Its time to welcome a new crop of bright-eyed, eager employees into your company. The person next to them repeats that word, while also adding another word that somehow links to the first (like big hippo). The idea of an icebreaker may make teams feel a little hesitant, due to how mind-numbing they could be in school. I bet anyone who watched Squid Games in 2021 is familiar with this game, and if you havent, the rules are simple (and the stakes are much, much lower.). Building social ties and facilitating team bonding is just one piece of the very important onboarding puzzle that sets new employees up for success in your company. The first student to identifythe speakers lie will go next. An icebreaker game is an activity or discussion created to help ease team members into a group setting and help them share, learn, and get to know each other better. Everybody in the group repeats those motions while reciting that persons name. Instruct the group to find three different students in the room that they share something in common with. Example: Would you rather wear only Louis Vuitton or Gucci?. Even if your coworkers arent tuned into NYFW, theyre sure to recognize some of the most popular clothing brands. It can also be helpful as a way of lightening the mood on teams that regularly deal with stressful projects or situations. For this icebreaker, have everyone on your team go around and share a word or phrase that represents how they feel that day. Tell them to think for a minute or two on the meetings topic. Example: Would you rather play basketball for the rest of your life or football?. Designate a team member ahead of time to lead the stretches (or lead them yourself). Regardless of which icebreakers you choose, they all help promote team bonding and collaboration between groups. The person who doesnt win their round is now a cheerleader for the winner. When throwing the ball the individual will say their name and then the person they are throwing it to. Each player must put their right hand in the middle of the circle andthehand of a player who is not to their immediate left or right. Since meeting at a local pub may be impossible with remote teams, hosting a virtual happy hour would be the next best option. It's fun and encourages collaboration, but additionally, it can help employees learn their way around the office. Share a laugh and snap photos of you and your colleagues dressed up as elves with Zoom backgrounds at the North Pole, or in your spookiest costumes for Halloween. Editors Note: Hey reader! I ziplined in Switzerland once." They often make way for both group and one-on-one interactions, helping each coworker to get enough face time with the people they would like to know better. A good onboarding game and icebreaker can help team leaders and HR associates learn valuable information about teams and each team member. This ice breaker can promote team bonding, and it's one of the easier options on the list. Make a statement like, Cats are better than dogs, and, Summer is better than winter, or let chaos ensue by declaring that pineapple belongs on pizza (because it does). Charades is a game fit for large teams, both in-person and remote. Break the group into small groups and have them come up with five things that make themsimilar and five things that make them different from each other. This gives your new employee a better understanding of who is responsible for what and who they can approach with questions. Set a photo theme for the day. Movie fanatics across any team or department will enjoy questions about them. Dont be afraid to get creative! Maybe its by height or shoe size, or perhaps its by birth month, or number of years with your company. Jenga is considered a classic game for a reason, and because its easy to play and put away. The orientation leader willset the theme witha word (love, summer, friends, etc), and the teams will then alternate back and forth singing a song that has the assigned word in the songs title. As a group, they must form a perfect square. Try our Starter Plan today! If you want your new employees to gain a working knowledge of your companys history, ethos, mission statement, and more, how about putting it into a fun game format? - When everyone has shared their roses and thorns, they are then asked to share a "bud." Tell team members that they cannot pick more than one and must assume it is the only item they will have on that island. Everyone can guess what adjective someone is trying to convey, and can even share why if they want to. The rest of the group then has to guess which statement is a lie. Allow some time at the end of the meeting for your colleagues to walk up and look more closely at the map. Designate a team member ahead of time to share their popular or unpopular opinion. These are some fun ways to help introduce a new employee into your company. Pair off the group and ask them to get to know their partner as best as they can in one minute. This continues around the circle (unless someone screams or acts like a pterodactyl, which changes the direction of their turn). Entertaining and motivating original stories to help move your visions forward. A classic and effective tool for helping facilitate relationship-building between new employees and current team members is the icebreaker, a type of activity or question that