Tag: virtual team building

Categories
Blogs

Is Virtual Team Building Still Relevant in 2025?

Is Virtual Team Building Still Relevant in 2025?

Back in 2020, virtual team building became the hero of the corporate world. With physical offices shuttered and teams spread across cities (and time zones), companies scrambled to find new ways to keep people connected — and virtual formats delivered.

But we’re now in 2025, and the workplace has shifted again. Many teams are back in office. Others have adopted hybrid models. And the question has naturally come up:

Is virtual team building still relevant today?

The short answer? Yes — but not in the same way. Let’s break it down.

1. The Pandemic Era: Virtual Became the Default

During 2020–2022, virtual team building wasn’t just an option — it was a necessity.

Companies quickly turned to tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and breakout rooms to keep teams engaged while apart. It worked. In many ways, it was a lifeline — especially for global or newly remote companies.

  • Teams stayed connected
  • Morale remained (somewhat) intact
  • And for a while, virtual activities became the norm

     

Whether it was virtual escape rooms, online quizzes, or remote scavenger hunts, everyone — from startups to MNCs — leaned into digital formats to fill the gap.

2. 2024–2025: The Shift Back to Physical

As offices reopened and restrictions eased, so did the virtual craze.

People began to crave in-person connection again — not just for work, but for bonding. We saw a strong resurgence in:

  • Offsite retreats
  • Outdoor challenges
  • In-office activations

Many clients who previously relied on virtual formats are now choosing physical or hybrid options, especially for annual events or key milestones. The return to the office brought a return to shared spaces — and with that, a renewed appreciation for face-to-face interaction.

But that doesn’t mean virtual disappeared entirely.

3. But Virtual Isn’t Gone — Here’s Why It Still Works

Even though demand has dropped from its pandemic peak, virtual team building remains relevant — especially in the right context.

In fact, we’ve seen a new wave of interest from international and remote-first companies. From regional offices in Southeast Asia to fully remote teams in the US or Europe, many clients now reach out to us with a simple request:

“Can you run something engaging, even if our team is spread across four time zones?”

Say hello to running virtual team building sessions at 1am Singapore time.
 It might sound exhausting — but when done right, it’s still incredibly meaningful, fun, and effective.

Why virtual still works in 2025:

  • Cost-effective — no venue, transport, or catering
  • Great for regional/distributed teams
  • Low time commitment — 45 to 60-minute formats are easier to schedule
  • Perfect as a complement to physical events (e.g. onboarding, follow-ups, internal launches)

4. When to Choose Virtual Today

If you’re wondering whether virtual still makes sense for your team, here are some common scenarios where it shines:

  • Your team is fully remote or regionally dispersed
  • You’re working with tight budgets or don’t have time for an offsite
  • You want shorter, high-impact sessions (great for mid-quarter engagement boosts)
  • You need a quick icebreaker before a big internal meeting or after a tough project
  • You’re planning a global activation and want to reach everyone at once

Virtual is no longer the only choice but when used well, it’s still a smart one.

5. The Future: Strategic, Not Default

Virtual team building isn’t dead — it’s just grown up.

In 2025, the most successful teams treat virtual as part of a strategic engagement toolkit, not a fallback plan. They blend virtual with in-person sessions, using each format for what it does best.

We’re now seeing hybrid strategies like:

  • Quarterly offsites + monthly virtual check-ins
  • Virtual onboarding + in-person welcome day
  • Global team touchpoints + regional in-person celebrations

The key is intentionality. Use virtual when it fits — and customise it so it still feels energising and engaging, even from behind a screen.

Conclusion

So, is virtual team building still relevant in 2025? Yes, just not in the way it once was.

It’s no longer the automatic answer for every company, but it’s far from obsolete. For remote teams, budget-conscious groups, or global offices, it remains a powerful and flexible way to build connection.

At PulseActiv, we’ve run virtual sessions at 9am, 1am, and everything in between — and we know that with the right design, they can still spark laughter, collaboration, and team spirit. Whether you’re planning a return-to-office bonding session, a hybrid plan, or a global virtual event, we’re here to help make it impactful.

If you want to read more of our articles, click here.

