So you’ve got a remote team and are looking for some ways to bring them together and build camaraderie, even across the miles. You want your people to feel connected and engaged but just aren’t sure where to start. Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this post, we’ve put together an epic list of over 140 team building questions for remote workers.
From fun and lighthearted to deeper and more meaningful, these prompts are sure to spark conversation, laughter, and insight into each person. We’ll cover different categories and types of questions so you can mix and match to suit your specific team.
Get ready to energize your crew and unite them through the power of sharing! With so many options, you’re bound to find plenty that will get your team communicating and learning about one another in whole new ways.
What Are Icebreaker Questions?
Icebreaker questions are basic queries used to start conversations and encourage interaction in social situations. For remote teams, they build rapport and help teammates get to know each other better. Even short, casual questions about preferences or experiences can strengthen connections between coworkers who rarely meet face to face.
Using icebreakers during team meetings or in chat channels is an easy way to boost team bonding. Start with lighthearted questions about hobbies, favorites, or fun facts before moving on to more personal or thought-provoking questions. The key is keeping things positive and inclusive so all team members feel comfortable opening up.
Over time, continue mixing in new questions to discover shared interests or gain fresh insights into your colleagues. Stronger interpersonal relationships make for happier, more productive teams – no matter the distance between them.
Team Building Questions For Remote Workers
1. General Questions About Working Remotely
Working from home can be an adjustment. Here are some questions to initiate a conversation about the remote experience:
#1. How can you establish a productive work environment at home?
#2. How do you maintain a balance between work and personal life while working remotely?
#3. What’s your preferred communication method for virtual meetings and why?
#4. How do you overcome feelings of isolation when working remotely?
#5. What’s your best advice for staying motivated and focused while working from home.
#6. How do you handle distractions at home during work hours?
#7. What difficulties have you faced in collaborating remotely, and how did you solve them?
Discussing the challenges of working remotely along with the best practices to overcome them will help bring your team together, even when you’re apart. The key is open communication and self-care. With the right mindset and tools, your remote team can thrive.
2. Icebreaker Questions for New Team Members
Once the official welcomes are out of the way, icebreaker questions help new team members open up and build connections. Ask fun, lighthearted questions like:
#8. What inspired you to join our team?
#9. Share an interesting fact about yourself that others may not be aware of.
#10. If you could have any superpower, what would it be and what’s the reason behind your choice?
#11. What’s your favorite book or movie, and what makes it special to you?
#12. Share a travel destination that’s on your bucket list.
3. Team Bonding Icebreaker Questions
Get your team talking and bonding with fun icebreaker questions like:
#13. Which professional achievement are you particularly proud of?
#14. How do you approach work-life balance while working remotely?
#15. Describe a difficulty you encountered at work and how you managed to overcome it.
#16. What are your hobbies aside from work, and how do they enhance your overall well-being?
#17. If you could exchange roles with a team member for a day, who would you choose and what is the reason behind your choice
4. Career Aspirations Icebreaker Questions
Want to get a sense of your team’s career goals and start a meaningful discussion? Ask open-ended questions like:
#18. Where do you see yourself in your career five years from now?
#19. What skills or knowledge do you aim to further develop in your current position?
#20. How can the team support your professional growth?
#21. Share a mentor or role model who has had an impact on your career.
#22. What project or task are you looking forward to working on in the upcoming months?
5. Remote Work Challenges Icebreaker Questions
What technical issues do you frequently face working remotely? Sharing common struggles can help build understanding and team bonding. These challenges often include spotty WiFi connections, software difficulties, or other tech problems that disrupt productivity. Discussing them openly leads to solutions and a sense of shared experience.
#23. What’s the most significant challenge you’ve faced while working remotely, and how did you overcome it?
#24. Can you provide a suggestion for staying focused and productive while working from home?
#25. How do you handle virtual communication challenges within the team?
#26. What tools or techniques do you use to stay organized while working remotely?
#27. How can the team collaborate more effectively in a virtual setting?
6. Intimate Icebreakers for Small Groups
These questions work best for teams of 3 to 6 people who already know each other on a surface level but want to strengthen bonds and build psychological safety. Keep things light and casual, focusing on common interests and experiences. For example:
#28. Share a short-term and a long-term personal goal you’re presently striving to achieve.
#29. If you found yourself stranded on a deserted island and could only bring three items, what would you choose?
#30. What’s your favorite team-building memory from a previous job?
#31. Share a quote or motto that motivates you in both your professional and personal life.
#32. If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would you choose to dine with and what is the reason behind your choice?