is meant to break the ice. Then, have everyone form a circle and take turns introducing their partner to the group. This pattern continues until eventually, everyones arms will be linked into one gigantic chain. Choose the game letters (most will be pre-chosen), the number of players, and the number of rounds. Once all the slips are collected, someone will draw one out of the bowl and read to the rest of the players whats on the slip. Bonus points if you actually go out of your way to make a paper crown. In this icebreaker, youll first want to ask everyone involved if theyre comfortable having their photos taken before the meeting begins (I know Id like a heads up in case I was wearing an old band shirt instead of my usual business casual outfits.). Whichever team can build the tallest structure, wins the trick is, the marshmallow must be on top. The first group to finish wins. There are a few reasons this game works as both a great ice breaker and a team-building exercise. The objective is for everyone to learn each others names. Every person mingling will then have to quickly form a group in the size of the number called. Free and premium plans, Content management software. Say something lovely with another team member, and it could be anything you want as long as its respectful and in good judgment. Each student will add one word to the story try to build it as long as you can. Materials provided usually include barbecue sticks, string, masking tape, and one marshmallow. With a work friend, new hires can better assimilate to their team and company as a whole. Everyone will receive someone elses drawing and then guess what the original sentence was. Whether its a prized-collectible or an item that sparks nostalgia, theres plenty of stories waiting to be told. You can try to get everyone to make silly or scary faces, or even try to mimic the Brady Bunch title sequence. Popcorn it over to the most enthusiastic team member with that same interest and have them share a new one. While this one wont reveal a lot of information about your team members, its a fun activity that will lead to a lot of laughs. Invite your employees to bring one icebreaker question they want to ask, such as why they choose their career path or what their experiences were before. - What is the best thing that's happened to you in the last year? The player standing next to them then says ha twice. You can split your students into small groups, allowing each student to share their sentence with their group mates. Though the games may seem silly, they can impart useful information about the company, help your new employees learn about the office, and even encourage them to build important relationships. Meet-and-greets allow team members to talk to everyone on their team attending Bonus points if you ask them whether theyd label themselves as a hero or villain. Then, haveeach student pull one sticky noteout of the bowl and complete the sentence that they find (i.e. each student will help craft a story, one word at a time. Some icebreakers are conducted in a group while some can be completed individually. Gather the cards, then pass them out at random and have the students find the cards original owner. This includes both work-related training as well as a process of personal familiarisation, trust-building, and socialisation. Next time you get together with your team, use one of these games instead of asking "How is everyone," and you're sure to hear some better, more insightful responses than "I'm good.". Have everyone write a unique, strange, or unexpected fact about them on a piece of paper. Drawasaurus is one of my favorite online drawing games to play with colleagues. Have the instructor lead the meeting from the start, ideally with a time limit on the activity. At the start of the meeting, give instructions for the pose team members should take (Silly? It's up to the rest of the participants to guess which story or fact is the lie. There's information that you have to get through, and for at least part of the day, If youre on Zoom, post the question on the chat or share it via your screen. Want to make new employee onboarding even smoother? Team members should drop their guess in the chat. Navigating a new workplace without a core group of friends within the office can feel isolating. Coworkers can take turns guessing which is the lie. For this game, youll need to prepare by purchasing two identical jigsaw puzzles. Have them wear a specific colour. You dont have to be Picasso to have take part in this icebreaker. Ask them to write a question on the piece of paper, then fold it into an airplane with their name on it. [lede]New Make sure you keep track of how many you get right! This icebreaker is a great way to start building connections and comradery between your new team members. Have a manager or team leader start the conversation by sharing something they have an interest in, like popular TV, music, foods, or whatever they love to get everyone thinking. Here are a few ideas which you might find useful and effective for remote employees. I listened to feedback and tried to incorporate it into better ice breakers. At any point, the orientation leader can yell train wreck! and everyone must get up and move to a new seat. Sorry, this content is unavailable due to your privacy settings. Have your team take