As more professionals become remote workers, virtual meetings have become more common. However, this disconnection with the company and other employees has its own challenges. Therefore, managers have to be proactive with their team members. Zoom icebreakers for large groups offer unique benefits for companies and remote workers alike.
Keep Everyone Engaged
Icebreakers help your employees feel less isolated and lonely, which encourages them to increase their engagement with the team. These professionals begin to feel included and as if they belong. Because the activities are fun and silly, they encourage participation, which translates into greater engagement with the team and company.
Workflow and Creativity
When your team members participate in icebreakers, they are able to get their minds off the tasks at hand. Studies show that even short times away from focusing on a particular problem or task can encourage the mind to find solutions when you return. Sometimes, all it takes is a five-minute break to increase creativity.
These individuals also have the opportunity to view situations and challenges from their teammates’ perspectives when they participate in icebreakers or casual events. This helps them reorganize their priorities and work together more efficiently and effectively.
Build Rapport with Teammates
Whether you are a team manager or member, you need to get to know your teammates better. By learning who these individuals are, you can do more than connect the team through adopting customize Zoom backgrounds, which although beneficial can seem like a substitute for true connection.
Spending time on icebreakers can help you learn what motivates your team. These activities reveal their priorities and challenges and help you understand why they approach their work a certain way. As you learn more about your staff, check in on them and begin building relationships with them, they will see that you genuinely care about them and their lives. In turn, your employees’ confidence will improve and they become more motivated and loyal to the team and organization.
Create Levity in Virtual Meetings
Meetings can be arduous, and they often interrupt professionals’ workflows. However, they are also necessary. Icebreakers improve the atmosphere by encouraging laughter and relaxation. This release of stress and tension can encourage comfort and openness, setting the mood for a better, more positive meeting and workday.
Improve Communication
Communication is vital to the success of any project or organization. Icebreakers give your employees opportunities to open the lines of communication among each other and between them and the company or their managers.
In addition, your employees’ communication skills and efforts will become more efficient and effective, increasing productivity, profits and engagement. Efficient communication is a direct result of consistent discussions and relationship-building opportunities.
Your employees may also find that they share common interests, which may encourage them to connect more often when they encounter challenges or have a task they need to discuss or clarify. Icebreakers remind them that they have a team full of individuals who are like them and are there to help them.
Don’t just set up an engaging Google Meet custom background for formal, remote meetings. Use these tools to build relationships through icebreakers and casual communication opportunities.
