I deliver orientation programs for new employees at our company. The new employees may be in the same room, or they may be video conferencing from across the country. I would really like to build several teambuilding activities into the program to enhance the current content (mostly introductory material and policy information). I am having difficulty finding suitable teambuilding resources that add real value for people who are not physically on-site. I would like to use a hands-on activity at some point during the day (perhaps after lunch when energy is low). I would greatly appreciate any suggestions anyone could provide.

Thank you!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Pam S.,

Hi Pam

I know this is difficult as most team building assumes face-to-face interaction. A few things that we have tried:
- Anonymous polls - your participants can share what they really think without feeling at risk - this can potentially broaden the discussion.
- Breakout sessions; break into smaller groups and then come back together - this can build a sense of team in the smaller group.

Wayne,
Thank you for the reply. Breakout sessions are sometimes difficult because we may be video-conferencing one person from the site. We do break for lunch and people who are not in the main group break to have lunch with their supervisors. I have been trying to come up with some sort of group team-building activity for after lunch. Perhaps a Jeopardy-type game could be played by people by video-conference.

Is it possible to develop this type of activity using PowerPoint?

thanks again,
Pam

I think the game idea could work - maybe PowerPoint or some sort of on-line poll could work. Does every one have their own computer, or are the viewing a video conference screen with no computer access?

Hello Pam:

Will the new employees be working together on a team after the orientation?

Bob