When planning team-building activities for your next work event, whether it's in-person or virtual, incorporating the right icebreakers can make all the difference.

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Icebreakers help create a welcoming environment, break down barriers, and encourage open communication—key ingredients for building strong, connected teams. From virtual meeting icebreakers that use fun prompts or emojis to more interactive games like bingo, these activities ensure that your team starts the event feeling comfortable and engaged.

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In this blog, we’ll explore a variety of fun quick icebreakers that can be used in any setting to boost employee engagement, encourage team bonding, and create a positive, inclusive atmosphere.

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Two truths and a lie

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This classic is a great way to learn surprising facts about your colleagues. Ask everyone to share two truths and one lie about themselves. This activity not only invites laughter but also sparks curiosity, as participants try to guess which statement is the fib. For example, one might say: “I once climbed a volcano, I have a pet snake, and I’ve traveled to every continent."

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Virtual backgrounds reveal

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For virtual events, why not incorporate a little creativity? Ask participants to set a fun virtual background that reflects something about them—like a favorite vacation spot, a beloved hobby, or even a dream destination.

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Once everyone is settled, invite them to share the story behind their background.

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This adds a visual element to the icebreaker and opens the floor for personal sharing, allowing participants to connect on a deeper level.

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Emoji check-in

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In virtual settings, kick off the meeting by asking everyone to share how they’re feeling using just emojis! Some prompts could include:

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• "Share an emoji that represents your current mood."

• "Use three emojis to describe your day so far."

• "Post an emoji that sums up your week!"

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Prompted questions

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Prepare a list of fun, quickfire questions that participants can answer. Here’s a list of 10 fun and engaging questions that can help participants share their personalities and preferences. 

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• Would you rather have spaghetti for hair or mashed potatoes for hands?

• If you could live in any TV show or movie, which one would it be?

• What’s the weirdest food you’ve ever tried, and did you like it?

• If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be and why?

• Would you rather be able to fly but only at walking speed or be invisible but only for 10 seconds at a time?

• What’s your most used emoji?

• Would you rather only be able to whisper or only be able to shout?

• What’s your go-to comfort food after a long day?

• If you could instantly master any hobby, what would it be?

• Would you rather fight one horse-sized duck or 100 duck-sized horses?

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Human bingo

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Create a bingo card filled with fun facts. As participants mingle or chat, they can ask each other questions to find someone who fits the criteria. The first person to fill their card can win a small prize. It’s a lively way to encourage interaction and get folks moving! Here are a few ideas: 

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• Has gone skydiving

• Can solve a Rubik’s Cube

• Speaks more than two languages

• Has a pet that’s not a cat or dog 

• Can play a musical instrument

• Has published a book

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Show and tell

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Invite team members to bring an item to the meeting that has special meaning to them - a family heirloom, a favorite book, or even a quirky souvenir. Each person can share the story behind their item, creating an intimate space for connection and storytelling. To get the conversation started, you might suggest:

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“Bring an item that represents your childhood.”

“Share a souvenir from a memorable trip.”

“Show us a book that has impacted your life.”

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This fosters a deeper understanding of each other’s lives and experiences.

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Boost team engagement with seamless event planning

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Planning your next event? Epoch is here to make it easier. 

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Epoch is an employee experience software designed to support and enhance flexible workplace policies, making it easier to boost engagement, support return-to-office (RTO) initiatives, and manage hybrid work environments.

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The platform offers a comprehensive dashboard that simplifies event planning and communication scheduling via Slack, Google Calendar, and Email. It also provides tools for automating reminders and collecting feedback through post-event surveys, ensuring that every event is impactful and memorable.

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For more information on how Epoch can elevate your workplace events and support your flexible work strategies, book a demo today!

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