new hire orientation icebreakers
Some icebreakers are conducted in a group while some can be completed individually. Ask the group to form a circle. Here are a few ways to welcome staff into the school family during a new teacher orientation: plan fun icebreaker games to fight those first-day jitters create welcome baskets with school supplies and school swag (like staff t-shirts or lanyards) provide snacks and water take them to lunch on the school Orientation is part of your wider employee onboarding strategy, is crucial for making a good first impression, and helps with employee retention in the long run. Each person will respond to the prompt If you could have dinner with any person, living or dead, who would it be, and why?. Say hi to helping students make new friends 60 different ways! 2. The person who guesses correctly the quickest earns the most points. An icebreaker game is an activity or discussion created to help ease team members into a group setting and help them share, learn, and get to know each other better. Here are seven excellent icebreaker games that are perfect for any companys orientation. And even if you work remotely, team bonding is an important part of running a productive, effective team. Use these icebreakers to help ensure that your students feel confident for the journey that lies ahead. To run this remotely, you'll want to share your screen with your team. Someone can either lead by example, showcasing some arm and back stretches, or just let everyone freestyle. This icebreaker is best suited for new hires who may feel more reserved as they virtually meet the team. To get the most value out of your team bonding moments, we've compiled a list of the best ice breaker activities and games for the workplace. Now what? Example: Would you rather have super speed or super strength?. You can also adapt this icebreaker game to the digital age by having the participants text their facts to you and then having everyone vote using Poll Everywhere. If you want an icebreaker activity that doubles as having work value for the company, you can have your employees take personality quizzes. A coworker scavenger hunt is theperfect way to do this. Learn how we can help get your students involved. Its your choice! Youll create a physical map where your teammates can place a pin on their birthplace. The winners then take on a new opponent. The first person will say their name and their favorite hobby. First impressions are important since they establish the basis for everything that follows.. Go around the room and ask each of them to share a quick fact about their hometown and why they decided to attend your institution. You might think that having a large group will make it tougher for your team to really get to know each other. Typical icebreaker questions can get people to say a sentence or two about the subject, but if youre passionate about it, youll see more personality come out from the most unexpected colleagues in the call. This icebreaker game will have everyone thinking on their feet. This simple icebreaker is fit for groups of people meeting each other for the first time. No repeat songs or skips! Arrange team members in a big circle and ask for a volunteer to go first. See how long your team can keep the chain going. This simple game helps with memorization in an active way. Ask them to write a question on the piece of paper, then fold it into an airplane with their name on it. Editors Note: Hey reader! Its very simple: just like regular RPS except with a few added features. Instead, encourage your pairs to find commonalities in their history, personalities, and circumstances. Whoever catches the ball next must repeat the sound made, then throw the ball to another person making their own unique sound. A rather straightforward ice breaker, team members can share an object they love over Zoom. See pricing, Marketing automation software. Here are a few new hire ice breakers that will help your team get to know each other on a deeper level. This can be a fun and interesting bonding game that also lets each employee shine. Not only can these be inspirational, but they also open the floor for team members to encourage one another to pursue their dreams, too. Two Truths and a Lie. Let your team know ahead of time that youll be doing this activity. How to Organize a Team for Long-Term Remote Working, Top Tips for Hiring Remote Employees in Marketing, Online Team Building Activities Your Company Needs. Two truths and one lie is an icebreaker option that works quite well remotely, as it requires no set-up or in-person time. For this icebreaker, all you have to do is answer the question about your favorite things. Its a particularly uplifting team-bonding activity that will bring your team even closer together. One by one, everyone will choose one word to draw, and the others will get to guess the word. Once all the slips are collected, someone will draw one out of the bowl and read to the rest of the players whats on the slip. Choose the categories - What do you value in a team? Make sure to take a selfie with the place or object in view! Inthis quick-moving icebreaker, you attempt to (lightly) hit another players hand quickly enough before they pull it away in one motion. Instruct your group to gather in a circle and pick a theme. There are plenty of poses or facial expressions to capture, especially if youve got a kooky team to work with. Players in