[theluketaylor]

My team is geographically spread and nearly all the formally organized team building since covid started has been cringe-inducing. Really cheesy quizzes and games that haven't been really thought through for a virtual setting. I mostly tune out.

What has been highly successful is informal, free-form time. We have a recurring weekly 1/2 hr virtual coffee break that is optional to join and there are only 2 rules: no work-related discussion and keep the content reasonably safe for work. It's a great chance to stay in touch with everyone (and get to know new members).

Having the coffee break as specifically scheduled time and optional as opposed to tack on time after completing the team meeting agenda makes a huge difference. Appending 'fun' to existing meetings feels like a chore, whereas choosing to join a call to hang out keeps it light and refreshing.

[SteadBytes]

Agreed, this is exactly what my team does. We have a daily optional “coffee call” to just hang out and chat - no expectation or agenda.