Virtual Team Building Online Interaction Group Photo
Categories
Blogs

Virtual Team Building During the Pandemic vs. Now

Virtual Team Building During the Pandemic vs. Now

The COVID-19 pandemic drastically altered the way businesses operate, with remote work becoming the norm almost overnight. To keep teams connected and engaged, organizations turned to virtual team-building activities. As the world moves towards a post-pandemic era, the role and perception of virtual team-building continue to evolve. This article explores the differences between virtual team-building during the pandemic and its role in the present day, highlighting the benefits and challenges that have emerged.

Virtual Team Building During the Pandemic

 

The Necessity of Connection

During the pandemic, virtual team-building became a necessity rather than an option. With employees suddenly working from home, maintaining team cohesion and morale was critical. Organizations quickly adopted virtual platforms to bridge the physical distance and keep teams connected.

Adoption of New Technologies

The pandemic saw a surge in the use of video conferencing tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Slack. These platforms became the backbone of virtual team-building activities, enabling teams to meet, collaborate, and socialize online. Companies invested in these technologies to ensure seamless communication and collaboration.

Innovative Team-Building Activities

To combat the isolation of remote work, companies got creative with their virtual team-building strategies. Online escape rooms, virtual trivia nights, and digital happy hours became popular ways to engage employees. These activities were designed to be fun and interactive, providing a much-needed break from work and helping team members bond.

Focus on Mental Health

The pandemic brought mental health to the forefront. Virtual team-building activities often included wellness programs such as virtual yoga sessions, meditation workshops, and online fitness challenges. These initiatives aimed to reduce stress and promote well-being among employees facing the challenges of remote work and the uncertainties of the pandemic.

Virtual Team Building Now

 

Hybrid Work Models

As many organizations transition to hybrid work models, combining remote and in-office work, the approach to team building has evolved. Virtual team-building activities remain important but are now complemented by in-person events. This hybrid approach allows for flexibility and caters to diverse employee preferences.

Sustained Use of Virtual Tools

The technologies adopted during the pandemic continue to play a vital role in team building. Video conferencing, instant messaging, and collaboration tools are now standard practice. Companies have refined their use of these tools, integrating them seamlessly into daily operations and team-building activities.

Diverse and Inclusive Activities

Post-pandemic, there is a greater emphasis on diversity and inclusion in team-building activities. Companies are more mindful of creating inclusive virtual events that cater to employees from different cultural backgrounds and time zones. Activities such as virtual cooking classes, cultural exchange sessions, and global team challenges have gained popularity.

Employee Engagement and Retention

In the current job market, employee engagement and retention are critical. Virtual team-building activities are now seen as a strategic tool to keep employees engaged and connected, regardless of their location. Regular virtual check-ins, team-building games, and online professional development workshops help maintain a strong sense of community and belonging.

Focus on Flexibility and Personalization

Modern virtual team-building activities emphasize flexibility and personalization. Companies offer a variety of activities to suit different interests and schedules. Employees can choose from a range of options, such as virtual book clubs, online gaming tournaments, or remote volunteering opportunities. This approach ensures that team-building efforts are meaningful and enjoyable for everyone.

Sustainability and Cost-Effectiveness

Virtual team-building activities have proven to be sustainable and cost-effective. They eliminate the need for travel and physical resources, making them an environmentally friendly option. Companies can allocate their budgets more efficiently, investing in high-quality virtual experiences that provide lasting value.

Conclusion

The pandemic revolutionized virtual team-building, transforming it from a niche practice into a vital component of organizational culture. During the pandemic, virtual team-building activities were essential for maintaining connection, morale, and well-being among remote teams. Now, as we navigate the post-pandemic world, these activities have evolved to complement hybrid work models, emphasize diversity and inclusion, and focus on employee engagement and retention.

Virtual team-building continues to offer numerous benefits, including flexibility, personalization, and cost-effectiveness. By leveraging the lessons learned during the pandemic and embracing innovative approaches, organizations can create cohesive, motivated, and resilient teams that thrive in any work environment. As we move forward, the blend of virtual and in-person team-building activities will play a crucial role in shaping the future of work and fostering a strong sense of community within organizations.

To head back to read another article in our blog, click here. 