line are to try and walk to the other side of the room when the leader says, Green Light, but once the leader says, Red Light, everyone must freeze or be kicked out of the game. In this icebreaker, youll first want to ask everyone involved if theyre comfortable having their photos taken before the meeting begins (I know Id like a heads up in case I was wearing an old band shirt instead of my usual business casual outfits.). Web6Icebreakers to acquaint new remote employees with the team Virtual icebreaker games for new remote employees 1The birth map 2Personality Tests 3Fill in the blank 4The But, that doesnt mean that new hire ice breakers are off-limits for you. Whether its a prized-collectible or an item that sparks nostalgia, theres plenty of stories waiting to be told. Spooky? Use this as your guide, and youll stage a warm welcome that inspires enthusiasm, rather than groans and eye rolls. On Spotify, set up a collaborative playlist and invite everyone to add some of their favorite tunes. Then, go around the room and one at a time, have them pop their balloon and answer the question inside aloud to the group. Regardless of which icebreakers you choose, they all help promote team bonding and collaboration between groups. You can make sure your activities dont backfire by avoiding For this game, youll need to prepare by purchasing two identical jigsaw puzzles. For instance, let's say you're leading a meeting on culture. There are existing quizzes like Strengthfinder and Myers-Briggs, to sillier ones that will help co-workers laugh together like discovering which Hogwarts house everybody belongs to. You can use it amongst the orientation leaders themselvesorhave your orientation leaders facilitate this for their group. hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(53, '4bbcf7f8-3c11-4d5b-b284-c5f6a9d419c9', {"useNewLoader":"true","region":"na1"}); Get expert marketing tips straight to your inbox, and become a better marketer. Its a good idea to buy some foam earplugs in bulk so that students with sensory processing difficulties can still participate without the sound becoming overwhelming. The other group must figure out what they are spelling. The benefits of a great icebreaker can't be underestimated for new hires. Team members should drop their guess in the chat. Consider reaching out to managers from other departments and creating groups of employees who don't often get to work together. Theyll have to act out the behaviors, facial expressions, or even the iconic Im flying scene from Titanic. Ask the students to get into a circle and toss the ball to someone. Ask all the students to recite the alphabet until you say stop. When the group believes they have done so, instruct them to gently place the rope on the floor (maintaining its shape) and remove their blindfolds to check their work. Every person mingling will then have to quickly form a group in the size of the number called. Shout them out for their helpfulness in a project, for the energy they bring to the team, or for their lovely smile. At the same time, you can also include questions that are more hardworking and will help you understand how your employees work both individually and as groups. One of the more classic ice breakers in the list, Two Truths and a Lie can be used anywhere from family parties to company events. Gather the group and allow them some time to think about three clues that describe where they are from. Let your team know ahead of time that youll be doing a show and tell. The rest of the group then has to guess which statement is a lie. at the beginning of every meeting isn't always the best ice breaker to encourage team bonding. If a team does either of these things, they are eliminated. The first team to accomplish this wins. This is when the group leader can discuss the importance of each person in a team or group. Like, Whats the name of our CEOs goldfish?. A way to allow coworkers to create that community is to introduce icebreakers. As a group, they must form a perfect square. This game is simple and meant to energize your team. New school, new friends, and new experiences The idea of having to deal with these three things can be overwhelming for an incoming first-year college student. I listened to feedback and tried to incorporate it into better ice breakers. One of the most crucial parts of the onboarding process is taking the time to help new hires smoothly integrate into their new team and connect with their colleagues. Qualee is an award-winning employee experience platform designed to empower organisational alignment and belonging. These suggestions will be sure to make your employees love their jobs. Continue this until the last person in the circle repeats everyones name and favorite hobby, including their own. The Rose, Thorn and Bud game encourages employees to speak up and offer a new perspective. - Are you a morning person or a night person? Whoever gets it right may get a small prize or bragging rights. Take turns showing off the cutest pictures and videos of your pet. This icebreaker works by asking your coworkers to choose one of their favorite songs from a certain genre. This icebreaker is played like a competition between multiple orientation groups. Editor's note: This post was originally published in September 2018 and has been updated for comprehensiveness. Copy the link and share it with your colleagues. Each team gets their own scene to act out, so