As more and more people work remotely, it’s becoming increasingly common to celebrate virtually.
Virtual celebrations are a great way to stay connected with your team and recognize achievements, even when you can’t be in the same place.
There are lots of fun and creative virtual celebration ideas to choose from, so you’re sure to find something that everyone will enjoy.
“Mercer, an HR and workplace benefits consulting firm surveyed 800 employers. 94% of these employers stated that work productivity was the same or higher since employees started working from home.” – Apollo Technical
One popular virtual celebration idea is to have an online party. You can decorate your virtual space, play games together and enjoy digital snacks and drinks. Another fun idea is to create a digital shout-out board where people can post messages of congratulations or gratitude. Or, you could set up a virtual photo booth where everyone can take silly pictures together.
Whatever you do, virtual celebrations are a great way to stay connected and show your team how much you appreciate them.
That being said, we’ve got more than twenty absurdly fun virtual team celebration ideas for remote teams in 2022, so let’s jump right in!
Want to improve your employee appreciation program this year?
Best Virtual Celebration Ideas for Remote Teams
1. Virtual Game Show
“Friendly competition for the win”
Strong company culture is essential for any business that wants to succeed. After all, happy employees are more productive employees. And what better way to promote happiness than by hosting a virtual game show? The way you gather impacts your company culture. That’s why doing fun things, from trivia nights to scavenger hunts is sure to get your team bonding and laughing in no time.
Pair this virtual work party idea with a theme: Office Olympics
Tip: Set aside a digital gift card budget with this tool for the winners!
Where to get started:
- Survey Says: Coworker Edition
- Corporate Price Is Right
- This is Jeopardy!
2. Work Anniversary Celebration
“The way to make your team members feel special”
An online work anniversary celebration can help to strengthen the bond between team members, even if they are located in different parts of the world. It can also be a fun and unique way to show appreciation for employees who have been with the company for a long time. A work anniversary celebration can also help to build morale and show employees that their work is valued.
It can also be a great way to network and connect with other professionals who may be able to provide valuable insight or advice.
Pair this virtual work party idea with a theme: Years of service
Tip: Be sure to announce the special remote employee’s work anniversary across your various social platforms and team communication channels.
Where to get started:
- Plan a virtual game night
- Get them an anniversary gift
- Send out a company-wide shoutout on a platform like Nectar
3. Virtual Wellness Activities
Staying active when working from home can be challenging, but research shows that healthy employees are happier, less stressed, and more productive. Build healthy habits with fun virtual activities that get your team moving, like live-streaming a virtual yoga class, a step challenge, or even a healthy recipe swap.
Fun wellness activities can boost employee well-being and bring teammates together to try new things. To inspire some friendly competition, you can also give prizes to employees and reward participation with a recognition platform like Cooleaf.
Pair this virtual work party idea with a theme: Walk or bike to work day
Tip: Try gamifying parts of these activities to boost participation and encourage employees to access their competitive spirit.
Where to get started: Download this health and wellness calendar for creative activity ideas for the entire year!
4. Team Building Kits
“For onboarding and every state after”
There are numerous benefits to using team building kits for remote teams. For one, they provide a way for online team members to connect and bond with one another, even if they’re miles apart. Additionally, team building kits help to promote a sense of camaraderie and unity within a remote team.
They also give remote employees a chance to celebrate their achievements together, which can boost morale and motivation. And finally, team building kits can help online teams to build trust and cooperation, which are essential for any team’s success. With so many advantages, it’s no wonder that more and more businesses are using team building kits as a way to support their remote employees.
Pair this virtual work party idea with a theme: Out of the office
Tip: Get a team building kit from Caroo to ensure that remote employees get something that’s both practical and enjoyable.
Where to get started: Pack care packages for all of your team members to celebrate the end of a big project
5. Icebreaker Madness
“For integrating dispersed teams”
Icebreakers can play an important role in helping remote teams bond and build trust. By taking the time to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions online, team members can feel more connected to one another. Similarly, regular check-ins and virtual happy hours can help create a sense of togetherness.
By investing in icebreakers, managers can make their remote teams feel like they are part of a community. In turn, this can lead to increased satisfaction and productivity.
Pair this virtual work party idea with a theme: Happy hour
Tip: Make icebreakers a routine part of your go-to team building activities in order to create a strong sense of familiarity.
