- technology -
teambuilding online
The boom
of online activities
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The boom of online teambuilding activities, like virtual escape rooms—remember those days when these were the novelty? Do you remember those team meetings, with everyone dressed up and looking sharp from the waist up, but wearing pajamas from the waist down? Remember when Zoom became our new office, our favorite bar, and even our conference room? Everyone hopping from one video call to the next, trying to solve virtual puzzles with teammates. We weren’t even sure they were wearing pants (let’s be honest, they probably weren’t!). What a (strange) time that was!
The Rise of Virtual Activities for Companies
The pandemic forced us to reinvent our way of communicating, including how to strengthen team bonds. During lockdown, we experienced a burst of innovative ideas to entertain ourselves together online, trying to stay “connected” from home, when in reality, all we wanted was to go outside, hug a tree, chat with the delivery person as if they were our best friend, or at least be able to see a stranger’s nose and mouth.
The Growth of Online Teambuilding Activities
As we began returning back to our workplace, but still facing movement restrictions, strengthening team bonds after so many months apart became a priority for companies. And thus, online teambuilding appeared, with its virtual puzzles and screen-based escape games. Yes, the boom of online teambuilding was real, and many of us embraced it… at least, until governments began lifting restrictions. Team Building companies put their heads together to come up with engaging, fun, and inclusive activities where everyone could participate at the same time.
Team Cohesion Activities in Digital Environments
The Zoom platform grew by 400% in user numbers between 2019 and 2022. Its revenue skyrocketed by 326% in 2020. Of course, this platform wasn’t only used for team-building activities. Professionals used it for formal meetings, friends used it to enjoy Saturday night drinks together, and separated families used it to see each other’s faces during their time apart… Teambuilding companies were no exception in using this platform to offer activities in their catalogs meant to foster team cohesion, improve communication, and bring some relief from the monotony of the Covid-19 lockdown.
The Impact of Interactive Online Activities for Teams
But, oh, what a disappointment! It turns out that people like to be in physical contact (despite concerns and fears of infection), to laugh out loud without worrying that the microphone might cut out, and to feel the physical energy of a group gathered together. Yes, my friends, online teambuilding had its moment of glory, but now it’s more out of fashion than bell-bottom pants. As soon as governments loosened restrictions on national and international movement, online teambuilding activities slowly started to look like those plants you forget to water: they withered. Sure, at first, everyone was excited about the ideas of virtual escape rooms or trivia contests from the comfort of their couch. But the truth is, human connections feel better when we are, well… physically close. Screens can’t replace high-fives, shared laughter when someone stumbles (always with love), or those office jokes that just don’t have the same impact over Zoom. Virtual activities lost their spark because, let’s be honest, no one wants to spend more time in front of a screen than necessary. We already have enough with work meetings, emails, and memes stealing our sleeping hours.
down to earth
Transformation of Teambuilding with Virtual Experiences
So, what do we do with all this technology that promised to revolutionize the working world? We use it, but wisely! Technology can be an incredible tool to enhance in-person teambuilding activities, taking them to a whole new level.
The true potential of technology in teambuilding isn’t to replace human interaction but to enhance the experience when we’re gathered in person.
Imagine this: your team is in a room, solving a mystery in real time, but the key to win the game lies in an object hidden that can only be seen through an iPad or an augmented reality app. Or even better, while everyone is face-to-face, they can use wearables to measure physical performance in a friendly competition. These are experiences that combine the best of both worlds.
There are many ways to incorporate technology into in-person activities, and this can be true innovation with numerous benefits for teambuilding activities.
The Popularity of Collaborative Online Games
On one hand, by integrating technology into team cohesion, participants face new challenges, creating a sense of novelty that energizes the team.
Many of these tech tools require people to work together to solve problems, share information in real time, and coordinate in ways they might not have considered in more traditional activities.
And let’s not even mention the environmental benefits, as it eliminates the need to print thousands of sheets of paper or use plastic items. This reduces the need for printed or physical materials. For example, instead of using paper for manuals, maps, or instructions, everything can be digital. This not only decreases paper consumption but also reduces waste production, promoting more sustainable practices. Some tech-based activities allow interaction with nature without harming it. One example is the use of iPads for GPS treasure hunts, enabling the exploration of natural areas without leaving an environmental footprint, promoting respectful interaction with the environment.
Finally, the use of technology makes it easier to measure results and progress efficiently, quickly, and clearly. With technology, we can gather real-time data and use this information to observe the impact and behavior of participants during the activity.