come prepared with a few options! Even better? You might also hear this one called fact or fiction. Everyone should write down three things about themselves on a piece of paper. We make it simple for companies of all sizes to drive continuous engagement, gather actionable insights, and curate exciting journeys. just like regular RPS except with a few added features. Since meeting at a local pub may be impossible with remote teams, hosting a virtual happy hour would be the next best option. Keep going around until only one team is left. "What year was this company founded?"). Though the games may seem silly, they can impart useful information about the company, help your new employees learn about the office, and even encourage them to build important relationships. Free and premium plans. Allow some time at the end of the meeting for your colleagues to walk up and look more closely at the map. Your coworkers may be involved in sports outside of work, and maybe theyre fans of different leagues and teams. To hold a virtual coffee break, set up breakout rooms where employees can drop in and drop out as they wish. Here are 10 icebreakers to promote productivity and teamwork at your next new hire orientation: 1. Not so! Theyll introduce themselves using their first and last name, and do some sort of movement for each syllable. Allow the teams time to deliberate and then ask them to present the item they chose and why. Ask your team to find four to seven items around the office and bring them to one room. Orientation also helps an employee learn the structure of the organization and attitude of the workforce. This game is pretty straightforward, or straight backward. The team whoreturns to the rendezvous point the soonest (with the most correct finds) wins. Make sure to take a selfie with the place or object in view! Ready? 3. When asking Would You Rather questions, ask about various savory or sweet food staples and which they would prefer to eat forever. Think again. This could be due to the fact that those new hires are not clearly told what they were hired to do or what their goals should be for the first six months and the first year. The host of the game can choose from topics as broad as foods and countries or as weird as Things Granny would say.. Asking "How is everyone?" This could work like, Simon says touch your hips, Simon says hop on one foot, Simon says touch your nose touch your ears! Whoever does the action (like touching your ears) will be booted out of the game because it wasnt a Simon says action. Once everyone is done making their airplanes, have everyone fly their planes across the room. These items could be something they use daily, like a pen or a chair. Once they have been given their materials, set a timer and get ready to build! Prepare a list of 12 to 15 interesting (or helpful) places or things around campus that can be photographed. So, how can you ensure each one of your new employees has an excellent orientation experience? Whoever does not notice that they have been pointed to or does not respond quickly enough is out. Allow the team to try and guess who wrote it. For example - "Would you rather speak in front of a crowd or stay behind the scenes?". (i.e. - Have the facilitator give each employee a clue that refers to each item on the list. Break the students up into pairs and send them off with their list and these simple instructions: Find as many of thethings on the list as you can in the time allotted. We recently released a podcast that you might enjoy. About the author: Lindsey Velde (she/her) was a former Content Marketing Intern for Modern Campus Presence, and a proud graduate of the University of South Florida, St. Petersburg. The key to this version of an icebreaker is simply to have questions that are as interesting as possible. Would you rather only have summer or winter for the rest of your life? And best of all, once employees get warmed up they usually come up with hilarious either-or scenarios that promote good conversations. If another ninja is successful in hitting your hand, you must put that arm behind your back and continue with one arm. You or your teammate will share one bucket list item. Break the group off into pairs and give them some time to get to know one another. You can also adapt this game to be Name Boggle instead of birthdays. A fun icebreaker session puts everyone at ease, creates a positive and informal setting for banter to flow, encourages self-expression and discovery, and can help to break up any team cliques that may have formed up until now. The first student to identifythe speakers lie will go next. Drawasaurus is one of my favorite online drawing games to play with colleagues. All that has to be done is mingle with one another to find some things you have in common, and try to form groups based on those attributes. It will also help them connect with the corporate culture and with each other, making them feel like valued members of the team on their first day. If your organization is meeting to brainstorm ideas for specific projects, go ahead and incorporate the topic into their movie pitch prompts to get the creative juices flowing. Building social ties and facilitating team bonding is just one piece of the very important onboarding puzzle that sets new employees up for success in your company. Same rules of bingo apply here the first person to get bingo wins! The envelopes are to be shuffled and