7. Virtual Team Challenges for Large Groups
Challenging your large virtual team with collaborative games and puzzles is a great way to build connections between members who may rarely interact directly. Some engaging questions for groups include:
#33. Propose a team-building challenge that involves the entire remote workforce
#34. Can you share a success story from a team project that you’re particularly proud of?
#35. How can we celebrate achievements and milestones in a virtual environment?
#36. What collaborative initiatives can we implement to enhance team cohesion on a larger scale?
#37. If we were to organize a virtual team-building event, what theme or activity would you suggest?
8. Awkward And Weird Icebreaker Questions
These off-the-wall icebreakers are guaranteed to get a laugh and break the ice. However, use with caution, as some may make more reserved teammates feel uncomfortable:
#38. If you could only communicate using emojis for a day, how would you convey your current mood?
#39. Share an unusual talent or skill that nobody on the team is aware of.
#40. If you were a vegetable, which one would you choose to be and what’s the reason behind your choice?
#41. What’s the weirdest food combination you secretly enjoy?
#42. If you could swap bodies with any team member for a day, who would you pick, and what mischievous activities would you engage in?
#43. Describe the most bizarre dream you’ve ever had, work-related or not.
#44. If you had a theme song that played every time you entered a room, what song would you choose?
#45. Share an embarrassing childhood nickname and the story behind it.
#46. If your pet could speak, what do you think it would say about you?
#47. Describe a fictional invention that would make your remote work life more interesting.
9. Travel-Themed Icebreakers for Global Teams
Whether your team is spread across the globe or you just want to highlight your diverse, multicultural makeup, these travel-themed icebreakers are perfect for bringing together far-flung colleagues.
#48. If you could teleport to any destination right now, where would you go and what’s the reason behind your choice?
#49. Share a memorable travel experience that has had a lasting impact on you.
#50. What’s the weirdest or most exotic dish you’ve tried during your travels?
#51. If you were a travel guide for a day, what unique activity would you suggest to visitors?
#52. Describe your dream vacation in three words.
#53. Share a travel destination that surprised you and exceeded your expectations.
#54. If you could travel back in time to any historical period and place, where would you choose to go?
#55. What’s your favorite mode of transportation when exploring a new place?
#56. If you were stranded on a deserted island, what three travel items would you want to have with you?
#57. Share a travel tradition or superstition you follow whenever you’re on a trip.
10. Music, Movie, and Book-Related Icebreaker Questions
Have your team bond over their favorite tunes, films, or reads. Some questions to get the conversation flowing:
#58. If your life had a soundtrack, which three songs would be included?
#59. Share a concert or music event that left a lasting impression on you.
#60. If you were in a band, which instrument would you choose to play and what’s the reason behind your choice?
#61. What’s your favorite karaoke song, and why do you enjoy performing it?
#62. If you could have dinner with any musician, whether they’re deceased or alive, who would you choose?
#63. Share a movie quote that you use in real life more often than you’d like to admit.
#64. If you could spend a day living in the world of any movie, which movie would you choose?
#65. What’s the first movie you remember watching, and how did it impact you?
#66. If your life were a movie genre, what genre would it fall into, and who would you want to portray you?
#67. Describe your perfect movie night, including the film, snacks, and company.
#68. Share a book that you’ve read multiple times and never get tired of.
#69. If you were a character in a novel, what type of story would you want to be part of?
#70. Describe the plot of the book you would write about your life so far.
#71. If you could switch lives with a character from literature for a week, who would you choose?
11. Provoking Thought with ‘If You Could’ Scenarios
#72. If you could live in any historical era, whether in the past or future, which period would you choose and why?
#73. If you could have a conversation with any historical figure, who would it be and what would you ask them?
#74. If you could visit any fictional world from a book or movie, where would you go?
#75. If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be?
#76. If you could swap lives with someone for a day, who would it be and why?
#77. If you could host a dinner party with three famous individuals, whether they’re living or deceased, who would you invite?
#78. If you could visit any place on Earth that you’ve never been to, where would you go?
#79. If you could remove one mundane task from your daily routine, what would it be?
#80. If you could resurrect any extinct animal, which one would you choose and for what reason?
This open-ended question sparks imagination and ambition among team members. Hearing what others aspire to can be motivating and help build connections. These types of “if you could” questions encourage your team to think big picture about their goals and potential.
12. “Would You Rather” Icebreaker Questions
Would you rather questions are lighthearted prompts that help teams get to know each other in a fun, low-pressure way. Here are a few to get the conversation flowing:
#81. Would you rather have the ability to travel to the past or the future?
