As more and more companies turn to virtual teams, it’s important to keep morale high and team members engaged. One fun and effective way to do this is by incorporating brain teasers into your virtual team building activities.
Why Brain Teasers are Effective for Virtual Teams
Brain teasers have been shown to improve cognitive function, problem-solving skills, and creativity. They can also help reduce stress and promote mental wellbeing. When used in a virtual team setting, brain teasers can serve as a break from work tasks and provide a fun way for team members to bond and connect with each other.
Incorporating Brain Teasers into Virtual Team Building Activities
There are many ways to incorporate brain teasers into virtual team building activities. Here are just a few ideas:
- Host a weekly brain teaser challenge: Set aside a specific day each week for a brain teaser challenge, where team members can submit their answers and compete for prizes or recognition. This can be done through email, instant messaging, or virtual meeting platforms.
- Use brain teasers as icebreakers during virtual meetings: Start virtual meetings with a quick brain teaser to get everyone thinking and engaged. This can help set the tone for the rest of the meeting and promote teamwork and collaboration.
- Incorporate brain teasers into virtual offsite activities: Plan virtual offsite activities that include brain teasers, such as a virtual escape room or a puzzle-solving game. These activities can be a fun way for team members to bond and build stronger relationships outside of work.
- Use brain teasers as part of virtual onboarding: Incorporate brain teasers into the virtual onboarding process for new team members. This can help them get to know their colleagues in a fun and engaging way, while also providing an opportunity to showcase their problem-solving skills.
Real-Life Examples of Brain Teasers in Virtual Team Building
One company that has successfully incorporated brain teasers into its virtual team building activities is Zapier. Zapier uses a weekly brain teaser challenge, where team members can submit their answers and compete for prizes. The challenges are often related to the company’s products or industry, making them both fun and educational.
Another company that has seen the benefits of brain teasers in virtual team building is Buffer. Buffer hosts virtual offsite activities that include brain teasers, such as a virtual escape room. These activities help build stronger relationships between team members and promote teamwork and collaboration.
Expert Opinions on Brain Teasers in Virtual Team Building
According to Dr. Richard Wiseman, a cognitive psychologist and author of the book "Quirkology: The Curious Science of Everyday Life," brain teasers can be an effective way to improve team morale and productivity. He says, "Brain teasers can help improve teamwork and collaboration by encouraging people to think outside the box and come up with creative solutions to problems."
Final Thoughts
Incorporating brain teasers into virtual team building activities is a fun and effective way to boost morale and promote engagement among team members. By providing a break from work tasks and promoting mental wellbeing, brain teasers can help improve cognitive function, problem-solving skills, and creativity. So why not give it a try and see the positive impact it can have on your virtual team?