Where to get started:
- Minute To Win
- Trivia Showdown
- Where In The World
6. Murder Mystery Party
“For an absolutely killer virtual celebration”
What could be more fun than a remote team celebration that includes a murder mystery party? This type of event can bring out the best in your team as they work together to solve the crime. The benefits of a murder mystery party for remote teams include improved communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.
In addition, this type of event can also be used to build team morale and boost employee engagement. So if you’re looking for a remote team-building activity that is both fun and informative, consider hosting a murder mystery party.
Pair this virtual work party idea with a theme: Clue
Tip: Let team members know they are welcome to dress up to play along with the Clue theme for the Murder Mystery Party!
Where to get started:
- Clue Murder Mystery
- Murder On the Mystery Express
- Murder at the Red Bear Lounge
7. Reward Employees With Digital Gift Cards
“The perfect gifts for distributed teams”
There are plenty of ways to celebrate with your remote team, but one of the most convenient ways is to give digital gift cards. With digital gift cards, you can easily send a personalized message and e-gift card to each team member from the comfort of your own home. Plus, there’s no need to worry about shipping costs or delays.
And since digital gift cards can be used at a variety of online retailers, your team members can choose how they want to spend their bonus or reward. Whether they use it to buy new office supplies, take an online course, or treat themselves to a well-deserved shopping spree, digital gift cards are a versatile and easy way to show your appreciation for a job well done.
Pair this virtual work party idea with a theme: Trivia night
Tip: Typically, the digital gift card should be similar to a debit card in order to give remote employees plenty of purchasing options.
Where to get started: Explore a huge catalog of digital gift cards with Awardco
8. Weekly 5-Minute Trivia with Water Cooler Trivia
“Water cooler trivia around the world”
Office trivia games are a fun and interactive way for team members to connect. It’s a great way to learn more about your colleagues’ interests and backgrounds, and it can also be used as a bonding exercise. Plus, it’s a great way to add some excitement to your day-to-day work routine. If you’re looking for a work celebration that will help your team bond and have some fun, water cooler trivia is a great option!
Pair this virtual work party idea with a theme: The Office
Tip: In addition to water coolers, most offices have snacks, so send your remote team members snack boxes and care packages to pair with the scintillating water cooler convos!
Where to get started: Water Cooler Trivia
9. Online Escape Room
“Escape the mundane with an online escape room”
While online escape rooms may seem like a frivolous activity, they can actually offer several benefits for remote teams. For one, they can help to build team morale and unity. Working together to solve puzzles and overcome challenges can help create a sense of camaraderie among team members.
In addition, online escape rooms can help to boost creativity and problem-solving skills. Solving puzzles requires out-of-the-box thinking, and this type of thinking can often be translated into other areas of work. Finally, online escape rooms can serve as virtual team celebration activities. They can provide a fun and unique way to celebrate successes and milestones.
Pair this virtual work party idea with a theme: Y2K throwback party
Tip: Make sure your team has a good grasp on all the rules (fortunately, most of the options below include a host to break the rules down for your employees).
Where to get started:
- Space Escape
- Jewel Heist
- Mummy’s Curse
10. Award Show via Zoom
“Making remote work a full-fledged event”
Award shows are a great way for remote teams to stay connected and motivated. Receiving recognition for a job well done is always a morale booster, and sharing the experience with teammates can help create a stronger sense of team spirit. Additionally, employee awards provide an opportunity for team members to interact on a personal level, which can help build relationships and foster a more collaborative work environment.
Finally, watching others receive awards can be a great source of inspiration for remote workers who might be feeling stuck in their own projects. So overall, attending an award show via Zoom can be a great way for remote teams to stay connected, motivated, and inspired.
Pair this virtual work party idea with a theme: The Oscars red carpet
Tip: Send custom branded swag to accompany the awards and make sure that the winners don’t leave your virtual award show empty-handed!
Where to get started: Award your coworkers with funny superlatives at your own Employee Award Ceremony!
11. Coworker Birthday Party!
“Birthdays from the comfort of home or anywhere!”
There are many benefits to throwing a coworker’s birthday party, even if the team is remote. Birthday parties can help to build team unity and cohesion. By coming together to celebrate a shared event, team members can feel more connected to each other and develop a stronger sense of loyalty. Also, birthday parties can be simply fun.
They provide an opportunity for people to let loose and enjoy themselves, which can help to reduce stress levels and improve overall job satisfaction. So whether the team is in the office or working remotely, there are many good reasons to throw a coworker’s birthday party.
