Remote teams don’t need another slide deck — they need shared laughter and low‑pressure moments to connect. That’s why online charades is a surprisingly effective team‑building activity. It’s inclusive, it’s fast to learn, and it sparks genuine interaction across time zones and roles.

Here’s how to run a professional, psychologically safe session that actually strengthens team bonds.

Set the stage for success

• Schedule 20–30 minutes and keep the agenda simple.
• Share a brief rules slide or readout (no talking, gestures allowed, time limit).
• Encourage cameras on; full‑body acting helps shy participants ease in.
• Choose a facilitator to track turns and scores.

Note: Consider accessibility needs. Offer alternative roles (scorekeeper, emcee) and avoid prompts that require large physical movement.

Pick the right format

• Icebreaker (10 minutes): One quick round with easy prompts.
• Team showdown (20 minutes): Two or more teams compete over 3–4 rounds.
• All‑hands energizer (5 minutes): One actor, company‑themed prompts only.

In /play, Quick Play and One Word Per Turn work well for distributed groups.

Keep prompts professional — and fun

Pick neutral words. Avoid sensitive topics. If you want a branded touch, add light company references (daily stand‑up, sprint planning, coffee break) without singling people out.

Scoring that motivates without pressure

Use 60–90 second turns and award 1 point per correct guess. Celebrate creative acting and clever guesses with shout‑outs. Skip leaderboards in early sessions; opt for team totals and a fun Zoom background as a prize.

Debrief to lock in the benefits

End with a 2‑minute reflection:

• What moment made you laugh?
• What strategy worked for guessing faster?
• How did the team communicate nonverbally?

These micro‑debriefs translate play into teamwork insights without feeling heavy.

Why this works

Charades rewards clarity, improvisation, and empathy — the same skills great teams rely on. It lowers barriers between departments and helps new hires feel included fast. Best of all, it’s repeatable. Shuffle teams, and the experience stays fresh.

If your team needs a quick morale boost, start a round today. Open /play and try a 10‑minute energizer.