Virtual Team Building Online Interaction Group Photo Hybrid
Categories
Blogs

The Ultimate Guide To Planning Your Next Virtual Team Building

The Ultimate Guide To Planning Your Next Virtual Team Building

 

There are many things to consider when it comes to organizing a virtual team building event or session for your team. The list goes on from the type of activity, duration to the timing and ensuring that everything goes off without a hitch. So if you are now thinking of cancelling the plan, fret not, as we are here to help with this simple step-by-step guide to walk you through the entire process.

What Is Virtual Team Building?

Virtual team building is a term used to describe any activity or event that brings team members together in a virtual environment. It can include a quick online chit chat, ice breakers, a short mass quiz, or a series of games & through the team building games organized. It aims to promote teamwork and collaboration among team members located remotely from one another and allows them to stay connected.

Why Is It Important For Businesses Today?
With more and more people working remotely, virtual team building is becoming increasingly crucial for businesses. By bringing team members together in a virtual environment, you can help them to better collaborate and communicate with one another and, more importantly, stay in touch. That can lead to improved productivity and teamwork, crucial for success in today’s competitive business landscape.

How To Plan For Your Next Virtual Team Building
Now that you understand what virtual team building is and why it’s essential, it’s time to plan your next virtual team building session. The following steps will help you to get started:

#1. Determine The Objective of Your Team Building Session
Before you can start planning your next virtual team building, you need to determine your purpose.
What do you hope to achieve from the activity? For example, are you looking to improve communication and collaboration among team members? Or are you looking for a fun and productive way to bring team members together?
Once you know what you’re aiming for, it will be easier to choose a suitable activity.

#2. Choose An Activity That Meets The Objective
Not all activities are created equal when it comes to virtual team building. Some activities are better suited for promoting communication and collaboration among team members, while others are better for bringing team members together in a fun and productive environment.
For example, if you have a new team and they are coming together for the first time, having a series of ice breaker games focus on introduction & interaction might be most appropriate or if you want a quick team activity that both boost morale & emphasizes teamwork, Team Bingo might be better instead. However if you just want a fun game to challenge your team, a virtual escape room such as Murder Mystery might do the trick.
Once you have ironed out your objectives, finding the right team activity for you will be a lot easier.

#3. Divide People Into Teams
If you’re planning a virtual team building, it’s essential to consider how people will be divided into teams. There are a few different ways to do this, such as by activities, department, or location. But, first, you’ll need to decide what works best for your team and again, drawing back to objectives, what are you trying to achieve. This will then help you make the best decision.
Once you’ve decided how to divide people into teams, communicate this to everyone involved.

#4. Consider The Budget
Budget, although sensitive, is always a very important consideration when planning any event and virtual team building is no different. As you put together a budget proposal, here are a few things that you’ll need to consider.
Team Building Costs – Inhouse or Outsource?
Prizes
Food
With the above, you’ll then be able to determine if you can turn your plan into fruition.

#5. Person in Charge
Like any event, it’ll be good to have someone in charge of leading the event aka a team leader. This can be someone internally or externally if resources are stretched. This person will be responsible for organizing the event and ensuring that everything goes smoothly. They will also be responsible for communicating with team members before, during, and after the event. If you are hiring a company like ourselves, this person can liaise with the event manager. However, fret not using a company might help take the workload of the organizer.

#6. Decide on The Schedule
Once you’ve determined the next virtual team building’s objective, activity, and teams, it’s time to decide on a schedule. Will it take place over a few days or weeks or are you doing this as a monthly thing?
Although different activities might require different time commitments, a quick guide based on our experience would be 1.5 to 2 hours to allow participants to fully immerse whilst ensuring they don’t get burned out from online fatigue.

#7. Marketing Your Event
Now that you’ve planned your next virtual team building and gotten the administrative details out of the way, it’s time to market your event. This will help to ensure that everyone is aware of the event, locks their calendar and knows what to expect.
There are a few different ways to market your events, such as a calendar invite, a fancy poster or getting the bosses to rally the troops.
Choose a method (or methods) that will work best for your business and your team members.
When marketing your event, do remember to include all the essential details, such as the date, time, location, activity, teams, and prizes (It really helps ☺.)