#82. Would you prefer to speak all languages fluently or be able to play every musical instrument?
#83. Would you rather have the power of invisibility or the ability to fly?
#84. Would you rather live in a world without the internet or without music?
#85. Would you prefer to have a rewind button for your life or a pause button for specific moments?
#86. Would you prefer always having to sing instead of speaking or dance instead of walking?
#87. Would you prefer to embody a character in your favorite video game or your favorite movie?
#88. Would you rather reside in a treehouse in the forest or a houseboat on the water?
#89. Would you rather possess the ability to read minds or be completely invisible at will?
#90. Would you rather always have to whisper or always have to shout?
13. History-Themed Icebreaker Questions
#91. If you could observe any historical event firsthand, which one would you choose and for what reason?
#92. If you could have a one-on-one conversation with any historical figure, whom would you select to meet, and what subject would you discuss?
#93. If you had the ability to time-travel to any period, whether in the past or future, when and where would you journey to?
#94. If you were to be a key figure in any historical period, who would you be and what role would you play?
#95. If you could bring back any lost artifact or document from history, what would it be?
#96. If you could have dinner with a group of historical figures, who would be at your table?
#97. If you could alter the outcome of one historical event, which event would you choose to change and what is the reason behind your choice?
#98. If you could immerse yourself in the everyday life of any ancient civilization, which one would you pick?
#99. If you could have a mentor from history, who would you choose, and what advice would you seek?
#100. If you could witness any historical debate or discussion as a fly on the wall, which one would you choose?
Comparing answers gives you insight into each person’s interests and personality.
14. Food-Related Icebreaker Questions
#101. If you could only eat one type of cuisine for the rest of your life, which cuisine would you choose?
#102. Would you prefer to never eat sweets again or never eat savory foods again?
#103. If you were represented by a dish, which dish would you choose and why?
#104. What’s your favorite comfort food after a tiring day?
#105. If you could share a meal with any chef, who would it be, and what dish would you request them to prepare?
#106. Would you rather have an unlimited supply of your favorite snack or your favorite beverage?
#107. If you had to invent a unique dish, what would it consist of and what would you name it?
#108. What’s the weirdest food combination you enjoy that others might find strange?
#109. If you could have a lifetime supply of one grocery item, what would it be?
#110. Would you prefer to exclusively eat breakfast foods or dinner foods for the remainder of your life?
Questions like these are lighthearted ways to start a conversation and gain insight into your coworkers’ tastes and personalities. Asking about comfort foods or cravings can reveal aspects of someone’s background or upbringing in an indirect, non-confrontational manner. Discussing favorite restaurants in your city is an easy way to find common ground and possible lunch spots once you’re back in the office.
For dispersed teams, comparing regional cuisine or must-try dishes when traveling for work gives everyone a chance to share more about where they’re from. Food brings people together, even when you’re miles apart.
15. Debatable Icebreaker Questions
Debatable questions can reveal insights into how your teammates think and challenge them in an engaging way. However, some controversial topics could make people uncomfortable, so know your audience. Here are some thought-provoking yet lighthearted questions to get a discussion going:
#111. Could the door in Titanic fit both Jack and Rose?
#112. Should pineapple be used as a pizza topping?
#113. Is it better to be liked by everyone but not have a close connection or have a few close friends who sometimes disagree with you?
#114. Should schools abolish homework entirely?
#115. Is it better to be the best player on a losing team or the worst player on a winning team?
#116. Is it better to be liked by everyone but not have a close connection or have a few close friends who sometimes disagree with you?
#117. Would you prefer a world without social media or a world without television?
#118. Is it ethical to use animals for scientific experiments if it benefits humans?
16. Fun Ice Breaker Questions
What’s your spirit animal and why? This lighthearted question helps team members open up in a fun, low-pressure way.
#119. If you were a superhero, what power would you choose and what would your hero name be?
#120. What’s your favorite dad joke or cheesy pun?
#121. If you could have any animal as a pet, whether real or fictional, what would it be?
#122. If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be?
#123. Share your most embarrassing moment (if you dare!).
#124. If you could travel back in time to any decade for a day, which one would you choose and what is the reason behind your choice?
#125. What’s your signature dance move, and can you show us a virtual demonstration?
#126. If you were a flavor of ice cream, which flavor would you be and what qualities of that flavor reflect your personality?
#127. If your life was a sitcom, what would it be called?
17. Pop Culture And Entertainment Themed Questions
If your team enjoys movies, TV shows, books, or music, try using their interests for some pop culture-themed icebreakers! Questions like:
#128. If you could step into the world of any TV show for a week, which one would it be?