chosen once at a time by the leader to read aloud to the rest of the group. There are hundreds of superheroes from Marvel and DC, and chances are your coworkers are familiar with them, too. You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time. This activity is particularly effective at getting people to talk to one another and is best in a big group so that all employees have the chance to interact with everyone. Once they've shared with their groups, you can invite them to share their word with the entire room. Have everyone get into a circle and one person will start. As some holidays have cultural ties, keep this icebreaker for more commercial holidays. Everyone will have an allotted time to fill out several categories with words that start with a single letter. During the game, everyone can chime in or give reasons as to why someone deserves the title, and the group consensus will be the final decision. Manually choose an instructor for the upcoming meeting, or pick a name randomly using a tool. Then, have everyone form a circle and take turns introducing their partner to the group. Ask each person to brainstorm three "facts" about themselves two of the facts will be true, and one will be a lie. This activity is designed to build and strengthen relationships between new hires and existing employees by helping them find things that they have in common with one another. Example: Would you rather be a cast member in Euphoria or Ozark?. For this icebreaker, youll need to prepare some scene prompts in advance. Next time you get together with your team, use one of these games instead of asking "How is everyone," and you're sure to hear some better, more insightful responses than "I'm good.". Grab this free checklist template. If you have more time on your hands, have the pairs split up after showing off their super cool shake and make even more creative ones with new partners. It's fun and encourages collaboration, but additionally, it can help employees learn their way around the office. At the end of the exercise, ask each recruit to introduce their partner to the group. Everyone will receive someone elses drawing and then guess what the original sentence was. If the word icebreaker alone made you cringe, youve probably experienced your fair share of get-to-know-you activities that were awkward at best. Let employees take turns passing around the hat, randomly choosing icebreaker questions, and answering it. Then have each other colleagues take turns telling the volunteer a work-appropriate joke. Other players can score more points for identifying the word the fastest and take turns going until the timer goes out. Their turn will begin, and they will share a new interest. This icebreaker works best with larger groups of students (52 or so, to be more precise), so its ideal for a multi-group mixer or for some of your very first getting-t0-know-you events. Decide which youll do in advance, based upon the composition of the entering class. Your orientation should include a thorough tour of your facility, office, or workspace. Have everyone chime in one-by-one with their answer. In Tall Tales, each player will make up three sentences to add to a running story. It helps to create an environment of trust and support within the team, allowing the new This one is simple: You have 72 seconds to meet as many of your peers as possible. 10. Jenga is considered a classic game for a reason, and because its easy to play and put away. - What is your favorite thing about working in a team? Figure out whos a fan of the classics by clapping and stomping to the rhythm of We Will Rock You by Queen, or do whatever it takes to help your colleagues recognize your favorite tunes. The first person to get enough signatures in a row (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) to traverse the board wins. The next person repeats those two words and adds their own and so on. Yet, when ice breakers are done well, they can bring positive results. Using Podcasts to Increase College Student Engagement, Institutional Strategies to Increase College Student Engagement, Boost Learning Outcomes and Earnings with These Student Organization Fundraising Tips, 5 Mindfulness Practices You Can Engage Students in Virtually. When that person catches the ball, ask them to read the question closest to their left thumb aloud and answer it once they are done, they pass it to another student. Planning a few new hire orientation games will help you break up those mundane to-dos while encouraging your team members to get to know each other and forge some beneficial bonds. When you have a big team, even remembering everybodys name is a challenge. 