Conclusion
Virtual team building is a great way to improve communication and collaboration among team members. By planning and choosing the suitable activity, you can ensure that your next virtual team building is successful! And be sure to let us know how it goes. We’d love to hear about your good and bad experiences as you put these ideas into practice.

To head back to read another article in our blog or for more tips on team building, click here.

Virtual Team Building Online Interaction Group Photo
Categories
Blogs

Why Remote Work Will Be The Future

Why Remote Work Will Be The Future

The world is changing. With technology becoming more and more advanced, it’s no surprise that the way we work is changing too. As a result, remote work is becoming more popular, as people are starting to see the benefits of not commuting to a physical office. In this blog post, we will discuss why remote work will be the future of the workforce and some of the benefits that come with it!

Rise Of Remote Work
There are a few reasons why remote work is on the rise. First of all, technology has made it easier to stay connected with team members who are not in the exact physical location. With video conferencing, instant messaging, and project management tools, it’s easy to keep everyone on the same page no matter where they are.

Another reason for the rise of remote work is the increasing popularity of freelancing & the ability to access talent from all over the world. This flexibility appeals to many people, especially those who want to travel or have other commitments outside of work.

Companies are starting to see the benefits of remote work. A recent study by Global Workplace Analytics found that companies can save an average of $11,000 per year for each employee who works remotely. In addition, there are no office costs, and employees are often more productive when they’re not in a traditional office setting.

The Benefits Of Working Remotely
Many benefits come with working remotely.

  • You can work from anywhere.
  • Be more productive while working remotely.
  • You’ll have the freedom to live and work where you want. 
  • You’ll be happier when you can spend time with your friends and family.
  • You’ll be able to take advantage of flexible work hours.
  • You can save money on things like commuting and office costs.

Why Remote Work Will Be The Future Of The Workforce?
Remote work is on the rise and will only become more popular in the years to come. With so many benefits, it’s no wonder why people are choosing to work remotely!

Increased Flexibility And Freedom For Employees
One of the main reasons remote work will be the future is that it offers increased flexibility and freedom for employees. You are usually stuck working the same hours every day with traditional office jobs, with minimal opportunity to take time off or work from home.

However, with remote work, you have more control over your schedule. In addition, you can work from anywhere in the world, taking advantage of flexible work hours. This increased flexibility is appealing to many people, and it’s one of the main reasons remote work will continue to grow in popularity.

Better Work-Life Balance
A better work-life balance. It can be challenging to find time for your personal life in a traditional office setting. However, you can structure your day to work best with remote work.

For example, if you have young children at home, you can choose to work during the hours when they are at school or asleep. This way, you can spend more time with your family and still get your work done.

You’ll also be able to take advantage of flexible work hours, which means you can start working earlier or later in the day, depending on what works best for you. It can make a big difference in your overall happiness and productivity levels.

Greater Productivity And Creativity
You’ll be more productive and creative when you can design your work environment. 

You can create an environment conducive to focus and concentration without distractions like office chatter or noisy open-plan offices. It will allow you to get into a flow state more efficiently and get more work done in less time.

Easier To Manage Remote Teams
You can manage a remote team just as easily as a traditional office-based team. It can be even easier to manage a remote team, as many tools and technologies make it easy to stay connected and collaborate with your team.

Some of the best tools for managing remote teams include project management software like Asana or Trello, chat tools like Slack, and video conferencing tools like Zoom. These tools make it easy to stay organized, communicate with your team, and get work done.

Conclusion
With the ever-growing popularity of remote work, it’s evident that this trend isn’t going away any time soon. Remote work is on the rise, and there are several reasons why it will continue to grow in popularity. With so many benefits, it’s no wonder why people are choosing to work remotely!

What do you think future of remote work? Let us know in the comments below! 

If you want to find out how to engage your remote team to ensure they stay connected, try out some of our virtual team building activities such as Team Bingo or maybe one of our virtual escape rooms.

To head back to read another article in our blog or for more tips on team building, click here. 

 

Virtual Team Building Online Interaction Group Photo

Contact Us Now!

Interested in our SERVICES? CONTACT US FOR MORE INFO

Our Services

Contact Information

Facebook Instagram Linkedin

© Copyright PulseActiv Pte Ltd. All Rights Reserved.