Starting a meeting with stiff or awkward energy can set the tone for the entire session.
But- what if you could break the ice, spark some laughs, and get everyone feeling connected right from the start?
Icebreaker games are designed to do just that!
In this article, we’ll cover over 20 fun and creative icebreaker games that can turn any work event, team meeting, or onboarding session into an enjoyable and engaging experience.
Let’s dive in!
Why Are Ice Breaker Games Important in the Workplace?
Icebreakers do more than just fill time. They encourage interaction and help team members get comfortable with one another. This can lead to better communication, improved collaboration, and a sense of camaraderie.
Did you know that just 34% of workers in the US are engaged at work? [1] So, introducing icebreaker games is not just about fun- it’s about boosting workplace engagement and productivity.
Quick Ice Breaker Games for Meetings
When you’re short on time but want to kick things off with energy, these quick games get the job done in just a few minutes. Perfect for breaking down barriers before a meeting.
- Two Truths and a Lie
Each person shares three statements about themselves—two are true, and one is a lie. The team has to guess which statement is false. It’s a fun way to learn quirky facts about your colleagues.
- Would You Rather?
A quick-fire game where each person answers a “Would you rather?” question (e.g., “Would you rather have super strength or super speed?”). This leads to interesting discussions and some good laughs.
- Emoji Introductions
Ask each participant to choose an emoji that represents how they’re feeling today. It’s a simple way to express emotions and gauge the mood of the room.
- Speed Networking
Pair up team members for 1-2 minute rapid-fire chats, where they ask each other pre-set questions about their work or hobbies. Then rotate partners!
- Five-Word Introductions
Ask everyone to introduce themselves in exactly five words. This creates an interesting challenge and prompts creativity.
Virtual Ice Breaker Games for Remote Teams
Working remotely doesn’t mean team bonding has to stop. These virtual icebreaker games help remote teams connect from anywhere.
- Virtual Scavenger Hunt
Give participants a list of items to find in their home (like “something blue” or “your favorite book”), and have them show it on camera. It’s a fun way to start a virtual meeting with energy.
- Zoom Bingo
Create bingo cards with common virtual meeting scenarios (e.g., “someone’s cat jumps on screen” or “technical difficulties”), and see who can complete a row first during the meeting.
- Icebreaker Polls
Use Zoom polls or similar tools to ask fun questions, such as “What’s your favorite work-from-home snack?” This can start light-hearted conversations among team members.
- Show and Tell
Each team member takes turns showing something from their workspace that’s meaningful to them- whether it’s an object, a photo, or a piece of art.
- Two-Minute Trivia
Host a quick trivia quiz with fun categories (e.g., movies, history, or random facts). It’s a great way to engage remote teams in friendly competition.
Creative Ice Breaker Games for Team Building
For longer sessions or team-building days, these creative games encourage interaction and build deeper connections within the group.
- The Marshmallow Challenge
Teams have to build the tallest structure possible using spaghetti, tape, string, and a single marshmallow. It’s a hands-on activity that emphasizes collaboration and creativity.
- Human Knot
Have team members stand in a circle, reach across, and grab hands with two different people. The goal is to untangle the “knot” without letting go of each other’s hands. It’s challenging but fun!
- Team Drawing
Break the group into pairs. One person describes an object, while the other draws it based solely on the description. This game highlights the importance of clear communication.
- Balloon Tower
Teams work together to build the tallest tower using only balloons and tape. It’s a high-energy activity that encourages teamwork and problem-solving.
- Lego Masterpieces
Give each team a small set of Legos and ask them to create something representing the team’s values or vision. It’s a fun way to engage their creative thinking.
Ice Breaker Games for New Employee Onboarding
Onboarding is crucial for setting the tone with new hires. These icebreaker games help integrate them into the team smoothly and make them feel welcome.
- Personal Map
Ask new employees to create a “personal map” on a piece of paper that shows their hobbies, interests, and life experiences. Then, they share it with the team. - Memory Lane
Have current team members share memorable or funny stories from their time at the company. It helps new employees get a sense of the team culture. - Work History Trivia
Ask the new hire to share a few details about their work history, then quiz the team with a trivia game based on those facts. - Desert Island
Ask the new hire what three items they would bring if stranded on a desert island and why. This game leads to creative responses and interesting conversations. - What’s In Common?
Pair the new hire with different team members and have them find three things they have in common. It’s a fast and fun way to build rapport.
Fun and Light-Hearted Ice Breakers for Casual Fridays
Casual Fridays call for lighthearted games that bring a smile to everyone’s face without being too intense.
- Charades
Classic charades where participants act out a word or phrase and the rest of the team guesses what it is. It always leads to laughs!
- Office Pictionary
Use a whiteboard or digital drawing tool to have employees draw work-related concepts or random objects while others guess what they’re drawing.
- Desk Safari
Ask each team member to position an object from their desk (like a plant or mug) to look like the “head” of an animal, then capture a photo. Share and vote on the best ones!
- Meme Contest
Challenge everyone to create the funniest office-related meme. Share them and vote on the winner.
- Whose Desk Is This?
Show a picture of a team member’s desk and have the rest of the team guess whose workspace it is. This game sparks interesting conversations about work habits.
FAQs
How long should ice breaker games last in meetings?
Ideally, ice breaker games should be kept between 5-10 minutes for meetings to ensure they’re fun but don’t take up too much time.
Can ice breaker games really improve workplace engagement?
Yes! Icebreakers help foster connection and communication among employees, which can lead to a more engaged and productive team .
Should I use ice breaker games for every meeting?
Not every meeting needs an ice breaker, but they’re especially useful for longer meetings or when introducing new team members.
Are there any ice breaker games that are good for large teams?
Games like Zoom Bingo or Virtual Scavenger Hunts are great for large teams since they can accommodate many participants without losing engagement.
Can ice breaker games be used during virtual onboarding sessions?
Absolutely! Virtual ice breakers help remote employees feel connected and welcomed, even from a distance. Games like Show and Tell or Zoom Polls are perfect for this.
Conclusion
Icebreaker games are the key to fostering a connected and engaged team, whether in-person or remote. By incorporating fun and interactive elements into your workday, you can reduce tension, encourage creativity, and build stronger relationships among your employees.
Ready to kick off your next meeting with some fun? Pick one of these icebreaker games and watch your team’s energy and engagement soar!
Source
Manisha is a digital writer providing guidance in career development and growth. She facilitates skill development and implementation of the right strategies for advancement. At Jobera, She documents content around the latest market trend analysis, insights, and career planning.
