Remote work is here to stay, but genuine team connection doesn’t always come naturally when everyone’s working from a different time zone (and Slack is the main source of interaction).
That’s why virtual team building has become a key ritual for distributed teams. When done right, it brings people together, boosts morale, improves communication, and makes work feel more human. But if you’ve ever tried to organize a virtual team-building event, you know it comes with its fair share of obstacles.
In this post, we break down the top challenges in running virtual team events and what to do about them, so you can organize team building that’s effective (and fun). We’ll also share how we do it at Superglue, where we run hosted virtual games designed specifically for remote teams.
Challenge 1: Time Zones – A Common Challenge in Running Virtual Team Events
You’re coordinating across LA, Berlin, and Sydney. Half the team is just starting their day; the other half is logging off. It’s hard to find a time that works for everyone, and even harder to make it feel like a moment of fun, not just another meeting.
What to do
- Use a tool like World Time Buddy or Calendly to find the best overlapping slots.
- Offer two time options, especially for larger or global teams.
- For hybrid events, record parts (if applicable) and share a follow-up for those who can’t attend live.
Superglue tip:
We recommend setting a recurring “connection slot” once a month or quarter, when people know to expect a team-building activity. It removes decision fatigue and helps with planning.
Challenge 2: Zoom Fatigue – One of the Biggest Challenges in Running Virtual Team Events
What makes it tricky
After a day full of video calls, no one’s excited about logging into another one—even if it’s for fun.
What to do
- Keep events short and high energy. 60 minutes is usually plenty.
- Choose interactive activities over passive ones—games > presentations.
- Use browser-based platforms (like Superglue!) to avoid the “Zoom classroom” feel.
- Allow cameras to be off when appropriate. Some people engage better without that pressure.
Superglue tip:
Our games are hosted in the browser with no downloads and are designed to get people out of work mode. Players collaborate, solve puzzles, and laugh together in real time.
Challenge 3: Low Engagement – A Core Challenge in Virtual Team Events
What makes it tricky
When no one wants to be the first to speak, the whole vibe crashes. Without in-person cues or small talk, it can be tough to build momentum.
What to do
- Use a hosted game or facilitator to guide the flow and break the ice naturally.
- Choose games that require collaboration, not just individual performance.
- Break into smaller groups to ease pressure, especially helpful for introverts.
Superglue tip:
Every one of our games is hosted by a live facilitator who keeps the energy high, helps teams work together, and ensures no one feels lost or left out.
Challenge 4: Tech Glitches – A Practical Challenge in Running Virtual Team Events
What makes it tricky
“Sorry, I can’t open the link.” “My mic isn’t working.” “Do I need to install something?”—The first 10 minutes of many virtual events are lost to tech troubleshooting.
What to do
- Choose tools that work in any browser, without extra installations.
- Send a short how-to guide with system requirements before the event.
- Have a co-host or tech helper available during the event.
Superglue tip:
All of our games run right in the browser—no downloads, apps, or logins. If there’s ever a hiccup, our host helps players one-on-one to get in smoothly.
Challenge 5: Choosing the Right Activity – An Often Overlooked Challenge in Virtual Team Events
What makes it tricky
Not everyone likes trivia. Or escape rooms. Or being the center of attention. The wrong activity can leave half the team disengaged.
What to do
- Know your audience. Is your team competitive, curious, or more chill?
- Offer variety over time (logic-based games, storytelling games, creative challenges).
- Avoid anything too childish or too corporate—aim for fun with purpose.
Superglue tip:
We offer different styles of virtual games—from puzzle-solving in a haunted spaceship (Spirit Speak) to cooperative missions and quirky adventures. We’re also happy to recommend the right fit for your team size, vibe, and goals.
Not every activity works for every team size. If you’re planning something for a bigger group, check out our blog on team building for large groups for smart, scalable ideas that actually work, even remotely.
Not every team member enjoys the same kind of experience, which is why choosing the right activity matters. If you want tips on making sure no one feels left out, head over to this blog on how to ensure team building is enjoyable for everyone.
Challenge 6: Post-Event Silence – A Missed Opportunity After Virtual Team Events
What makes it tricky
You finish the event, and people log off. There is silence. It was fun, but it ended with a whimper instead of a bang.
What to do
- Follow up with a short message thanking the team and sharing highlights.
- Use screenshots, funny quotes, or top scores to keep the conversation going.
- Use the energy from the event to kick off a new ritual, like weekly team shoutouts or collaborative challenges.
Superglue tip:
After our hosted sessions, we send a team report with insights like standout collaborators, funny moments, and performance stats. It gives managers something to work with beyond just “that was fun.”
Challenge 7: Measuring Impact – Turning Virtual Team Events into Lasting Value
What makes it tricky
It’s easy to treat virtual team-building as a one-off event. But if you never check how it went, you miss the chance to improve or to tie it back to team culture.
What to do
- Ask for short, anonymous feedback: What did people enjoy? What could be better?
- Track participation and sentiment over time to see patterns.
- Use engagement insights to shape your broader remote culture strategy.
Superglue tip:
Our games come with built-in feedback loops. We ask players how they felt about the experience and what they’d like to try next, giving you data you can use.
Challenge 8: Skipping the Debrief – A Common Mistake in Virtual Team Events
What makes it tricky
A lot of teams end virtual events without stopping to reflect on what just happened. That’s a missed opportunity. Whether your goal was bonding, improving communication, or just blowing off steam, a good debrief helps people connect the dots—and carry the benefits back into their daily work.
What to do
- Set aside 5–10 minutes at the end for a light debrief. It doesn’t have to be formal or forced.
- Ask simple, open questions like:
- “What worked well for our team?”
- “Did we communicate clearly?”
- “What would we do differently next time?”
- “How did it feel to win/lose/struggle together?”
- Keep it reflective, not evaluative. This is about team dynamics, not grading performance.
- Encourage everyone to speak, but don’t pressure anyone to share.
Superglue tip:
We use a structured debrief framework after our games to help teams reflect on collaboration, time management, and communication styles. It’s where a lot of the real magic happens—when teams realize how their behaviors in the game mirror how they work together day to day. We’ve even seen teams adjust their meeting processes or project roles based on insights from a 1-hour session.
A quick debrief is a great start—but for long-term growth, feedback and coaching matter too. We break it all down in this blog on feedback and coaching challenges in team building, including research-backed strategies for team development.
So… How Do You Organize Virtual Team Building That Works?
Here’s a quick checklist:
- Set a clear goal (fun, bonding, stress relief, etc.)
- Pick a format that fits your team’s style and availability
- Choose browser-based, hosted experiences to remove friction
- Set expectations in the invite (duration, style, do/don’t bring)
- Get a great host or facilitator—don’t leave it to chance
- Follow up with something light and fun
- Repeat regularly—but keep it fresh
Why Teams Choose Superglue to Overcome Challenges in Running Virtual Team Events
If you want help organizing a virtual team event that’s easy to run, genuinely fun, and remote-friendly, check out what we’re doing at Superglue.
We offer hosted virtual team-building games designed specifically for remote teams. No downloads. No awkward silences. Just engaging, browser-based fun with real team impact.
Whether your team comprises gamers, thinkers, creatives, or total beginners, we’ll help you pick the right experience and take care of everything, from onboarding to post-game feedback.