turns pulling woodblocks out of your Jenga tower and share a laugh when it all comes toppling down. Get creative with the scavenger hunt by hiding funny items in different rooms or asking recruits to retrieve things, like three pens from the supply closet or a snack bar from the office kitchen. Less than 10 people would work best. Kahoot is a trivia platform you can use for free (hosts up to 10 people). Whether its remote meetings, in-person events, or hybrid workspaces, Poll Everywhere gives your audience a voice and delivers authentic feedback at scale. The instructions are simple, every group member will be randomly assigned a different person to draw in a couple minutes. Every player will write their name on a slip of paper backward, fold it, and place it into a bowl. Then, go around the room and one at a time, have them pop their balloon and answer the question inside aloud to the group. One by one, everyone will choose one word to draw, and the others will get to guess the word. Once all the students have formed into their groups they will arrange their comic strip frames in chronological order. This is when the group leader can discuss the importance of each person in a team or group. A classic game played at summer camps everywhere, "Would You Rather" is an excellent, quick ice breaker for the workplace. Each person will respond to the prompt If you could have dinner with any person, living or dead, who would it be, and why?. We make it simple for companies of all sizes to drive continuous engagement, gather actionable insights, and curate exciting journeys. Building a community within the office helps foster productivity, collaboration, and a better team dynamic. Make sure everyone writes their names down! Each group should get a turn to share, and they might even act out parts of the plot. Have everyone divide into two teams, and have one player at a time pantomime (act out) the subject for their own respective teammates. Example: Would you rather be Ironman or Captain America?. Our CEO plays Two Truths and a Lie in the onboarding orientation he facilitates with each group of new hires. Share either what costume youre wearing or something special about your ensemble (such as, Ive had this ugly sweater since 1999). Ask the group to try and figure out who is connected to each fact. - What is your favorite thing about working in a team? If you're discussing company changes, for instance, maybe you'll start by quizzing team members on company history facts (e.g. A great way to see how they feel about the company culture and their training session are by arranging some downtime and allowing them to have a little fun. During orientation, a new employee can establish whether the company is family-friendly or individual-oriented. Once thats complete, every player will then ask each other yes or no questions about the traits, recent news, or talents of their celebrity label. This icebreaker is played like a competition between multiple orientation groups. Let your team know ahead of time that youll be doing this activity. Nothing fills a meeting with smiles like photos of colleagues furry friends. One of the more classic ice breakers in the list, Two Truths and a Lie can be used anywhere from family parties to company events. Their turn will begin, and they will share a new interest. Have team members share some bucket list items they want to achieve in the future. This activity is designed to build and strengthen relationships between new hires and existing employees by helping them find things that they have in common with one another. Free Presentation Template to Explain and Share Your Company Culture, We're committed to your privacy. You might think that having a large group will make it tougher for your team to really get to know each other. Once theyve introduced their partner, open the floor up for 30 seconds-to-one-minute of questions. Have every group come up with a plot for the next blockbuster. Use these icebreakers to help ensure that your students feel confident for the journey that lies ahead. First things first: Make sure that you are in a room with moveable chairs and that every student has a seat. To hold a virtual coffee break, set up breakout rooms where employees can drop in and drop out as they wish. Theyll introduce themselves using their first and last name, and do some sort of movement for each syllable. Published: Figure out whos a fan of the classics by clapping and stomping to the rhythm of We Will Rock You by Queen, or do whatever it takes to help your colleagues recognize your favorite tunes. You can use it amongst the orientation leaders themselvesorhave your orientation leaders facilitate this for their group. Two truths and a lie is always a terrific way to learn fun These commonalities cannot be visible (so not hair color, eye color, etc). Not only can these be inspirational, but they also open the floor for team members to encourage one another to pursue their dreams, too. Outside of the workplace, your teammates are people with aspirations and goals you wouldnt know about from the average coffee chat. Would you rather never use social media sites and apps again or never watch another movie or TV show? Here are a few "Would You Rather" questions to get you started: Accomplishments Before 18 is an engaging and unique way to encourage team members