#129. Share your all-time favorite movie and what makes it special to you.
#130. If you were a character in a video game, what genre of game would it belong to, and what role would you play?
#131. What book or series do you think should be adapted into a blockbuster movie?
#132. If you could attend any major entertainment event (e.g., Oscars, Comic-Con), which one would it be and why?
#133. If you could attend any major entertainment event (e.g., Oscars, Comic-Con), which one would it be and why?
#134. If you could have a cameo role in any TV series, which one would you choose?
#135. What’s your favorite karaoke song, and do you have any signature dance moves to accompany it?
#136. If you could host a dinner party with three celebrities, who would you invite?
#137. Share a memorable concert or live performance experience that you’ve had.
These types of questions help your team bond over shared interests and find common ground. Don’t be afraid to get creative – the more obscure the reference, the more it may delight a fellow fan! Pop culture connections are a great way for remote teams to build rapport and strengthen relationships.
18. Holiday-Themed Icebreaker Questions
#138. What’s your favorite holiday tradition, and why is it so special to you?
#139. If you could spend the holidays anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
#140. Share a memorable or funny holiday mishap from your past.
#141. What’s your favorite holiday movie or song that always gets you into the festive spirit?
#142. If you could create a new holiday, what would it celebrate, and how would people observe it?
#143. Describe your ideal winter vacation destination during the holiday season.
#144. If you could swap presents with any historical figure, who would it be, and what would you gift them?
#145. Share a unique or unconventional holiday dish that you enjoy.
#146. If you were tasked with organizing the office holiday party, what theme would you opt for?
#147. What’s your preferred method of giving back or spreading kindness during the holiday season?
Holiday-themed questions can be a lighthearted way to get your remote team in a cheerful mood and spark some joyful memories. Even if your team isn’t celebrating the same holidays, they likely share similar feelings around these special times of year – like spending time with loved ones, enjoying good food, and making memories. Emphasize the positive aspects of holidays and avoid any topics that could be divisive or insensitive to various cultural backgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to keep a remote team engaged?
There are many ways to keep a remote team engaged and motivated. Setting clear expectations and communicating frequently is key. Remote workers need over-communication through video calls, instant messaging, and project management tools. Flexibility in scheduling can boost morale and productivity. Fostering an online social culture through team channels and activities helps build engagement. Showing appreciation and recognizing good work, no matter how small, motivates remote employees. Providing opportunities for growth through training, mentorship and career advancement is also important. Establishing clear and measurable goals and tracking progress regularly keeps employees motivated. Time tracking software like Traqq can be very helpful in measuring, evaluating and improving remote team performance.
What are other effective team-building activities for remote teams?
Some other effective team-building activities for remote teams include virtual social events like online games, trivia nights, or talent shows. These foster informal interactions and help team members in getting to know each other personally. Shared experiences like watching a movie or TV show together online and then discussing it. This helps spark conversations and build common ground.
How to use virtual icebreaker questions?
Virtual icebreaker questions can be used to develop relationships and build rapport among remote team members. However, it’s crucial to pose open-ended questions that prompt detailed responses and to follow up on answers to demonstrate active engagement. Limiting the time for answers and regularly varying the types of questions asked can help keep virtual icebreakers fresh and effective. Establishing virtual icebreakers as a routine part of meetings, even if brief, can help remote team members get to know each other over time and strengthen the overall team.
How can you make virtual meetings more engaging?
There are a number of ways to make virtual meetings more engaging for remote participants. These include starting the meeting with an icebreaker activity or poll question to get people involved from the beginning, encouraging participants to turn on their cameras so people can see and connect with each other, frequently calling people by name to make them feel included, sharing your screen to demonstrate concepts visually and involve others, using polls, quizzes or gestures to get real-time feedback and contributions, periodically checking for understanding by asking questions and allowing verbal responses, planning short breaks during longer meetings to avoid “Zoom fatigue”, ending with an action item or next steps to give a sense of accomplishment, and incorporating virtual team-building activities into meetings to foster engagement and morale.
Conclusion
So there you have it – over 140 team building questions and icebreakers to bring your remote team together. These prompts, blending light-hearted and thought-provoking topics, are ideal for igniting meaningful discussions and fostering connections among your remote team. Don’t be afraid to get creative and come up with your own questions too. The most important thing is that you’re making an effort to engage with your team on a more personal level. Take some time to regularly check in with these types of activities. It will strengthen your remote team’s trust, collaboration and performance. And you’ll probably have some fun in the process. Here’s to wishing you plenty of success in team bonding!
