games, office team-building can feel like an enigma — especially when it risks eye-rolls instead of enthusiasm. The solution? Pick activities that are easy to run, encourage real interaction, and most importantly, feel fun instead of forced.
Here are 5 team-building activities your team will actually enjoy — whether you’re in person, remote, or hybrid.
1. Blind Drawing
- Time: 10–15 minutes.
- Team size: Pairs.
Pair employees and give one a hidden picture, while the other has a blank sheet of paper and a pencil. Sitting back-to-back, the first person describes the picture without revealing what it is, while the second tries to draw it. It’s a hilarious and eye-opening test of communication.
Remote tip: Email the picture to one teammate and run the exercise over a video call.
2. Scavenger Hunt
- Time: 15–20 minutes
- Team size: Flexible
Create a list of objects or trivia for employees to find. In the office, this might mean hunting down quirky desk items or company history facts. It’s a great way to encourage cross-department interaction and help new employees learn the office layout.
Remote tip: Ask teammates to race around their homes to find objects that match the prompts and share them on camera — a fun glimpse into each other’s lives.
3. What’s My Name?
- Time: 15 minutes.
- Team size: Up to 20.
Have everyone sit in a circle. One person tosses a tennis ball to another after saying their name. Add new rules as the game progresses, like “don’t throw to the same person twice” or “throw to someone with the same first initial.” It’s simple, fast, and helps names stick.
Remote tip: “Pass” the ball verbally and add virtual rules like “don’t use the company name” to keep it fun.
4. Group Map
- Time: 20–30 minutes.
- Team size: Up to 20.
Post a large world map and ask each person to mark where they grew up. Then, have them share one value from their hometown or culture that shaped them. It’s a powerful way to spark personal stories and highlight diversity.
Remote tip: Use the Mural World Map Template for a digital version.
5. Jenga Questions
- Time: 20–30 minutes.
- Team size: Any (break into groups of 8 or fewer).
Write conversation prompts on Jenga blocks. As teammates pull a piece, they answer the question. It’s a playful way to uncover fun facts and insights about one another.
Remote tip: Have one person run the Jenga tower on behalf of the group while teammates choose which piece to pull.