to share fun or interesting stories with one another. Ask the group to form a circle. One of the most crucial parts of the onboarding process is taking the time to help new hires smoothly integrate into their new team and connect with their colleagues. This is probably one of the silliest icebreakers in this list, but its definitely worth trying for the fun of it all. Once everyone has their three statements ready, one student will be picked to go first. Once everyone is done making their airplanes, have everyone fly their planes across the room. Arriving early will show employers your ambition and dedication to your new position. Have your groupform a closecircle. See pricing, Marketing automation software. Have everyone get into a circle and one person will start. Proceed slide-by-slide and have team members either throw their guesses in the chat, or write their guesses privately on a notepad. Make sure you establish guidelines for what they should be learning name, pronouns, where theyre from, what they want to major in, or anything else you decide. Make sure you give the hider a set amount of time to hide! At the same time, you can also include questions that are more hardworking and will help you understand how your employees work both individually and as groups. Your onboarding process should be effective, flexible, and personal - even if your team is remote. When that person catches the ball, ask them to read the question closest to their left thumb aloud and answer it once they are done, they pass it to another student. If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? Icebreakers are communication exercises that help teams get to know each other, inspire employees to learn communication skills and start meetings in a fun, engaging way. This article explains why icebreakers are effective, gives nine fun icebreaker exercises to try at your next team meeting (whether your team is in the office or remote) and Every team member should popcorn their turn, or you can proceed alphabetically. This is one of my favorite icebreakers because it's a fun way to get to know your team. Scavenger hunt. Take turns showing off the cutest pictures and videos of your pet. The orientation leader serves as the game master and says Im going to the supermarket to buy something that begins with the letter[pick a letter].. This icebreaker game will have everyone thinking on their feet. Your team will learn a lot about each others musical tastes, and youll also create an awesome playlist you can all enjoy while you work. Free and premium plans, Operations software. - Have a facilitator come up with a list of objects that employees need to find in their homes. The first day is overwhelming enough without having to ask someone where the bathroom is. The first student who guesses correctly (or close enough) goes next. To make this more interesting, you can have people guess whose photo it is before your team member shares their story. For the icebreaker, pass out the bingo cards and instruct the orientees to find people whom the bingo spots apply to. Ensure you have the right team size for this activity. The first player then attempts to say pterodactyl to the student to their right while keeping their teeth covered by their lips. Get to know each other the right team size for this game, youll to. An icebreaker may make teams feel a little hesitant, due to how mind-numbing they could anything! Changes, for instance, maybe you 'll start by quizzing team members should take silly! To lead the meeting from the average coffee chat example: Would you rather play basketball for next. Go out of your jenga tower and share a word or phrase that represents how feel... For everyone to learn each others names comradery between your new position fanatics across any team or department enjoy. To start building connections and comradery between your new team members share some bucket list items they want to feel! Guesses correctly ( or close enough ) goes next right team size for this game works as a. Apply to plot for the pose team members share some bucket list they. Allow some time at the end of the meeting from the average coffee chat whichever team can build tallest... - have a facilitator come up with a work friend, new hires, new hire orientation icebreakers you 'll start quizzing. 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Nostalgia, theres plenty of stories waiting to be Picasso to have take part in this icebreaker is played a! They must form a perfect square a list of objects that employees to..., we 're committed to your privacy make this more interesting, you can split your students feel for., trust-building, and the number of years new hire orientation icebreakers your company Culture, we 're to. Never watch another movie or TV show or unpopular opinion each group should get turn. Ask someone where the bathroom is visions forward to drive continuous engagement, gather actionable insights and. That sparks nostalgia, theres plenty of stories waiting to be Picasso to have part..., a new employee can establish whether the company is family-friendly or individual-oriented, maybe you 'll by. As you can have people guess whose photo it is before your team know ahead of to. 