We all know that it can be hard to get to know your new co-workers, especially if you have never met in person.
That’s where icebreaker questions come in – they are a quick and easy way to get people talking in what might otherwise be a case of awkward silence. A good icebreaker question can stimulate discussion and help people learn more about each other and make a connection they otherwise may never have.
It is important in a work setting to make sure the questions are workplace appropriate and don’t make a new co-worker feel uncomfortable or embarrassed (no political or religious topics, please!).
So with all of that in mind, we’ve created a targeted list of icebreaker questions designed specifically for work colleagues. Read on for our ultimate list of icebreaker questions to use with your remote co-workers!
Get to Know You Questions
The best way to start with icebreakers is typically to keep it simple and get to know everyone. No one knows someone better than themselves and it’s an easy topic to talk about when getting started.
Where did you grow up?
Where do you live now?
What college did you go to?
What was the first car you drove?
What was your first job?
Who is in your family?
Do you have any siblings?
Do you have any hobbies?
What is your favorite book or movie?
What is your favorite vacation spot?
What is your favorite sports team?
What food can’t you live without?
What is your favorite artist or genre of music?
Work-Related Questions
Sometimes the easiest way for co-workers to talk about themselves is to relate it to the job they are doing or the company you all work for.
Are you currently working remotely?
What is your job?
How long have you worked here?
Do you have a physical work office you are connected to?
What department do you work for?
What is your favorite part of your work?
Are you currently working on any big projects?
How many cups of coffee do you drink each day?
What model of computer do you have?
Chrome or Firefox?
What would you consider your biggest work accomplishment?
Have you always worked in this field?
Do you have any creative marketing slogans for our company?
Lighthearted Questions
Depending on your group, it may make sense to lighten the mood a bit with some funny questions. You’d be surprised at how these may get people talking in unexpected ways!
Who was your first celebrity crush?
If you found a genie, what would be your three wishes?
What superpower would you love to have?
If you were a pie, what type would you be?
If you were an animal, which would you be?
What celebrity have people told you they look like?
What is your best brush with fame story?
How would you survive a zombie apocalypse?
What can you cook better than anyone else?
How old do you think you’ll live to?
Do you have a favorite game or video game?
Would you Rather Questions
Let’s face it – we’ve all played this game as we are growing up. Sometimes giving people a forced-choice question can be easier than something more open-ended. Always be sure to follow-up it up with a why to better understand where the person is coming from.
Would you rather live in a cold or hot climate?
Would you rather work only remotely or in-person?
Would you rather drink coffee or tea?
Would you rather work or
Would you rather have a cat or dog?
Would you rather stay up late or get up early?
Would you rather only have Netflix or Hulu?
Would you rather live in a big city or a secluded forest?
Would you rather eat hot or mild wings?
Would you rather travel on a boat or train?
Would you rather be Harry or Ron?
Would you rather travel to the past or future?
Would you rather travel to Mars or the Moon?
In Conclusion
It is important to remember the purpose of these questions is to stimulate meaningful discussion amongst teammates, so don’t be afraid to ask someone to elaborate on a particularly short or very unique answer.
We’ve also found the best place to integrate these questions into is part of a targeted team building activity. We can help you plan your next team event with one of our fun trivia quizmasters – just book us when you’re ready!
