When your team works remotely around the country, it can be hard to find times to get together for casual chitchat and teambuilding like you might if you were in an office. Planning a virtual happy hour is one way to bring people together to take the pressure off productivity and work so people can just get to know each other. Choose a fun Teams background to set the stage for downtime. Invite your team to keep everyone engaged.
Plan Ahead
Pick a theme and plan a game or other activity to let people know what they’re getting into. There are several online games, such as a murder mystery, an escape room or board games, that you can use to get everyone to the table. You could host a book club happy hour. Guide everyone through conversation about what they read in their spare time. Plan a Jeopardy-style trivia game. Let your team know that you’ve got the lead, so they won’t feel pressured to make conversation.
Games To Play
You could have an evening devoted to your team’s four-legged teammates (or any animal that works with them), or you could find a special game to keep them entertained. Think of classic games, such as Never Have I Ever, or Charades. Look for a virtual bingo game or choose a game everyone can download on their phone to compete during your happy hour.
Celebrating Wins
Host a happy hour when your team finishes a big project or scores a victory at work. Use an Office background that shows off your pride at their great work. Host a virtual cocktail or mocktail class. If it’s in your budget, partner with a wine company to send a wine tasing kit to everyone on the team to give everyone a special treat. If you have team members who aren’t into alcohol, switch to a cheese tasting plate. Many places have charcuterie boards available for delivery.
Keep It Casual
Be considerate about your team’s after-work obligations. Not everyone will be able to attend a virtual happy hour. Pick different days to give everyone a chance to make it. Poll people to find out who’s interested and what time and day works best for the most people. Make it fun and focus on a theme that isn’t about work. Let people come and go as needed.
Host a Movie Night
Choose a movie that everyone can stream and watch before hand to have a movie discussion. Watching it during happy hour is another option, but it can limit participation. Prepare some questions or trivia to get the conversation started when everyone joins in. Ask everyone to make their favorite movie snacks and bring a drink in their favorite mug. Let people show off during the meeting to get to see them on a different level. Just have fun and let people relax together to learn more about each other. Choose the best Teams background to fit the theme of the movie and to make sure people aren’t worried about what’s in their background during the party.