With colleagues spread across different locations—some in the office a few days a week, others working entirely remotely—building meaningful relationships takes creativity and effort. What once occurred naturally over casual coffee chats or impromptu desk visits now requires intentional planning. Yet, maintaining strong workplace connections remains vital for fostering unity, engagement, and productivity. How can your organization create team-building experiences that engage everyone, no matter where they work?
Paint Your Own Masterpiece
At Yorktel’s recent Women in Technology at Yorktel (WITY) event, team members across the United States-including the East Coast, West Coast, and Midwest-as well as the United Kingdom, gathered for a unique hybrid team-building activity: painting and pizza. The event, hosted through Microsoft Teams and in Yorktel’s headquarters, offered participants the opportunity to create their own “wintry night” forest masterpiece.
To ensure inclusivity, the event included three time slots, making it easy for employees to join regardless of their schedule. Supplies were tailored to each participant’s location. Those attending remotely received a package delivered to their doorstep, complete with paint, brushes, a canvas, a smock, and a food voucher for their favorite local spot. Office-based attendees had their tools and meals ready on-site.
Using a video tutorial, participants created their artwork while engaging in conversations within their virtual or on-site groups. The result was not only a collection of stunning paintings but also stronger connections and shared memories.
Tips for Running a Successful Hybrid Team-Building Event
Pulling off a hybrid team-building event requires attention to detail, accessibility, and inclusivity. Keep these tips in mind to ensure success:
- Choose Reliable Technology
Platforms like Microsoft Teams Rooms are vital for seamless communication. Ensure the platform supports large participant groups and offers interactive tools like breakout rooms, polls, or shared whiteboards. - Accommodate All Time Zones
Plan sessions at multiple times to make participation feasible for global teams. Using coordinated schedules ensures everyone has a chance to join. - Provide Comprehensive Kits
For hands-on activities, send complete supply kits to remote participants in advance. This ensures every team member has the same tools for the event. - Gather Feedback
Create a suggestion inbox where employees can share ideas for future activities. Employees are more likely to engage when they feel their input matters.
Hybrid team-building can be both practical and inspiring. For more formal events, partner with our Media Services team to transform your hybrid or in-person event into an unforgettable experience.