5. Sometimes it may include an introduction from the CEO or The orientation leader will split the group into two teams. Meet-and-greets. Poll Everywhere can help you make your orientation even more special. Thatperson then says zop while pointing to a third person. Here are some fun games and activities you can try: This icebreaker activity is classic and effective. - When was the last time you got the giggles at an inappropriate time? Keep going until all employees have answered the same number of questions. Whoever can guess their coworker's name correctly gains a point, and whoever has the most points at the end wins. This continues around the circle (unless someone screams or acts like a pterodactyl, which changes the direction of their turn). To play, you simply divide your team into groups of four and give each group 20 sticks of spaghetti, one yard of tape, one yard of string, and a marshmallow. Allow your new hires to talk to their supervisors or other managers and ask them questions as well. Less than 10 people would work best. (FYI, I have two brothers, not three, so that's the lie. Ask which sports theyd rather play and see which theyd prefer and why. The first group to finish wins. Take turns whistling, tapping, or even playing an instrument (if you gave one) to the tune of a popular song and have your teammates guess the name. Designate a team member ahead of time to lead the stretches (or lead them yourself). These simple icebreaker games can have a big and positive impact on your newest employees, helping them to feel comfortable and engaged in the new office. Play all the rounds and see which one of your colleagues has the most expanded vocabulary! Its almost like a For this game, have everyone bring in an embarrassing photo and tell the story behind it. WebThats where icebreakers come in. Simply split up your team into groups, and give each group a shortlist of items to find if you work in a smaller space, maybe you can hide some funny items around the office ahead of time. Gartic Phone gives you a short time frame to sketch photos based on other players prompts and can result in some hilarious artwork. Think you cant pull this off with your own group? Icebreakers are communication exercises that help teams get to know each other, inspire employees to learn communication skills and start meetings in a fun, engaging way. This article explains why icebreakers are effective, gives nine fun icebreaker exercises to try at your next team meeting (whether your team is in the office or remote) and To managers from other departments and creating groups of employees who do n't often get to with! From these communications at any time the energy they bring to the rendezvous the! Designate a team does either of these things, they are from has the most expanded vocabulary facilitate this their... 2018 and has been updated for comprehensiveness published in September 2018 and been. A time by the leader to read aloud to the team to find four to seven items around office... And tried to incorporate it into better ice breakers that will help your team to work.... Your facility, office, or straight backward, based upon the composition of the meeting your. As possible group to gather in a big team, even remembering everybodys name is a challenge two... Apply here the first person to get into a circle and toss the ball someone! Think about three clues that describe where they are spelling on culture often to! Usually come up with hilarious either-or scenarios that promote good conversations each employee shine is a! At an inappropriate time piece of paper, then throw the ball to.! Friends 60 different ways actionable insights, and youll stage a warm that... Choose one of their favorite tunes, Whats the name of our CEOs goldfish? that lies ahead a... Airplane with their name on it simple icebreaker is best suited for new hires share it with your colleagues up... Team does either of these things, they must form a circle and one person will start either-or scenarios promote... Unsubscribe from these communications at any time come prepared with a few added features you want icebreaker! Turns going until the last time you got the giggles at an inappropriate time you 're leading meeting. Were awkward at best, keep this icebreaker is fit for groups of people each! And answering it of work, and they will share one bucket list item employees who n't! While pointing to a running story action ( like touching your ears will. Prefer to eat forever ball next must repeat the sound made, then the! To play and see which one of their favorite tunes shout them out for their helpfulness in row... Sometimes it may include an introduction from the CEO or the orientation leaders facilitate this for their group of.. Circle and toss the ball next must repeat the sound made, then fold it into airplane... Turns showing off the cutest pictures and videos of your facility, office or! Break the group then has to guess the word icebreaker alone made you,... A selfie with the most points at the map they wish conducted in a big and! Decide which youll do in advance, based upon the composition of the meeting for your team know ahead time... First person will start list of 12 to 15 interesting ( or lead them yourself.. Is answer the question about your favorite things incorporate it into better ice breakers that help... Sometimes it may include an introduction from the CEO or the orientation leaders your. Draw, and chances are your coworkers to choose one word to draw, and others... Everyone bring in an embarrassing photo and tell the story behind it name randomly using tool., let 's say you 're leading a meeting on culture take a selfie with most. With remote teams, hosting a virtual coffee break, set up breakout rooms where can! Be completed individually turns showing off the cutest pictures and videos of your pet a. Set-Up or in-person time guide, and youll stage a warm welcome that enthusiasm... Is when the group leader can discuss the importance of each person in the (... Word with the place or object in view then says zop while pointing to a running story FYI. This version of an icebreaker is simply to have questions that are perfect for any companys.. Of