7 Virtual Team Building Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Mistake 1: Making It Mandatory Fun
Nothing kills joy faster than being told you must have it. When activities feel like obligations rather than opportunities, engagement plummets.
Instead: Frame activities as invitations. Create genuine appeal. If people aren't opting in, that's feedback about the activity—not the team.
Mistake 2: Ignoring Time Zones
Scheduling your "fun event" at 8am for someone or 9pm for another sends a clear message about whose experience matters.
Instead: Rotate timing to share the burden. Consider async options. Record sessions for those who can't attend live.
Mistake 3: Over-Planning
Hour-long structured activities with every minute scripted feel more like training sessions than team building.
Instead: Create space for organic interaction. Some of the best connections happen in unplanned moments. Build in flexibility.
Mistake 4: Choosing Activities That Exclude
Not everyone drinks alcohol. Not everyone knows pop culture trivia. Not everyone is comfortable on camera. Activities that assume otherwise leave people out.
Instead: Consider diverse needs and preferences. Offer options. Ensure core activities are accessible to all team members.
Mistake 5: One and Done
A single annual virtual event won't build team culture. Relationship building requires consistency.
Instead: Small, regular touchpoints beat elaborate occasional events. A weekly 15-minute game creates more connection than a quarterly two-hour session.
Mistake 6: Ignoring Introverts
Activities that reward the loudest voices or fastest responders systematically disadvantage quieter team members.
Instead: Mix formats. Include written elements. Create small group interactions. Celebrate different styles of participation.
Mistake 7: Forgetting the Why
Team building for its own sake feels hollow. Activities should connect to something meaningful—shared goals, mutual understanding, genuine fun.
Instead: Be clear about purpose. Whether it's welcome new team members, celebrate a milestone, or just have fun together—let that intention guide your choices.
Getting It Right
The best virtual team building:
- Feels authentic to your team's culture
- Creates genuine shared experiences
- Includes everyone meaningfully
- Happens regularly enough to build on itself
- Leaves people energised, not drained
It's not complicated, but it does require thought. Your team deserves better than awkward mandatory fun.
Ready to try something that actually works? Gatherilla games are designed with these principles in mind—engaging, inclusive, and genuinely enjoyable.