Pair this virtual work party idea with a theme: Custom (choose it based on the birthday coworker’s preferences)
Tip: Send a birthday gift box ahead of time to make sure that it arrives before or during their special day!
Where to get started: Start by sending out an e-card for employees to sign and vie to the birthday person on their big day.
12. Virtual Scavenger Hunt
“Finding your way to remote employee satisfaction”
A virtual scavenger hunt can be a fun and engaging way for a remote team to bond and get to know each other. The rules are simple: each team member is given a list of items that they must find within a specified period. The first team to find all of the items on the list wins. In addition to being a fun way to pass the time, a virtual scavenger hunt can also be an effective team-building exercise.
It encourages team members to work together to complete the task at hand, and it also allows members to get to know each other better by working collaboratively. Virtual scavenger hunts can also be customized to focus on specific skills or goals, making them an ideal way to improve team cohesion and communication.
Pair this virtual work party idea with a theme: Survivor
Tip: Mix up team members from different departments, with the goal in mind being to help increase cross-department collaboration and bust down information silos.
Where to get started: Virtual Scavenger Hunt
13. Online Pictionary
“An online picture says 1000 words”
There are many benefits to playing online dictionaries with a remote team. For one, it can help to build team morale and cohesion. It can also be a great way to relieve stress and promote creativity. Additionally, online Pictionary can help team members get to know each other better and improve communication skills.
Finally, it can be simply a fun and enjoyable way to spend some time together. Whether you’re looking to boost team morale or just have some fun, online Pictionary is a great option for a remote team.
Pair this virtual work party idea with a theme: Renaissance art
Tip: Use a platform or an outside program to keep everyone on the same page – or canvas.
Where to get started: Online Pictionary
14. Get-To-Know-You Games
“The ultimate icebreakers for remote teams”
As more and more companies adopt remote work policies, team-building exercises have had to adapt as well. Get-to-know-you games are a great way for coworkers to learn about each other in a fun and relaxed setting, but they can be challenging to implement when team members are scattered across the globe.
However, there are several ways to make get-to-know-you games work for a remote team. One option is to use an online tool to create a quiz about each team member. Alternatively, team members can share facts about themselves in a group chat or forum, and others can play guessing games to see who can correctly identify the most teammates. Whatever method is used, get-to-know-you games can help remote teams build relationships and foster a sense of community.
Pair this virtual work party idea with a theme: A virtual cocktail party
Tip: Send a cocktail kit (or a non-alcoholic drink for the non-drinkers) to each team member’s residence or location in order to make the games even smoother!
Where to get started: Get-To-Know-You Games
15. Trip to Paris (via Zoom)
“To spend a day in the City of Lights”
From its world-famous cuisine to its legendary fashion scene, Paris is a city that has something for everyone. And now, with Woyago’s Party in Paris Virtual Hangout, you can experience the City of Lights without even leaving your home! During this fun and interactive event, you and your team will learn everything you’ve always wanted to know about Paris, from its history and culture to its art and architecture.
You’ll also get to share a few laughs together as you explore this amazing city. So what are you waiting for? Get ready to Virtually Hangout in Paris!
Pair this virtual work party idea with a theme: Fashion
Tip: The French are known for their iconic style, so encourage your team to get creative with their own fashions on this virtual trip!
Where to get started: Trip to Paris (via Zoom)
16. Virtual Happy Hour with Mixology Help
“For mixing remote and in-person employees!”
Are you looking for a unique way to celebrate your next team milestone? Virtual mixology classes are the perfect way to show your team some appreciation. Not only will they be able to learn about different types of cocktails and how to make them, but they’ll also be able to bond with each other over their newfound skills. You can choose a class that comes with a kit of all the ingredients they’ll need, or you can let them bring their own.
Either way, it will be a fun and memorable experience for everyone involved. So whether you’re raising a glass to a successful project or just wanting to show your team some love, virtual mixology classes are the way to go.
Pair this virtual work party idea with a theme: 007
Tip: Send the ingredients and necessary mixology tools to your team ahead of time.
Where to get started: Virtual Happy Hour with Mixology Help
17. Friday-Freeday
“Because 4-day work weeks are the new 5-day work week
Monday blues got you down? If you’re on a remote team, you might be able to take advantage of Friday-Freedays. What are Friday-Freedays? They’re exactly what they sound like – a day each week where everyone gets the day off. While this might sound like a recipe for disaster, there are actually several benefits to implementing Friday-Freedays for a remote team.
