New Team? 15 Get-To-Know-You Games for Work

Get-to-know-you games are invaluable tools that foster connection and collaboration in today’s diverse workplaces. They help remote, hybrid, and in-person teams strengthen their connections and learn more about each other, which is a must for productivity and collaboration. 

“The most convincing benefit of icebreakers for a company is connection, without a doubt. Breaking down silos and creating a springboard of communication is crucial for successful companies,” explained Benjamin Rotundo, an Event Facilitator at TeamBonding. 

When team members get to know each other with fun activities instead of boring daily tasks, they move beyond job titles. This helps create authentic bonds and even friendships, which creates a happier, more engaging work environment. 

This guide features a wide range of get-to-know-you games for work. You’ll find icebreakers for new team members as well as getting-to-know-you team building activities for teams who are more familiar with each other. 

Get To Know Each Other as People, Not Just Professionals

People are so much more than their job titles. Our interests shape our career paths and success, while our unique preferences, quirks, and humor make us who we are.

Once we know these things about each other, we tend to feel closer and have an easier time communicating, which has obvious benefits for the workplace. But you have to actually get to know your team for this to work! 

Work rarely provides opportunities for colleagues to connect beyond their job duties, which leads to a limited sense of connection. 

The solution to this issue? Get-to-know-you games! 

“Team building is an opportunity to have a shared experience with your coworkers and get to see them in a different environment,” explains Paul Giroux, Director of Facilitator Training at TeamBonding. “After the experience, if we have done our job correctly each participant in their own time will look back and find what they needed from that experience.”

What Are the Benefits of Get-To-Know-You Games?

Team building icebreaker activities can help you and your team bond and get to know each other as more than just co-workers. These get-to-know-you games create a positive, productive, and enjoyable environment where all members feel valued and supported. 

We all have stories that connect us, and get-to-know-you team building activities make it easier to find those things in each other. They’ll help your team learn and share these stories, whether they’re together in person or working remotely. 

“Sometimes it could be just a laugh, a mental break, a new memory, and other times it can be even more impactful like seeing coworkers from a different perspective, experiencing shy coworkers take control or be competitive, finding your voice within the team,” adds Paul. “Anything can happen if you allow yourself to be a willing and engaging participant.” 

Before we get into our favorite get-to-know-you games, here’s a closer look at three benefits of getting to know each other at work: 

Enhanced Communication

Get-to-know-you team activities and icebreakers can help foster open and improved communication. Their purpose is to help colleagues get to know each other on a deeper and more personal level. 

Team members may find they have a lot more in common than they once thought! Plus, it helps alleviate any awkwardness that may exist.

Better Trust

When you get to know someone, you can understand what drives them, which can help break down barriers. Maybe a specific experience made them who they are. 

Think of people as having layers, like onions. By understanding one another better, we uncover deeper levels of trust. Just remember, it’s also important not to push your coworkers to share if they aren’t comfortable.

Boosted Morale and Teamwork

Engaging in fun and interactive get-to-know-you team building activities can help your team work better together. They help to create a more relaxed and motivated work environment where creativity and collaboration are encouraged. 

Higher Energy

Paul notes that how you present the icebreaker and how quickly you build rapport with the participants are more important than the icebreaker you choose. He has even begun calling icebreakers “energizers” because people hear icebreakers and immediately assume they’re a yawn. But these games are all about energizing and connecting everyone in the room!

5 In-Person Icebreakers for New Team Members

Team building can be both comfortable and cost-effective. You can create a more comfortable atmosphere if you plan a day that’s full of get-to-know-you party games and treat it like a celebration, complete with snacks and music. From there, just pick some games that don’t require many supplies to keep the day cost-effective.

We asked our amazing TeamBonding facilitators their favorite get-to-know-you team building activities, and here’s what they said: 

1. Icebreaker Thumballs

Icebreaker thumballs are an easy way to stimulate fun and learning by playing catch. Each section of the thumball has a different conversation starter, question, or topic. When you catch the ball, wherever your thumb lands is the question you will answer. 

TeamBonding offers all different types of thumbballs designed to open the lines of communication and generate creativity. Your possibilities to simulate conversation, fun, and learning are endless.

2. Gotcha!

In this game, participants must be focused and engaged. First, gather everyone into a circle and have them overlap hands. Virtual Scavenger Hunt

A virtual scavenger hunt is a fun and interactive way to get your team members engaged and working together. Simply create a list of items for team members to find around their homes and set a time limit for them to return with the items. This activity encourages teamwork, creativity, and quick thinking, making it a great icebreaker for remote teams.

AI Takeover Challenge

This AI team building activity involves navigating a maze of puzzles and challenges, relying on each other’s strengths to outsmart the rogue AI bot and recover vital corporate secrets. It is a fantastic choice for teams that enjoy gaming and prefer a collaborative focus. The future of your company depends on your team’s ability to conquer this AI game.

5 More Games To Continue Getting To Know Your Team

Icebreakers and energizers are excellent onboarding activities and effective ways to foster team bonding. After breaking the ice, consider delving deeper into getting to know your team with these engaging activities.

1. The Mystery Bus

Embark on an adventure to get to know each other better. Travel on the Mystery Bus to visit selected locations tailored to your interests, timeframe, and budget. Discover mysterious destinations as a team and enjoy the thrill of exploration together.

2. Survey Says

An all-time favorite game based on Family Feud, Survey Says is a fun way to test how well you and your colleagues know each other, your company, and its culture. Customize survey questions around specific topics for a personalized experience.

3. Team Synergy

Immerse your team in a nostalgic 80s atmosphere with 8-bit music and unique minigame-style challenges. Team Synergy is a collaborative team building experience where players must rely on each other to progress and receive valuable feedback on problem-solving and teamwork skills.

4. Squad Game

Put your squad to the test with an experience inspired by a popular Netflix show. In Squad Game, navigate through immersive challenges that require out-of-the-box thinking and strategic utilization of each team member’s strengths.

5. Amazing Race

Transform any area into an exciting scavenger hunt full of adventure and interaction with the Amazing Race Scavenger Hunt. Tailor challenges to match your team’s learning and team building objectives for a truly amazing experience.

It’s Always a Good Time To Build Meaningful Connections

Strengthening team relationships and fostering bonds among team members is essential at any stage. Whether onboarding new employees, managing hybrid teams, or enhancing workplace dynamics, these get-to-know-you games offer lasting benefits. Invest in your team’s collaboration, morale, productivity, and friendships with customized team building activities or office icebreakers.

Ready to see the positive impact of team bonding activities? Contact us today to explore customized get-to-know-you games for your team.

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