Zoom icebreaker that won’t make us cringe

[Handsnotwands]

I’ve been tasked with the ice breaker for our monthly team meeting next week

We’ve got a good few new team members since lockdown. There’ll be about 25 of us in total so it needs to work for lots of people.

10 mins in total.

Past ones have been wear a hat / scavenger hunt / draw a unknown pic from instructions given verbally etc

I actually hate this stuff but can see that it is a good way to begin a remote meeting

Anyone done one that works well for that many people over zoom?

A bit of fun isn’t the end of the world and if people don’t want to take part they don’t have to.

I bet they do have to...

Although no one commented on my idea I will repeat it, I still think you should do rock paper scissors

How about asking people to share the worst icebreaker activity they've ever done?!

We have to do this. Awful. I like the simple ones.

I had a Myers Briggs linked to Harry Potter characters that was ok.

One thing I would say is that icebreakers always take longer than envisaged: 10 mins for 25 people? Not a hope.

The only thing you can (almost) guarantee people have in common is the work purpose you’re all there for; pop culture, love of fun quizzes, hilarious hats, cute ickle puppies, baby pictures from the 1980s etc. not really.

What’s ‘just a bit of fun’ for one person is boring/excruciating/potentially upsetting for others.

As an existing employee I'd tell them to fuck off and unfortunately have "connection issues" at the same time as the call

The one advantage of zoom in this situation.

Big fat no from me as well. Either as a newbie or an old sweat in any company, i hate these and would do a basic introduction of myself and leave it at that. Complete and utter bullshit.

We were badgered into providing a few second clip reciting a cheesy tagline, to be sent around every member of staff whether still working or furloughed.

It was cringy, and inappropriate especially as some staff are being made redundant but no way was i joining in. My manager had a whinge at me, but if you just ignore it then most likely everyone else will.

I work for a company where we all worked from home even prior to this, I'm so glad we don't have to do all this bullshit. For new starters they just do a quick self introduction.

Our “teamness” is really important to us

Our team is the same. Which is precisely why we don't do shit like this. 😂 Fortunately we all feel the same, I just can't imagine any of us wanting to take part in these games. We often have remote meeting (prior to lockdown) and I'm relieved they're just about discussing the matter in hand and moving on.

I hope you find an icebreaker you're happy with OP.

I was comparing pics of body hair with friends on Whatsapp earlier but that’s probably going a bit far.

You hate icebreakers, you're having trouble thinking of an appropriate one and your team probably hates them too. Be the brave soul who trusts in your team's "teamness" enough to ditch them.