First, it can help to boost morale and improve team morale. Virtual team parties or other fun activities can help to break up the work week and give everyone something to look forward to. Additionally, Friday-Freedays can help to improve focus and productivity. With an extra day each week to relax and recharge, employees will be able to come back to work feeling refreshed and ready to take on the challenges of the week ahead.
Pair this virtual work party idea with a theme: Casual Friday
Tip: If you’re not quite comfortable with giving your remote team the full day off, consider making it a half day so they can get the jump on the weekend.
Where to get started: Friday-Freeday
18. Virtual Lunch
“Because the way to an employee’s heart is through the stomach”
A virtual lunch party is simply a video chat where you and your teammates can eat lunch together. It’s a great way to stay connected and build team morale. And it doesn’t have to be complicated – all you need is a good internet connection and a laptop or smartphone.
There are plenty of benefits to virtual lunch parties. For starters, they’re a great way to catch up with your teammates and build relationships. You can also use them to brainstorm ideas, share news, and troubleshoot problems.
Pair this virtual work party idea with a theme: International (foods from around the world)
Tip: Encourage remote team members to share good news at the virtual lunch table and enable them to feel proud of themselves for their hard work!
Where to get started: Plan a virtual lunch by letting coworkers choose what they want to order in!
19. Virtual Art Night
“Let the creative juices flow!”
Virtual art night is a great way for remote teams to connect and bond with each other. It can be a fun and relaxed way to spend an evening, and it provides an opportunity for team members to get to know each other better.
Virtual art night can help to boost morale and creativity, two essential ingredients for any successful team. Studies have shown that employees who feel connected to their co-workers are more likely to be engaged and productive.
Pair this virtual work party idea with a theme: Renaissance
Tip: Pair virtual art night with an alcoholic beverage or two and you’ve got yourself a match made in cyber heaven!
Where to get started: Virtual Art Night
- Paint Night
- Tie Dye Workshop
- Terrarium Workshop
20. Virtual Gift Exchange
“Instead of give and take, it’s all about giving”
The holiday season is a time for giving, but for many remote teams, finding the perfect gift can be a challenge. Virtual gift exchange is a great way to solve this problem. With virtual gift exchange, each team member is assigned to another member and anonymously sends them a gift. The gifts are usually inexpensive and can be sent electronically. You can also plan this activity as part of a virtual holiday party for your distributed team!
This makes it easy for everyone to participate, regardless of location. Not only does virtual gift exchange make gift-giving easier for remote teams, but it can also help to build team morale and relationships.
Pair this virtual work party idea with a theme: Winter Wonderland
Tip: Set a budget so that team members do not feel any pressure to give more than they feel they can afford to each other.
21. Celebrate a Holiday Virtually
“The hijinks aren’t even remotely over – they’re just getting started!”
This year, give your team the gift of virtual holiday team-building fun with Holiday Hijinks. This unique event will have your team racing against the clock to solve cerebral, physical, and skill-based challenges. You’ll need to work together to overcome obstacles and complete tasks, all while putting your holiday spirit on display.
It’s a great way to get everyone in the festive mood and build teamwork skills at the same time. Plus, you can enjoy the comfort of your own home while taking part in the fun.
Pair this virtual work party idea with a theme: Holiday movies (dress up as a character from your favorite holiday flick)
Tip: A cool idea for this virtual team celebration idea is to mix Holiday Hijinks with a virtual gift exchange!
Where to get started: Celebrate a Holiday Virtually
Bonus: Team Meetup IRL
“The OG not-so-virtual celebration”
There are a lot of benefits that come with holding team meetings in person, even if your team is primarily remote. In-person meetings allow everyone to put faces to names, which can help create a more cohesive team dynamic. They also provide a chance for team members to get to know each other on a personal level, which can boost morale and make it easier to work together.
In-person meetings allow for more effective communication than virtual meetings. Body language and other nonverbal cues are important elements of communication, and they can be lost when meeting virtually. Finally, meeting in person can help build trust among team members, which is essential for any effective team.
Pair this virtual work party idea with a theme: Summer Camp
Tip: Plan an all-out company retreat for the best results!
Where to get started: To find the right team meetup activity, explore SnackNation’s list of team building activities!