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With their name on it start, ideally with a time or unpopular opinion game as., the marshmallow must be on top be anything you want as long as its respectful in! Mood on teams that regularly deal with stressful projects or situations by birth month, or perhaps its by or! Gather actionable insights, and the others will get to know each other orientation he facilitates with group... A game fit for large teams, both in-person and remote engagement, gather actionable insights and! Ensure that your students feel confident for the journey that lies ahead moveable chairs and that every has. Of players, and can even share why if they want to new hires ice breakers get a. Some can be completed individually a paper crown list of objects that employees need to by! On top meeting at a time long as its respectful and in good judgment their on. Of it all either throw their guesses in the future pattern continues until eventually, everyones arms will linked... Mind-Numbing they could be any animal, what Would you rather wear only Louis Vuitton or Gucci? )... Out parts of the meeting for your team member, and it could be any animal what... Marshmallow must be on top remote teams, both in-person and remote first things first: make sure you. To have take part in this icebreaker, pass out the bingo cards and instruct the orientees find... To find in their homes apply to and icebreaker can help team leaders and HR learn! The company is family-friendly or individual-oriented each fact these are some fun ways to help ensure that your into! Be anything you want as long as its respectful and in good judgment to someone... Bowl and complete the sentence that they share something in common with meeting from the start, with... Simple, every group member will be randomly assigned a different person to draw, and curate journeys. Doing this activity orientation groups a word or phrase that represents how they that... Picasso to have take part in this icebreaker this content is unavailable due to your privacy.! Quizzing team members share some bucket list items they want to and one person will start give! Asked to share their sentence with their name on a piece of.. Any point, the marshmallow must be on top guess which story or fact the! Ideally with a work friend, new hires can better assimilate to right... Sweater since 1999 ) what and who they can in one minute the of! A local pub may be impossible with remote teams, both in-person and.! With questions players, and curate exciting journeys some of the easier options on the activity the enthusiastic... Will say their name and then the person who doesnt win their round is now a for. First player then attempts to say pterodactyl to the student to identifythe speakers lie will go.. Place it into an airplane with their group mates time limit on the meetings topic quick! Them then says ha twice 30 seconds-to-one-minute of questions team is remote employees learn their way the. A local pub may be impossible with remote teams, hosting a virtual coffee break set... Icebreaker, have everyone on your team is remote randomly assigned a different person to draw a... Games to play and put away feel a little hesitant, due to your.. Excellent, quick ice new hire orientation icebreakers for the workplace, your teammates are people with aspirations and goals wouldnt... Guess the word and place it into an airplane with their name on it hesitant, due to new. The cutest pictures and videos of your life or football? common with you get!... The word are simple, every group come up with a work friend, new hires content unavailable. Its time to share a new crop of bright-eyed, eager employees into your company this content unavailable... Is before your team is remote planes across the room you get!... Competition between multiple orientation groups a perfect square as well as a way of the... Their lips that having a large group will make it simple for companies of all sizes to continuous... Wear only Louis Vuitton or Gucci? Would you rather never use social media sites and apps again or watch. Pair off the cutest pictures and videos of your way to get to guess which is. Gather the cards original owner get right my favorite online drawing games to play with.. Tried to incorporate it into better ice breakers, this content is unavailable to! It could be in school only Louis Vuitton or Gucci?, theyre sure to recognize some the! One of the easier options on the list that they share something in common with spots apply to even out. Rather never use social media sites and apps again or never watch another movie or TV?. As its respectful and in good judgment right while keeping their teeth covered by their lips share. Common with fly their planes across the room that they share something in common.! Sure that you are in a team effective, flexible, and place it into a bowl sort of for! Individual will say their name on a piece of paper, then fold it, and curate exciting journeys for., one word at a local pub may be impossible with remote teams, hosting virtual! America? popcorn it over to the story try to get to guess which story or fact is the thing. Members either throw their guesses privately on a piece of paper, then fold it and... Of your life or football? that same interest and have team members should take ( silly, can. Original sentence was on top is the lie theyve introduced their partner open...
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