How Companies Are Working to Overcome Pandemic-Induced Challenges With Virtual Team-Building Activities

The pandemic has forever changed the workplace. At the height of the pandemic in March 2020, an estimated 35% of employees worked remotely, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. While that number has decreased in the last two years, the employment landscape looks different. Regular 9 to 5 jobs have given way to remote or hybrid schedules.

While many companies have found a way to prosper with flexible schedules, it’s not without challenges. A recent Gallup poll found:

• 32% of hybrid workers, which is defined by Gallup as employees who spend part of their week in-office and part working remotely, feel less connected to the company culture
• 30% of hybrid workers say their team has decreased collaboration
• 24% of hybrid workers believe their relationships with their colleagues have suffered  

As a result of these new hurdles, companies have to find new ways to help employees connect and collaborate - even when they’re not sharing an office.

Internal data from Offsyte, a marketplace for finding and booking team events, shows companies are working to overcome these challenges through virtual and in-person activities. Data from October 16, 2021, to October 16, 2022, revealed which events garnered the most five-star ratings out of the top 50 events on the platform. Activities range from cooking classes and craft projects to wine pairing and chocolate making.

The most popular five-star activities for remote teams

Virtual Chocolate Making Class

Standing at 271 five-star reviews, the Virtual Chocolate Candy Making Class is a popular and well-loved choice. It gives teams the chance to make a pound (that’s right, a whole pound) of decadent treats. Individual kits with chocolate, pretzels, and nuts are sent to each employee before the event and used at the instruction of a master chef to prepare, test, and enjoy via Zoom.

Team Trivia Mashup

Team Trivia Mashup helps employees reconnect and work together. This one-hour, live-hosted event is full of fun questions, picture rounds, and even a music-guessing portion. The class has 134 five-star reviews like this one from a participant at UnitedHealth Group, "Super fun activity for mid-sized team (~50) with opportunities to really connect in break out group.”

Boba Milk Tea and Popcorn Chicken

Boba tea is all the rage right now, which is probably why the Boba Milk Tea and Popcorn Chicken garnered 130 five-star reviews. This virtual team-building event, which includes a pre-shipped kit of ingredients, teaches a group how to make boba tea or bubble tea. Plus, teams make popcorn chicken too.

Paint & Sip Party

The Paint & Sip Party is a fun way for coworkers to tap into their creative side. With a canvas, paintbrush, and a drink, this class helps everyone design a masterpiece with live, step-by-step instructions.

With 98 five-star reviews like this one from an employee at Affirm, “Very fun and relaxing! The picture we chose looked advanced but the instructor did a great job simplifying for us,” it’s easy to see why so many people enjoy it.

Virtual Visit to an Animal Sanctuary

During a Virtual Visit to an Animal Sanctuary, employees get up close and personal with rescued animals. They get to hear their stories of survival, see their habitats, and learn about the nonprofit’s commitment to cows, pigs, turkeys, goats, and more. This animal sanctuary had 71 five-star reviews.

Methodology

Offsyte analyzed internal data from October 16, 2021, to October 16, 2022, to identify the top 50 events with the highest five-star reviews. Data excludes reviews with ratings below five stars.