As a manager, you already know the value of teamwork. When employees feel connected, projects run smoothly, collaboration happens naturally, and morale stays high. But in today’s work environment, where colleagues might be spread across states, countries, and time zones, building that kind of cohesion doesn’t just happen on its own. Remote team-building events can be the bridge that turns a group of individuals into a unified, energized team.
At Miller Tanner Associates (MTA), we’ve seen firsthand how the right mix of planning, creativity, and strategy can transform a virtual gathering into a meaningful experience. Whether you want to re-energize your employees after a big project, strengthen relationships across global offices, or simply boost morale, thoughtful team-building activities can deliver big results.
Understand Your Team’s Setup
The first step is knowing what your team looks like today. Do you have employees logging in from multiple continents? Do some work in the office a few days a week, while others are fully remote? Understanding where people are located and how they work will shape the experience you create. For example, asking someone in London to participate in a live event during Los Angeles morning hours may mean asking them to stay up past midnight. When you acknowledge and respect these details, you show your team that inclusivity matters.
Define Your Goals Before You Plan
Every successful event starts with a clear purpose. Are you aiming to celebrate a milestone, strengthen collaboration, or give your team a chance to simply connect on a personal level? Remote work can sometimes feel isolating, and the right team-building event can spark connections that go beyond daily task lists. By defining your goals, you’ll ensure your event feels intentional, not just another meeting on the calendar.
Choose the Right Format for Your Team
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to remote team building. That’s good news because it means you can choose the format that works best for your people:
- Virtual events are perfect for fully remote teams across wide geographies.
- Hybrid events blend the energy of in-person gatherings with virtual participation for those who can’t be physically present.
- Asynchronous activities allow employees in different time zones to participate when it’s most convenient for them.
The flexibility to choose the right format is what makes virtual team-building so adaptable and why so many organizations are embracing it.
Keep Activities Inclusive and Engaging
Your employees bring diverse backgrounds, interests, and comfort levels to the table. Some may thrive in high-energy competitions, while others prefer more creative or collaborative challenges. The key is to design activities that are inclusive and accessible to everyone. Think virtual escape rooms, trivia contests, shared cooking classes, or even custom game kits sent to participants’ homes. With the right mix, you’ll create moments where people feel seen, valued, and excited to participate.
Plan Logistics Thoughtfully
Behind every seamless event is smart logistics. From selecting the right tech platform to sending kits in advance, these details make or break the experience. It’s also important to plan timing with care; floating multiple options before locking in a schedule can help maximize participation. At MTA, we help clients navigate these details so managers can focus on what matters most: engaging with their teams.
Communicate Clearly and Build Excitement
Once your plan is set, communication is everything. Let your team know what to expect, how to prepare, and what the goals are. Build anticipation by sharing sneak peeks or highlighting the fun ahead. When employees arrive feeling informed and excited, participation is naturally higher—and the overall experience is stronger.
Don’t Forget to Follow Up
The event may end, but the impact doesn’t have to. Ask your employees for feedback, highlight the best moments, and celebrate the successes that came out of your time together. Following up shows your team that you value their input and that their voices matter. It also creates a foundation for future events, helping each experience become more impactful than the last.
At Miller Tanner Associates, we understand that remote team building isn’t just about filling time; it’s about creating connections that fuel collaboration, strengthen culture, and keep employees engaged. With our expertise in event planning and virtual engagement, we can help you design an experience that goes beyond the screen and leaves your team feeling truly connected.
Ready to bring your remote team closer together? Contact us today to start planning your next unforgettable event.
Image Source: Jacob Lund / Shutterstock