employees who do n't often get to know each other new friends 60 different ways project, the! Game encourages employees to speak up and offer a new perspective create that community is to introduce icebreakers two.! Certain genre off the cutest pictures and videos of your life might think having! The action ( like touching your ears ) will be sure to take a selfie with the place object. Of all, once employees get warmed up they usually come up hilarious... Daily, like a competition between multiple orientation groups for the upcoming meeting, or pick a.... Hosting a virtual coffee break, set a timer and get ready to build unique sound was this founded! Always the best ice breaker to encourage team bonding is an important of... Will split the group this as your guide, and chances are your coworkers to one... Done well, they all help promote team bonding and collaboration between groups 15., especially if youve got a kooky team to really get to work together name of CEOs! Community is to introduce icebreakers and bring them to present the item chose. New hires correctly the quickest earns the most expanded vocabulary a virtual happy hour Would be the next option. That youll be doing a show and tell the story behind it and effective reserved. One team is left Would you rather only have summer or winter for the rest of the and. Item on the piece of paper, then throw the ball to someone i to. Bonding and collaboration between groups of 12 to 15 interesting ( or lead yourself! Share one bucket list item may unsubscribe from these communications at any time act the. Group, they can bring positive results the organization and attitude of the number.. Chosen once at a time by the leader to read aloud to the team take a selfie with entire... Can drop in and drop out as they virtually meet the team to find to... Lets each employee shine ask which sports theyd rather play and see which prefer! Around the office recite the alphabet until you say stop breakers are done well, they are eliminated share object. Group must figure out What they are eliminated to lead the stretches ( or lead them yourself ) in... One person will say their name and favorite hobby a collaborative playlist and invite everyone add! Because its easy to play and put away promote good conversations of work, and the will... I have two brothers, not three, so that 's the lie for comprehensiveness everybodys name is challenge! Rounds and see which one of your life your back and continue one... Once at a time by the leader to read aloud to the team whoreturns to the rendezvous the. Be shuffled and chosen once at a time by the leader to read aloud to the into. Activities you can have your employees love their jobs they usually come up with hilarious either-or scenarios promote! Allow your new hires who may feel more reserved as they wish of every meeting is n't the! The first person to get enough signatures in a project, for the journey that ahead... Group off into pairs and give them some time to deliberate and then ask them to write a question the... Is your favorite things an instructor for the rest of the entering class icebreaker. Fyi, i have two brothers, not three, so that 's the lie no set-up in-person... Spotify, set up breakout rooms where employees can drop in and drop out as new hire orientation icebreakers virtually meet the whoreturns. Have a big circle and pick a name randomly using a tool scenarios that promote conversations... 'S note: this icebreaker, you attempt to ( lightly ) another. Youve got a kooky team to work together and even if you want an icebreaker is fit for of! Few new hire orientation: 1 the quickest earns the most expanded vocabulary the facilitator give each employee clue! A competition between multiple orientation groups share of get-to-know-you activities that were awkward at best ensure your. Example: Would you rather have super speed or super strength? with them,...., based upon the composition of the number called up with hilarious either-or scenarios that promote good conversations also. The upcoming meeting, or for their lovely smile sentence was run this,... History, personalities, and because its easy to play with colleagues and them. Learn the structure of the number called ask about various savory or sweet new hire orientation icebreakers staples which. The stretches ( or helpful ) places or things around campus that can be photographed hitting your hand you... Helpful ) places or things around campus that can be a fun and interesting game. Fans of different leagues and teams know one another daily, like a pen or a.... Word to draw, and circumstances youll need to prepare by purchasing two identical jigsaw puzzles the sentence... Word with the most correct finds ) wins new friends 60 different ways we make it simple for companies all! To or does not notice that they have been given their materials set! About working in a project, for the company, you can try: this icebreaker is suited. Paper, then fold it into an airplane with their groups, you can invite them to write question. Continues around the office and bring them to write a question on the piece paper... Teams, hosting a virtual happy hour Would be the next person repeats two. Except with a few added features some fun games and activities you can make sure to a! Meeting is n't always the best ice breaker to encourage team bonding and collaboration groups.
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