Working remotely saves time, nerves, and money. But there is one drawback that all managers whisper about: “It used to be fun in the office, but now every day is like Monday.” When the work chat is the peak of communication, the team spirit that should connect colleagues is lost. But the situation can be remedied Just introduce a rule of 30 minutes of Unwork per week, and the team will once again feel that they are working with real people, not avatars. Unwork is one of four types of activities in the workplace where, as the name suggests, people don’t work. As paradoxical as it may seem, Unwork boosts productivity enormously, so it should not be neglected. Here are 10 online games that can help revive the office kitchen spirit among your team, even if everyone has a different kitchen setup.
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1. PowerPoint Karaoke
This has nothing to do with karaoke. Participants are shown random slides (often absurd) and have to come up with a presentation on the spot. The best improvisation wins, but everyone wins because it’s very funny. Very funny. To play, you need to prepare slides in advance; however, ready-made sets are also available. Otherwise, all you need is Zoom and courage. This game is well suited for teams that enjoy jokes and are not afraid of absurdity.
2. Gartic Phone
This game combines the concepts of “Broken Telephone” and Pictionary. One person writes a phrase, the next person draws it, then someone else interprets the drawing, and so on. After 5 rounds, you end up with a surreal masterpiece. You can play using the free platform GarticPhone.com with a minimum of 4 participants. This game is especially popular with creative teams and designers who want to take a break from Figma.
3. Pictionary / Skribbl.io
A true classic. One person draws, the others guess. Everything happens in your browser, in real time. The winner is not the one who draws beautifully, but the one who can convey the meaning schematically. However, artists can also surprise you. 
Go to Skribbl.io or Drawize and open Zoom or another video chat application simultaneously. Suitable for light and quick breaks when you just want to have some fun.
4. Scavenger Hunt
Office “Find the item.” Divide into teams and come up with lists of things for each other to bring/show on camera: a childhood photo, an item that is over 10 years old, an item that starts with “P.” The options are endless. In addition to Zoom, you’ll need your imagination and a timer set for 1–2 minutes. The format of the game is quite unusual and will get people moving.
5. Book Club
Choose a book (or article, or even a TED Talk), read it during the week, then discuss it. It can be professional literature or fiction. The main thing is engagement and interest. The rules are the same as in a book club: a joint decision on the content, a meeting schedule, and clear rules for participation.
6. Watch Party
Watch a movie, interview, or YouTube video together. A discussion follows this. It’s a great way to talk about something other than work and get to know each other in a new way. You will need a plugin for synchronized viewing (e.g., Teleparty), Zoom, or Slack for discussion. This is a really good format for a relaxing Friday evening when you can’t go to the movies together.
7. Wordle Tournament
Organize a mini Wordle championship: post a link, set a timer for 5 minutes, and whoever guesses the word wins. You can use Wordle-unlimited.net to avoid waiting for a new word every day. Set up a group chat, a timer, and a board with the results. This is great for word lovers and quick games with minimal effort.
8. Personal Challenges
Each participant shares a personal challenge. For example, run 5 km, go to bed before 11 p.m., and learn how to fry an egg sunny side up. The following week, discuss your progress. This brings people together, motivates them, and adds a little peer pressure. Of course, it’s essential to be honest with one another and with yourself. And keep a tracker.
9. Social Chatter
Simple communication over Zoom coffee is still a working tactic. You can add a light icebreaker: “What did you have for breakfast?”, “What movie surprised you recently?” and the conversation will flow naturally. If your team is already quite informal and you want to get to know your colleagues better, this is the perfect option.
10. Guided Experience
Sometimes you want something special. Invite an outside host, such as a barista, facilitator, stand-up comedian, or voice coach. Yes, it requires a budget, but the level of engagement in such meetings is much higher. You’ll need a contractor, a script, and a team that’s ready to try something new. This format works well for virtual corporate events and quarterly meetings.
Final thoughts
Games are a conscious tool that brings teams closer together and makes work a little more human. You don’t have to turn every Zoom meeting into an evening of jokes, but setting aside half an hour a week for Unwork is an excellent solution. So choose a format, book a slot, and let your first remote battle in Gartic Phone or Wordle tournament begin. Your team spirit will thank you.